Page 12 of Back in the Bay

"You know," Betty continues as Trina drapes the cape around my shoulders, "my Fox says Cole has been asking about you."

My heart does a stupid little flip that I immediately resent. "It’s good to hear that Fox and Cole are still friends."

"Construction crew," Betty says, leaning in conspiratorially. "My son doesn't say much—you know how he is—but he mentioned Cole's been working overtime on that riverside project. Something about needing extra money to..." she pauses dramatically, "expand his house."

Trina's hands freeze. "An expansion? For what?"

"Well, a man his age is probably thinking about a family." Mrs. Patterson chimes in, somehow now positioned at my other side.

The stupid heart flip inverts into a stomach plunge.

"But he’s not seeing anyone," Mom pipes up from two chairs down, clearly eavesdropping despite pretending to be engrossed in a year-old copy of People magazine.

"Not that we know, but some men like to keep their private lives to themselves," Mrs. Henderson says with authority.

Trina, bless her, cranks up the water pressure at the shampoo bowl, drowning out the conversation for a moment. She leans down and whispers, "Cole is single, and he hates people trying to set him up. He told me as much when he came in for a haircut last week."

Before I can process that information, we're back in the styling area, and Mrs. Foster has materialized with a plate of mini muffins and more questions.

"So, how long are you back in town, Mabel? Are you leaving after the wedding or staying through the holidays?"

"Just until Sunday." I try to sound casual like my heart isn't pounding at the mere mention of Cole's name. "I have a big case waiting for me back in Portland."

"Sunday!" They all gasp in unison as if I've announced I'm leaving for Mars.

Trina works her magic with the round brush, creating soft waves that frame my face. I catch my reflection in the mirror and barely recognize myself—something about being back in Cedar Bay makes me look younger and more vulnerable.

"That handsome little house on Maple Street is for sale," Mrs. Foster says, offering me a mini muffin that I politely decline. "It’s a perfect starter home."

"I have a condo in Portland," I remind her. "With a view of the river."

"Views don't keep you warm at night, dear," Mrs. Henderson says with a wink that makes me want to slide under the cape and disappear.

Mom pipes up, "Mabel's place is beautiful. So sophisticated."

"I bet it is," Mrs. Patterson nods. "But you know, Cole's been doing some incredible work lately. The Johnsons' kitchen renovation was featured in that regional home magazine."

"Cedar Living," Betty supplies helpfully. "He's quite talented with his hands."

The way she says it makes my cheeks flush, and Trina snickers quietly behind me.

"Did you know," Mrs. Foster leans in, her half-removed face mask cracking further, "that he turned down that big Seattle contract? Everyone thought he'd jump at the chance to expand the business, but he said he didn't want to leave Cedar Bay."

"Roots," Mrs. Henderson nods sagely. "That boy has roots."

I try to focus on the sensation of Trina's fingers working through my hair rather than the implication that Cole—my Cole, once upon a time—had chosen to stay in the town I couldn't wait to escape.

"You look just like you did at senior prom," Betty sighs nostalgically. "Remember that beautiful green dress? Cole couldn't take his eyes off you all night."

"That was thirteen years ago," I say firmly, though the memory surfaces unbidden—Cole in his rented tux, the corsage he'd saved up for, dancing under twinkling lights in the gym.

"Some things don't change," Mrs. Patterson says with a knowing look. "He still drives that ridiculous truck."

"The blue Chevy?" The question slips out before I can stop it.

Four pairs of eyes light up at my obvious interest, and I immediately regret it.

"Got it all fixed up," Betty confirms. "Fox says he refuses to get a new one, even though that thing breaks down at least once a month."

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