Page 18 of The Summer I Stayed
Jake pushes off the wall and walks closer, until he’s standing next to me. He runs his hand over the stubble on his chin, a deep hum resonating in his throat.
“I guess…the blue one,” he says.
I stare at him. “Wait, really? You think so?” I say, surprised.
“What? You asked for my opinion!”
I grin at him, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Yes, I did.”
“The beige is nice, but it kind of blends in. The blue has more…character.”
“Character, huh?” I tease, elbowing his side.
Jake grins.He grins!“Yeah, like you,” he says, almost shyly.
His eyes meet mine, holding a steady gaze that leaves me feeling oddly flustered.
“You know…unpredictable, bright, full of surprises.”
His words hang in the air between us, lingering like an unfinished melody. My heart races in my chest as I try to read the man before me. Is he simply comparing me to a color, or is there more to it?
“Blue it is.” It comes out more as a whisper than a confident decision.
His eyes linger on me for a moment longer before he nods and mumbles something about getting back to work. There’s more to Jake Hollis than meets the eye. He’s like a prickly pear: rough on the outside, but surprisingly sweet beneath the tough exterior.
After our lunch the other day, it’s like his walls are slowly becoming more transparent. Our interactions are lighter now with moments of teasing, and he makes me smile more than I’d care to admit, even when he’s grumpy. But that moment felt anything but light.
My heart races as I watch him leave the room. Something is shifting inside of me, a feeling that’s both exciting and terrifying. Are those…butterflies in my stomach?
I shake my head, clearing my thoughts. What’s next on today’s agenda?
Now that I’ve decided on a paint color that Jake will order, I want to go to the antique store and see if anything catches my eye. There’s a small one in town I’ve been wanting to check out. I had to keep telling myself to wait; I tend to get a little too excited shopping.
“I’m headed into town,” I call out to Jake, who’s nowhere in sight. “Call me if you need anything!”
The antique store is a treasure trove filled with pieces that each carry their own unique story. It may be one of my favorite places to be, besides the lake house.
I wander through the maze-like layout, and I spot the perfect coffee table for the living room. Its rounded edges and rich walnut shade draw me in. I round another aisle to find a set of matching chairs that complement the new wall color perfectly. I can envision them both in front of the large window facing the lake. The perfect reading spot. Excitement bubbles within me as I make my purchase and arrange for delivery.
Just as I’m about to leave the store, a familiar voice calls out from behind me. “Maggie! Just the person I was hoping to run into.”
I turn around to see Gemma sporting an infectious grin.
“Gemma! Looking for me?”
She nods enthusiastically. “Yes, I need some input for the Summer Festival. But first, how’s the lake house coming along?”
“Great! I was just shopping for a few things, actually.”
“I’ve been following along on your blog. You and Jake have done a wonderful job with the place.” She looks at me in silence before she asks the question that’s clearly been on her mind. “So, now that it will be done soon…what are you going to do with it?”
You’d think I would have a plan for it by now. But I don’t even know what the next step of my life looks like with an empty nest. How am I supposed to decide what to do with the house my husband left me?
I came here to fix the house, and after that, I had no plans. She was the one who helped Steven purchase it and has kept an eye on it all these years. It’s just honest curiosity.
“I’m not exactly sure yet,” I say honestly. “I guess I’ll figure it out once everything’s settled.”
Gemma gives me a nod. “Well, whatever you decide, I think it’s doing you some good to be here.”
