Page 6 of Steadfast

Nothing had changed.

Even though she knew it was self-sabotage, Oakleigh tappedplay,and Shayna’s grating voice continued.

“Remember the days when Oakleigh was right there at the center of it all? I wonder if she ever regrets her decisions now that she’s stuck in that dusty, dumpy town, covered in coffee stains and baking flour.”

“Oakleigh, if you’re watching, which I know you are because you just can’t help yourself.” Shayna gave a condescending smirk that matched her tone. “I’ve known you a long time. I know you’re as tired as we are of that same old content of youkissing your Cowboy, riding horses, and your sad little shop. Iwant to know how it feels to be forgotten now that everyone who’s anyone has moved on without you.”

Shayna practically giggled as she forcefully twisted the cap on her mascara while verbally twisting the knife into Oakleigh.

Oakleigh slammed her phone into her pocket.

The gossip influencer was baiting her to throw fuel on the fire, and it was working.

Oakleigh had a few things to say on the matter and knew her silence spoke volumes. But first—

She wassolate for work.

Skipping down the stairs, she took a quick turn into the foyer and quietly pulled the front door open, hoping to slip out unnoticed.

The moment she was convinced she had made a successful exit, Maeve’s voice echoed from the kitchen.

“Oakleigh, I’m looking at the time, and that better not be you.”

She heard Crew’s contagious laughter as Sawyer tattled in his usual annoying tone. “Of course it’sher.”

“Sorry, Maeve.” She forced the words out.

She could have cursed Sawyer’s name that morning, but she didn’t have the time.

Oakleigh climbed into her Mercedes G-Wagon, a piece of luxury from her life in California that she had been reluctant to leave behind. Pushing her foot down on the gas pedal, she felt the car fishtail ever so slightly on the soft dirt road, giving her a boost of adrenaline that her tired mind craved.

She arrived on Main Street in no time.

The picturesque little town with its outdated population sign had so much more than just residents now.

White Bridge hadtourism.

She pulled up to the coffee shop and parked in her reserved parking spot. Even though she was just a few minutes late, a line was already forming outside. Before long, there wouldn’t be a single place to park on Main Street. A line of cars would flood into White Bridge, bumper to bumper, with visitors desiring to spend the day in a quaint, simpler time.

Before she could push her car door open, her center console chimed with a voice message.

She immediately recognized the tenor of her best friend’s voice resonating through her car’s speakers.

Mia:

Hey Oaks. My mom and I got into this huge thing.

I’m finally taking you up on your offer.

See you in like five hours.

Chapter 3

One Great Problem

It was late morning when Maeve stepped through the foyer, pausing only to grab her phone. Taking her keys off the hook, she slipped on her aviator sunglasses. She pulled on her tan cowboy hat and caught one last glimpse of herself in the large mirror that had recently been installed at Oakleigh’s request.

She had to admit Oakleigh had been right. It did come in handy now and then.

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