Page 110 of Love Among Vines

Jade nodded. The adrenaline was starting to wear off. And she had just aired her dirty laundry to the entire town.

“I can’t believe he had the nerve to show up here,” she muttered.

“Well, you’d be a hard one to let go,” Margie said with a pointed glance at Rett. He didn’t seem to notice as he was still scanning the crowd.

“Speaking of which,” she continued, “did I hear you call this place ‘your town’? Does that mean you’re thinking about staying?”

Rett stopped his scanning and turned around. Their eyes locked.

Jade hesitated. If she was being honest with herself, she had seen a glimmer of a different life here, full of possibility.

It would be insane to uproot her entire life and move to a tiny town five hours away. She couldn’t give up the only home she had ever known to chase some belief that there was magic and promise in this glacier-carved lake. Hammondsport didn’t have Michelin-star restaurants or world-renowned art museums. There was no Broadway, no subway, no real public transportation to speak of.

And yet, it could be beautiful. The entire town had just rallied around her when her evil ex-boyfriend rolled into town. They knew her name, greeted her on the street. There could be a yard for Penny. Backpack cheese and wine. Real friends. A book club. She could leave the anonymity of the city behind and become a part of something that was technically smaller, but bigger and richer in so many important ways. A place where she truly belonged.

And of course, Hammondsport had Rett. But what if he didn’t want her to stay? Or if she did stay, but he didn’t want tobe with her? Could she live in the same town as him and watch as he fell in love with someone else?

Their agreement was always meant to be temporary. But the last few days hadn’t felt temporary. They felt like a calling.

Shit. She should probably say something.

Jade deflated. “I don’t know. Nothing is set in stone.”

“Well,” Margie said with a sad smile. “The guest house is yours for as long as you want it. I’d love to have you long-term. We always have room for another server at the café if you need to start over.”

“Thank you, Margie.” Jade squeezed her hand.

Margie was so similar to her mom. Truly kind, generous to a fault. Willing to bend over backward for someone in need, even if they were just the random artist behind their favorite muffin painting. She was remarkable.

Rett slid a hand around her waist and pulled her in. She leaned her head on his shoulder. The confrontation had taken a lot out of her.

“I have an idea,” he announced.

“Hmm?” she asked.

“Why don’t we pack up early?” He turned to the crowd of friends around them. Damian and Tom had appeared out of nowhere. “I’ll get the grill out. We can do a cookout at my place like we used to.”

Jade straightened up. Had Mr. Workaholic just suggested closing up shop early?

Cindy’s eyes sparkled. “Absolutely. We’ll get the meat.”

“I’ve got buns and condiments,” Damian chimed in.

Elena bit her lip. “I should really get back to my abuela.”

“Bring her,” Rett said. “I’ve got a whole case of that pinot she likes.”

“Sold. I’ll bring my abuela and some street corn salad.” Elena set off like she was on a mission.

Tom came up to Rett and grabbed him by the face. He kissed him full on the mouth before announcing, “We’re slapping the bag tonight, mate.”

“No way,” Rett said with a chuckle.

“Yes, we are,” Tom said. “Relax, I’ll put it in the esky.” He pointed at the cooler. “I’m not an animal.”

“So what do we bring?” Jade said to Rett as Tom disappeared in the direction of home.

“Sides,” he said.

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