Page 2 of Wandering Closer

7. Write your next amazing novel

That seems like a decent start. Michele left me a guide of her favorite places to eat, shop, and buy furniture, so I decide to start there. I brushed my teeth and threw on one of my new summer dresses with sandals and sauntered out the door.

The drive back into town is easy, and I roll down my windows to make the most of the fresh mountain air. There’s one main street through the town that holds hotels, restaurants, and activities, and a parallel side street full of little shops with restaurants and bars placed in between. Everything is utterly adorable, and I can already tell this town at Christmas will be a Hallmark movie dream.

After visiting the hardware store for paint samples, I meandered to a few furniture stores. For my little balcony, I picked up a cute Papasan chair and side table that barely fit in the back of Marge, then quickly realized whatever else I found would need to be delivered, so I put furniture shopping off for another day. Next, I found a local coffee shop, where I grabbed more of their local blend that was in my cabin for both Michele and I. At a local boutique, I nabbed a cute tote bag and some fun earrings as well as a stack of amazing smelling candles. My last stop in town was the grocery store, where I stocked up on basic items and the entire aisle of cleaning supplies.

With Marge loaded down, I head to the address Michele gave me for her office. The tote bag filled with the goodies I found sits in the seat next to me as my thank you. I’m surprised to find that her office is a converted garage that sits next to her beautiful home. It is painted a deep hunter green with white accents and flower pots around the entrance.

Throwing my purse over my shoulder, I grab the tote and head through the french doors in the front of the office. The walls inside are a pale pink that coordinates with the greenoutside, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Michele shoots up from behind her desk, recognizing me immediately. Nine video house showings and countless video calls going over paperwork will do that.

She’s dressed in a white flowy top and wide leg navy pants that fit her curves beautifully. Her light brown hair flows around her shoulders, framing her face that I have come to know well. I never got to see her outfits on the camera, but I love her style.

“Lily! You’re finally here. It’s so good to meet you in person.” She wrapped me in a hug I wasn’t expecting as I stood there awkwardly, arms trapped at my side. “Sorry, I’m a hugger, and I feel like I know you already. How was the move? Do you love the cabin?”

“It’s okay, you just caught me by surprise. People don’t hug much where I’m from.” Her lips purse down at that, her nose wrinkling. She was very expressive in our video chats too, never one to hold back how she’s feeling. It’s what made me trust her judgement as she walked me through each home, telling me exactly what it looked like, smelled like, and what desperately needed fixing.

“The cabin is everything you said it was and more. It needs a day’s worth of cleaning and some updates, otherwise, I am so in love with it and the area already.” I hand her the tote bag. “Here’s some small things as a thank you. I really appreciate all you have done for me.”

“You are so sweet, but it’s not necessary. I love doing things for people, it’s why I love this job. Have you had any time to explore? Most of the locals live a bit outside of town, leaving the homes in town to renters and the tourists. We like to keep our little slice of the woods separate and clean.” She moves to sit on a little couch in the corner, waving me to sit with her. Michele has this magnetic energy that radiates warmth, drawing me to follow and sit with her.

“Besides a few stores in town today, I explored my backyard. I’ll need to get some good hiking boots and trail guides. I want to get lost in the woods without actually getting lost in the woods, you know?”

“You should head to the park ranger’s office next time you are in town. It’s small and has funky hours, but they have endless safety information and trinkets for not getting lost. There’s also a local furniture maker in town who creates beautiful pieces if you need some new stuff. I’ll write down his website for you, but he is terrible at keeping it updated, so texting or calling him is best. You’ll love Jake, and he would make the most incredible outdoor set for you. I saw the horrendous state of those wicker chairs out back,” she chuckles. Michele might be the nicest woman I have ever met. It’s nerve wracking being in a new place with no friends, but I absolutely want to be friends with her. Her wealth of knowledge on the area and the people doesn’t hurt to have either.

“I would love his information. Do you know anything about my neighbors? I would like to make them muffins and introduce myself.” I lived in my condo for four years, and while I may have said a ‘hey’ in passing, I didn’t know a single other person. I don’t want to live like that again. I want to meet people and make a life for myself here.

“You may not want to make muffins for the Campbells. They are the cabin on the left and use it as a vacation place. Maybe leave a note in their mailbox introducing yourself? The neighbor on the end is a bachelor and a really nice guy. I went to school with him and his brother. He would probably love muffins. Also, he is a total babe, if you’re in the market,” her eyebrows raise playfully. My cheeks heat under her playful stare. I am nowhere near being in the market. I might have sworn men off for good.

I hum in agreement and move the conversation along. “I am itching to get back and start on the deep clean, but I wouldlove to get together for dinner or coffee next week if you’re available?”

“Yes! I would love that. I will look at my calendar and we will set something up.”

With a plan to meet next week and a business card for Anderson’s Fine Furnishings, I head back to my cabin. I am already feeling more at home here than I ever did in Phoenix. It’s nice to feel like I’m not alone here. I have acquaintances and old colleagues back in Phoenix, but none I would realistically keep in touch with. My parents are retired and living in Florida, and we don’t talk all that much. Andrea is the closest thing I have to a friend, but she also writes my paychecks, so I’m not sure she fully counts. Settling back in at home, I unload everything from Marge, make a small dinner, and sit on the porch to enjoy the quiet before going to bed early to prepare for a day of deep cleaning.

CHAPTER TWO

thoren

The incessant jingling of the back door bells drags me from my dreams. Peeling my tired eyes open, I mutter, “I’m coming.” I slide my feet over the edge of the bed and trudge downstairs in my boxers, silently cursing myself for teaching Shadow to paw at the bells when she has to potty. Read the puppy training books, they said. It will be worth it, they said. Worth it, my ass, when it means that bells are my wake up call most mornings. I unlock the door, giving her a head scratch on her way out, then head to the coffeemaker to start a pot.

I haven’t been sleeping great since I took over the Search and Rescue team while they look for a new department head. The number of calls they get this time of year to ‘check on hikers’ is insane. It all falls on me now if one of those hikers is actually lost and can’t be accounted for. To add to that headache, it’s my day to work at our office in town. I normally love what I do, but sitting in that office just hoping someone calls or walks in for eight hours slowly kills my soul. It’s not our big office that we share with the Search and Rescue and Wildfire teams, but a small storefront in town to make us available to locals and tourists alike. The only bright side is that Shadow gets to come in with me.

After a quick shower, a travel mug of coffee, and a breakfast burrito to go, I load Shadow into my truck and head to the office. For one day every other week, one of the park rangers has to hang out here to be available to the public for information on the local wildlife, hiking, camping, laws, and any general questions they may have. Since we took over the small space two years ago, I have had maybe twenty people come in on my time, hence the soul-sucking boredom.

Shadow and I are having a tug-of-war battle on the floor around noon when the front door swings open. Shadow bounds out around the desk before I can stand up and get a warning out to the patron. I hear her squeal of delight before I catch a glimpse of the woman in front of me. Long dark brown hair falls around her face as she plops right to her knees, giving Shadow love. When she finally notices me standing here, her eyes travel up my body until brilliant blue eyes land on mine. Her naturally tanned skin and brown hair so dark it almost looks black is at a complete contrast to the stark eyes that have rendered me speechless. Shadow nudges her hand, which has now stalled with the pets as we take each other in. My brain and mouth connect before hers do as I stammer out, “Hi, can I help you?”

The woman before me stands so I can fully take her in, my mouth drying at the sight. She’s short and petite in a pretty dress paired with ankle boots and a jean jacket. Her smile is bright, her cheeks flushing.

She giggles as Shadow weaves around her legs, trying to get more pets and attention from her. “Hey, I’m new to the area and was hoping to get some info on the hiking around here. My realtor mentioned you might have a list of supplies that would be good to have any time I venture into the woods. Also, if this is your dog, can I take her home with me?”

“Shadow, sit.” She does immediately, but right at the woman’s feet. “While she seems to be happy with that idea,I could never part with my traitorous best friend. But I can absolutely help you with all things outdoors in the area. Do you have any experience hiking or are you looking for safe, easier hikes? Do you know much about the local area and what to expect in the way of wildlife and plants to avoid?”

Her hands trail through Shadow’s short fur on her head as she talks. “Think of me as a complete novice in it all. I’m from Phoenix, and while there are hiking spots around there, they are nothing like this. I was raised a city girl, and I rarely did anything outside of work.”

Just what we need around here, another transplant that will last less than a year when they experience the rough winter and move right back out. The last type of woman I need to be checking out, but I can’t help myself. She radiates pure kindness.

“I will take any and all advice you have for me. I’m Lily, by the way, it’s nice to meet you.” Her small hand reaches out, and I take it in my own, giving it an easy shake. Her fingers feel delicate, soft, and so warm. My rough, calloused hand dwarfs hers, but I don’t want to let go.

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