Page 8 of The Summer I Stayed
“What meeting?”
“Town meeting,” I explain, shifting uncomfortably under her gaze. “Discuss any issues or upcoming events.”
“Like the Summer Festival?” she asks, her face brightening.
“Yeah,” I gruffly reply, a little taken aback by the abrupt change in her demeanor.
“Gemma mentioned it yesterday. It seems like a great opportunity to get involved.”
I raise an eyebrow, not quite sure what to make of her enthusiasm. “If you’re into that sort of thing.”
“I am,” she insists with a nod. “I think it’s important to be part of the community.”
Of course she does. What else should I expect from Ms. Sunshine? The last thing I need is more of this “community spirit” nonsense in my life.
“I’d like to go.”
“Driftwood Diner,” I confirm, turning away from her. “Seven sharp.”
I walk out onto the front lawn when Maverick quickly plops down on the ground.
“What’s wrong, boy?” I question. Slowly, it dawns on me why. “What did you steal this time?”
Maverick wags his tail in response, but he doesn’t get up from his spot on the floor. I glance down to see a hammer nestled between his paws.
“Ah,” I sigh, reaching down to remove the tool from his grip. Mav looks at me with disappointed eyes, as if I stole his favorite toy. I pat the top of his head.
Maggie giggles from behind me, and I turn around to see her leaning against the doorframe, a soft smile on her face. “Thank you for your help, Jake…and you too, Maverick.”
I nod at her and make my way off her property, Maverick following close behind.
I walk into the smell of freshly brewed coffee and pie, making my stomach growl in response. I haven’t had dinner yet, and I’m more than ready to dig into something after the day I’ve had. Gemma spots me from across the room and waves me over. Edna’s behind the counter, serving endless cups of coffee and plates of pie. Maggie pops out of the kitchen carrying a tray filled with more pieslices. A pang of irritation shoots through me. Why is she everywhere I am?
I shake my head. Why do I even care?
I make for the vacant seat next to Gemma, folding my arms over my chest as I glance at the clock. Just a few minutes until the madness begins.
Gemma leans over to whisper in my ear, “Maggie’s agreed to help with the festival.”
“Oh, did she?” I sigh, looking over at Maggie as she hands out slices of pie. It’s obvious they’re smitten with her already. She radiates this warmth that even I find myself drawn to, but there’s no way I’ll ever admit that out loud or think about it ever again. Once the house is fixed, she’s just going to leave and go back to the city. No reason to give her another thought.
I realize I’m still staring at Maggie and quickly glance back at Gemma. She leans back into her seat and gives me an amused side-glance. It’s like she can read my mind. Terrifying.
Chapter Six
Maggie
Drawing in a deep breath, I let my fingertips hover over the keyboard for a moment before they start flying across my laptop. It’s been years since I last posted anything on Cozy Charm by Maggie, and somehow, the raccoon incident feels like the perfect reintroduction, just like Alison said.
I detail every absurd moment that happened, each word feeling like a small victory. Like I’m reclaiming a part of myself that’s lain dormant for far too long. But it’s also part of the new me, the me after Steven. The one who’s been through grief, single parenting, and navigating life after losing the one man you’ve ever loved.
My heart thumps wildly in my chest as I hit “post.” Almost immediately, my laptop dings, echoing through the quiet room. One after another, comments come in from old followers who get notified when a new post is live on my website.
People who used to follow me for home decor and organization tips are just as invested in the raccoon saga.But they’re in for a treat if I keep this up through the lake house renovation. They love to watch the transformation, but Iwantto document this journey for me.
It’s now almost ten in the morning, and I’m supposed to meet Jake for Reno Day 1. It’s a promise of chaos and excitement. I was excited to fix this place up and get it back to its original look, but now, with my subscribers cheering me on, it’s fueled me even more.
I grab my phone and type out a message as I walk out of the inn.
