Page 52 of Spotlight on Poppy

“I’m more than happy to help,” he said with a smile. “Oh Josh, I think DeMarcus may text you later. He is working on his Eagle Scout award this weekend and installing some benches and a playset over at First Baptist, if you’re free we could use another set of hands.”

“Yeah, that works for me. Just text me the time.”

“Will do, I’ll see you two later,” he said with a wave.

As they walked out Poppy couldn’t really believe what was happening. She had never really experienced the town like this. No wonder Josh loved it here so much.

“Are you really helping a boy scout get his Eagle Award?” Poppy asked.

“Yeah, why?”

“Do we have any old ladies to help across the street on our way?” She joked up at him.

“Why? Do you see any? Always be on the lookout for little old ladies about to cross the street. I want to be the first to know,” he said clearly joking with her. She chuckled to herself.

“Where now?” she asked.

“The diner.”

"The diner? What did we borrow from the diner?"

"No, that one's for lunch, princess." he said with a smile.

After spending the day returning all the items and talking to the town Poppy was amazed. It was like she had spent her whole life here, but never taken the time to get to know anyone. Was it possible that this town has been a hidden gem and not the cage she thought it was?

They were sitting at the diner. Mae, who had run this diner since she moved to town four years ago, came to greet them. She had taken over business from her aunt who had been a staple of the community, and from what Josh had told her had helped to take care of him and his sister, like lots of people in this town had.

"What can I get for two of my favorite customers?" she asked with a smile on her face.

They ordered and not too long after Mae returned with their food. "If there's anything else I can get you guys let me know. And you know I'm nosy, but word has it around town that the two of you are a couple. Are they right?"

Poppy was caught off guard, she wasn't sure why, the rumor mill in the small town was a well-oiled machine. She looked over to Josh who was watching her, waiting for her next move.

"They’re right," she said. Something about that felt official, like becoming Facebook official, but the Mystic Falls version.

"Oh, that is wonderful! You two are so good together, much better than your old girlfriend."

"Thank you for that," Josh said, giving her a look.

"Right, well, I’ll let you two eat." She turned to head back to the kitchen but not before giving Josh two firm pats on his shoulder.

"What was that about?"

"Abbie." Josh said, then he took a bite from his burger.

"She's not a fan, I take it."

Josh shook his head.

"Whatever happened there? This is a small town, people generally know the goings on and I never heard why you guys call off the engagement."

Josh's brow furrowed as he finished chewing.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. I understand," Poppy said.

"No, it's fine.” He wiped his hands on his napkin and took a sip of his drink. “You should know. It has to do with why I got upset when you saw the video of me riding with the other girl."

Poppy watched him as he took the time to find his words.

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