Page 1 of The Hometown Dilemma
ChapterOne
Jaime
“Jaime! Over here!”
I turned towards the voice calling my name, then instantly wished I hadn’t.
Standing at the front of the Raleigh Airport arrivals area was my younger sister, Cami, brandishing a homemade banner, festooned with pink glitter and swirly writing, bearing the lettering: WELCOME HOME JAIME!
Several other travelers swiveled around to look my way, probably expecting to see someone famous, disappointment flickering on their faces when they didn’t recognize me. Inwardly cringing, I plastered on a smile and headed in her direction, pretending nothing was wrong.
“Seriously, Cami? A banner?”
As I got closer to her, she threw the banner in the air, screamed, and rushed towards me for a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here at last!” she breathed.
I let her have her moment, then extricated myself from her grasp. “You didn’t need to make such a fuss.” A tiny part of me had enjoyed the extra attention, but I wasn’t about to let Cami in on that little nugget.
Cami pouted. “I know I didn’thaveto, but I wanted to. Having you back home is a big deal.”
“Then let’s get home.”
My sister bent down to pick up the banner; God forbid she should leave it behind. She grabbed the luggage cart, piled high with suitcases, and pulled it towards the exit. “Is this really all your stuff? I thought you were coming home for good.”
“I am. There’s a lot of stuff in storage, and I have some boxes being delivered in the next few days.” When I decided to come back to Abbott Ridge, I took the opportunity to declutter the heck out of my life. Clothes and shoes I didn’t wear went to Goodwill, I donated furniture and other possessions to charity, then gave other things away to friends and colleagues. I tried to keep the essentials, the things that would enhance the next stage of my life.
Between us, we wrestled the three suitcases into the car, which wasn’t built for major house moves. Cami had to peer over the top of the cases as she drove us back home. On the journey, Cami chatted incessantly about nothing, telling me all the latest gossip from the town. She gave me a quick-fire update on all our mutual friends without taking a breath, talking all the way from the airport right up until she pulled into the driveway.
When we got home, I took in the house. It hadn’t changed much since I’d last been there. We’d grown up there and experienced life-changing moments, like the night our dad died and the day our mom said she was going to live in Florida with a guy she’d met online. But despite everything, it was ours and no one could take that away from us.
After getting all my stuff inside, I spent a few minutes walking from room to room, my designer’s eye taking in everything. If I had my way, I’d redecorate everywhere and remodel some of the downstairs to get the best out of the space we had. I pushed that thought aside for tonight. I knew it’d be an argument Cami and I would have within a week of me being home.
I ended up in my bedroom. Of all the rooms in the house, this was probably the one I could do something with and now that I was home for good, it might be the right time. The late afternoon sunlight streamed in through the window, making it brighter than it should be for such a small room. If I took down the hideously dated wallpaper, then changed the colors on the wall, and moved the furniture around, I could definitely turn it into a haven. I’d been home less than ten minutes and already I was thinking about work – how typical.
While Cami made us drinks, I set about unpacking some of the suitcases. Pulling out some of my nicer business clothes, I suspected they may stay in the closet. The Abbott Ridge lifestyle was certainly a lot more laid back than my New York one. Although if I was going to be getting my own clients, I’d need some professional outfits to make the right impression.
As I unpacked a pile of sweaters, a book fell to the floor.Kiss Me Ever Afterby Julie Archer, this month’s book club choice. Being back in my hometown where I went to college also meant I’d be able to catch up with some of my Meet Cute book club girls. We were a group of eight women who came together over a love of books and met on a monthly basis. It’d been mostly virtual since I moved to New York, this would be the first time in a long while I’d be able to see the OGs in person. A smile spread across my face, and I reached for my phone, firing up the right message thread.
Jaime:Hey ladies! Guess who’s back in Abbott Ridge? Who’s around for this month’s meeting?
Daphne was the first to reply. She and I had met in college when she was involved in mentoring the younger design students. I ended up in her group, then subsequently she persuaded me to be part of the book club. When I reflected on how we were still friends after all this time, it was an amazing thing.
Daphne:Oh, me for sure. You wanna catch up for a drink?
Jaime:Of course…we can discuss my thoughts on a new tattoo, lol
Daphne:You got it, discounts apply obvs.
I stifled a smirk. Daphne owned Ministry of Ink, the best tattoo studio in Abbott Ridge. She knew I’d never get a tattoo, but we always joked about it.
Brandi:Absolutely, I can clear some time in my schedule.
Mila:You have to come into the bookshop while you’re here. It’ll be so good to see you!
Catherine:Oh, I’m so jealous! It’s been ages since I’ve seen you guys in real life!
Jaime:Great! Let’s set something up and if not, I’ll see you on screen soon x
Chatting with the book club girls always offered escapism from what could sometimes be a hectic and busy life.
