Page 15 of No Place Like Home
Linc and Noah began arguing about the merits of communication via messenger apps as they headed across the gravel walk to their vehicles, but Cade was only half listening. Maybe he’d go set up at Chug a Mug and work a few hours—and make that call to remind the film studio about Magnolia Bay. Maybe Noah was right. Maybe the crew was scouting a location already and this could be perfect timing. Maybe Cade could put Magnolia Bay back on the map.
Maybe he wouldn’t have to fail again.
four
Had she made a mistake?
Kneeling on the hard floor of Lettie’s studio, Rosalyn watched the evening shadows cross the familiar space. Maybe she’d been too hasty in agreeing to do the circus.
Or maybe she’d been too hasty in coming home.
If this even was home anymore.
Drawing a deep breath, Rosalyn ran her hands over the red silks that had taken up a large portion of her suitcase, trying to conjure the peace the fabric usually brought. A dozen memories flitted through her mind. Once upon a time, she’d been at home in the air, her happy place. A shooting star.
But ever since she woke up in that hospital bed in Saudi Arabia, she felt more like a caged bird.
“Knock, knock.” A female voice sounded from behind.
Rosalyn glanced back. Elisa Bergeron. “Hey. Wow, it’s been a while.”
“I heard you were in town.” Elisa slipped in, catching the door so it shut softly behind her. She tucked her blonde hair behind her ears, her grin contagious. She hadn’t changed much from senior year, her trim figure clad in a tank and jeans boasting some sort of sauce-looking stain on the legs. “Haven’t seen you since graduation—in person, anyway.” She hunched her shoulders, sheepish. “I follow you on social media.”
“So I have at least one fan, then.” Rosalyn grinned back as she stood. “Madame Paulette isn’t here. She’s just letting me rig my silks to train.” Weird she brought them, honestly. Wasn’t she supposed to be resting? Healing?
Hiding?
“You’re doing the circus, then?” Elisa raised her eyebrows.
“That’s the rumor.”
“It’ll mean a lot to Cade.”
Now it was Rosalyn’s turn to raise her eyebrows.
Elisa shook her head. “I mean, for Magnolia Days in general. He’s been working hard to make this year profitable. Help out the town,”
Wasthat all it was? Cade had seemed almost flirty in the golf cart. Which was ridiculous, because he was Cade. Her old rival.
Even if he did look really good all grown up and responsible. Driving a golf cart and planning fundraisers and wearing a button-down.
“Anyway, I was going to talk to Madame about a catering order, but I’ll catch her later. I’m glad you’re here—I’ve always found this stuff so fascinating.” Elisa gestured with her chin toward the silks. “I can’t even turn a cartwheel without getting dizzy.”
“Me neither,” Rosalyn joked. “I could use a second pair of hands, if you have a minute.” She stooped to pull her fabric away from the ladder propped in the middle of the room, taking a moment for a deep breath. No more distracting thoughts of Cade, or the fundraiser. Rigging demanded her full concentration, or she could get hurt.
Again.
Elisa set her purse on the floor under the barre. “Tell me what to do.”
“Grab that carabiner, please.” She gestured to the black clip lying next to the hook on the floor. “I’ve already tied the fabric to the figure eight. Just need to get this in the air, and the silks are heavier than you’d think.”
She started up the ladder, fabric bundled under her arm, and gingerly tested her knee while Elisa hovered near the bottom. Usually she could do this exact rigging process in her sleep. But usually, she wasn’t in a bandage.
Elisa cleared her throat from below. “I heard Cade gave you a tour this afternoon.”
So much for no distractions. Rosalyn focused on the fabric in her arms, hoping her expression didn’t give her away. Sometimes she forgot how small this town really was. All the more reason to keep her secrets close.
Elisa didn’t seem the nosy type though, and it was obvious she and Cade were friends. Rosalyn smoothed the silks draped over her arm, filtering her words. “Yeah, it was sad seeing so many businesses not fully restored. But thankfully, some are in good shape, like the studio here—and your diner.”
