by Tara Randel
“I’m sure.” She grinned at him. “About everything.”
As a group came up to the table to buy tickets, Logan returned to his position while his grandmother got to work. He couldn’t get their conversation out of his head, because like it or not, his grandmother was usually right.
A few hours later the crowd thinned out, leaving mainly volunteers in the food tent taking advantage of the empty chairs in order to put up their feet. His heart double-timed as he came upon Serena and her friends.
“Please tell me tonight is the busiest night,” she pleaded.
“Every night is busy,” Heidi answered.
Dropping her head back, Serena saw him and jerked upright. He pulled out a chair beside her and sat down.
“Don’t tell me you’re tired,” he teased.
She recovered by straightening in her seat. “Tired doesn’t begin to cover it. Did you see all the plates of food I delivered?”
“That we all delivered,” Carrie corrected.
“My shoulders will be achy tomorrow,” Serena grumbled.
Jamey ambled in from another direction and sat down. “Tonight was a breeze.”
Three pairs of female eyes speared him.
“What did I say?”
“I believe the ladies are lamenting the size of the crowd as it correlates to their duties,” Logan said.
“Not me,” Heidi said. “Instead of people I see dollar signs.”
Serena gaped at her. “That’s horrible.”
“And typical given her love of numbers,” Carrie added.
Heidi shrugged. “I call it like I see it. And if we want to turn Golden into the vacation spot Lissy Ann keeps going on about, we need money to promote how awesome we are.”
Logan didn’t miss the exchange between Serena and Carrie. Of course, he didn’t miss much of what Serena did. Now, who she was...that was another story.
Heidi didn’t miss their look, either. “What’re you thinking?”
“I told Carrie to offer her services to the chamber of commerce.”
Heidi perked up. “Would you? That would help so much.”
“I guess I could stop by tomorrow.”
“We’ll hold you to it,” Jamey said.
Carrie lifted her chin. “I don’t need you to tell me what to do.”
Jamey merely smiled, making Carrie get up and stomp away. Logan leaned close to Serena. “What was that all about?”
“I have no idea.” She turned and their gazes caught and held. After a drawn-out moment she said, “I should head home. I want to soak my feet before I go to bed.”
Logan rose. “I’ll walk with you.”
“I don’t want to put you out,” Serena said, grimacing as she stood beside him.
“Think of me as your personal escort. If you need an arm to lean on, I’m here.”
She turned and waved to Heidi and Jamey. “See you tomorrow.”
“We’ll be here,” Heidi said with a knowing grin sent in Logan’s direction.
Within minutes they were out of the park, heading down Main Street toward her apartment. The bright lampposts lit the way, the stores around them dark. Few folks lingered on the sidewalks at this late hour, as the locals went home after a busy day at work and the tourists did the same after their sightseeing.
“So, what did you think about volunteering for Oktoberfest?” Logan asked.
“I didn’t realize it would be so painful.” She sent him a scowl. “Why don’t you look the least bit worn out?”
“Probably because I wasn’t delivering platters of food all night.”
“I get this is all for a good cause, but I sure hope I can keep up the momentum for three weeks.”
“It’ll get easier.”
They moved on in silence for a few moments.
“Are you back at your brother’s place?” she asked.
“For the time being.”
As they passed under a lamppost, Logan looked down at her. Being this close, he felt his heart race like he’d set off a trip wire. His grandmother’s words echoed in his head. Take a chance. Before he realized it, they’d reached her building and made their way to the back stairs. She paused at the bottom.
“Thanks for seeing me home. It was very gentlemanly of you.”
“My pleasure, but I have to admit, I have an ulterior motive.”
Her brow wrinkled. “You do?”
He moved into the space between them. Surprise lit her eyes, and then a slow smile curved her lips. He inhaled her lavender scent. Placed his hands on her hips. Leaned down and whispered, “There are no fireflies.”
“That’s okay. I think we can make our own magic.”
She lifted her hands to his shoulders and stood on tiptoes. He lowered his mouth to hers, brushing her lips with his, once, twice, before settling in for a long kiss.
If caution bells rang, he chose to ignore them. Savored her instead. He’d never felt this way with a woman before. With Serena he could be himself and that was enough.
She finally broke the kiss and stepped back. Brought her fingertips to her lips. “Wow. That was...”
“Just the beginning?”
“You’re pretty sure of yourself.”
“I know a good thing when I see it.”
“So do I.” She stood on her toes and gave him a quick peck. “Not to get ahead of yourself, but I think we should call it a night.”
He grinned.
“You don’t have to look so happy about saying goodbye.”
“I’m already thinking about kissing you again tomorrow.”
With a laugh she dashed up the stairs, leaving him to wonder if all his concerns about them starting a relationship were for nothing.
CHAPTER TEN
THE FIRST WEEK of Oktoberfest blew by like a whirlwind. By the following Saturday afternoon, Serena was thinking twice about the busy schedule she’d been maintaining. Burning the candle at both ends wasn’t ideal, although the side benefits were worth it.
Logan walked her home from the festival every night after the dinner shift. They’d spent more time together and there was no denying that she was seriously falling for him. They talked about the town, her classes at the store and how the holidays were fast approaching. What they didn’t discuss was family. Either of theirs. Yes, it bothered her that she couldn’t reveal her past. The day they’d sat on the bench together at the mountain outlook and he’d told her how his father had lied about his birth mother, she’d responded by saying people had reasons for keeping the truth to themselves. Hadn’t she lived her life that way? Keeping her secret deeply buried to cover her shame? But when Logan said that excuse didn’t fly with him, she was convinced this spark between them would be extinguished if he discovered her family history.
Leave it to her to fall for a guy who valued the truth above all else.
So she pushed that fact from her mind. Tried to be clever and witty. Looked forward to stopping at the bottom of her apartment steps to indulge in lingering kisses that heated up the increasingly chilly nights.
Despite her reservations, she found herself looking for Logan in a crowd and wishing her childhood had been different. She still couldn’t bring herself to come clean about her father’s activities and her part in them. But what if he confessed that he had feelings for her? Just like she had for him? That would change everything and she suspected she’d tell him the truth.
The front door of Blue Ridge Cottage opened and a group of women entered. Serena called out a cheery hello. Due to the increase in tourist traffic, the store was bustling with daily activity. She had a new class later today that had filled up right away when she’d posted it on the website. If sales and class participation kept up this way, her money worries would be put to rest. She’d have enough income to pay back the next victim on her list without investor
s in the business and her secret would remain safe.
After Carrie had posted her picture on the website, Serena had started backpedaling in her quest for investors. Dumped all of her sleek proposal materials in the bottom drawer of her desk. She didn’t want anyone poking around in her business. She also hadn’t heard from her father despite multiple attempts to contact him. Putting her plans on hold for the time being seemed the best course of action.
On a positive note, she had friends now. Believed she could trust them. So maybe it wasn’t a question of whether she should reveal her past. More like, was she willing to share her shame? She wanted to. So desperately. She was tired of carrying the load alone. But fear held her back. She didn’t know if she could handle the disapproval she was sure to see on their faces. Especially Logan’s.
A short line had started at the counter. Serena rang up sales while Heidi assisted customers on the sales floor. Yes, Serena convinced herself, with the rise in earnings, things would be fine.
The front door opened again and in came Mrs. Masterson, a big smile on her face. She waved at Serena as she crossed the room, all brisk and businesslike.
“Thank you,” Serena said as she handed a bag to a customer before turning to her friend. “Mrs. M. How are you today?”
“Quite well, my dear.” She glanced around. “I see you’re busy, but may we speak? It will only take a moment.”
“Certainly.” Serena called Heidi, who took over the register, then led Mrs. M. to the small office.
“Would you like to have a seat?” Serena offered, pulling out the rolling office chair.
“No. Like I said, this will be quick.” Mrs. M. opened her large handbag, removed a check and handed it to Serena with a flourish. “For your expansion. I’ve decided to invest.”
Serena glanced at the amount. She should be excited but only felt dread. It had been a while since she’d resubmitted the proposal and assumed the woman had decided against investing. Why now, when Serena had changed her mind?
“Oh, Mrs. M., I appreciate it, but maybe we should put this off until after the holidays.” She tried to hand back the check, but Mrs. M. shooed her hand away.
“Serena, I studied your revised proposal and I want to be a part of the growth of your company.”
“I, ah...”
Mrs. M. sent her a curious gaze. “Don’t tell me you’ve had a change of heart.”
The kind woman was giving her a way out and she latched on to it. “This tourist season has increased revenue. So perhaps I was a bit hasty to look for investors.”
“Nonsense. You’re a smart businesswoman. Expansion in your case makes sense.”
And the door of excuses closed.
“I know you’ve been spending time with my grandson. He hasn’t discouraged you, has he?”
She pictured Logan, his teasing smile, his coffee-colored eyes when they grew heated before he kissed her. She held back a shiver. “We haven’t talked about my business. Not the financial end, anyway.”
“Then there’s no reason not to go forward with your plan.” Mrs. M. took the check from Serena’s hand and placed it on the desk. “You hold on to this. Seriously think about what you might be giving up if you rethink things. I’m available as a sounding board anytime you need me.”
“Thank you.” Serena glanced at the check then back to Mrs. M. “I’ll consider everything.”
“Wonderful. And speaking of my grandson—”
Serena held back a grimace. They hadn’t been, but he was never far from her thoughts.
“He isn’t one to rush into relationships, but he definitely has his eye on you. I understand he’s been escorting you home when Oktoberfest shuts down for the night.”
The memory of his kisses and laughter filled her head. “That’s true.”
The older woman’s eyes lit up with a matchmaker’s gleam. “Then there’s hope.”
For who? she wanted to ask, but pressed her lips together. Hope that Logan would fall in love with Serena and overlook her past if it came to light? Hardly. She knew he wasn’t wired that way.
She wanted love. A family. The freedom to live her life without looking over her shoulder. But that wasn’t her reality. Keeping her secret locked away meant keeping her friends, and Logan, at arm’s length. Mrs. M.’s generous investment reminded her of that.
“Serena?”
Blinking back stinging tears, Serena forced a smile. “I have a feeling you’ll find your feet on the ground floor of many growing businesses, Mrs. M. If I decide to rethink my strategy, I’m sure you’ll understand.”
A quick flash of disappointment crossed Mrs. M.’s face. “Your store is quite unique, so my offer remains.”
Before Serena could argue, Heidi popped her head into the room. “Need help,” she squeaked, then disappeared.
“Duty calls,” Serena said, thankful for the reprieve.
“I won’t keep you.” Mrs. M. closed her purse. “Stay in touch.”
“I will.”
Serena walked Mrs. M. to the front of the store and said a final goodbye. Her words were tinged with regret, she noticed before answering a shopper’s questions.
The rest of the day passed quickly. At four, a group of women in their twenties assembled for a greeting-card class. As Serena handed out supplies, the chatty group discussed retro ideas for vintage cards. Serena encouraged their designs and the girls decided the session was definitely cool.
“This is way more fun than texting,” one of the group said, followed by agreements. The hour flew by, and before she knew it, Serena was asking them to finish up.
One of the older women pulled Serena aside.
“This is going to sound odd,” she said, “but you look very familiar. Have we met before?”
Serena had noticed this woman sending her questioning glances more than once during class, but she didn’t recognize her.
“I don’t think so,” Serena said quickly as her stomach twisted.
“It must be your eye color. That shade of blue is very memorable.”
Just what Serena had been afraid of when Carrie posted her photo. “I’m afraid you’re mistaken.”
“Hmm. I’m usually pretty good at remembering faces.” The woman tapped a finger against her lips. “Maybe it’s the story of your aunt Mary that is playing with my memory.”
Serena scooped up the woman’s project with trembling fingers and slipped it into a store bag. “Be sure to let me know if you figure it out,” she said, trying to usher the woman out of the store without looking obvious.
Before long all the customers were gone and Heidi locked the door. Serena’s shoulders sagged with relief as she gathered the leftover supplies from the class.
Heidi let out a long breath. “I don’t know about you, but I’m tempted to call in sick tonight. The idea of delivering heavy trays of food to hungry tourists is more than I can endure.”
“You don’t honestly think Lissy Ann will approve time off, do you?”
Heidi frowned. “She’s tough, no denying.”
“I’m with you, though.” Serena dropped down into a chair at the craft table. “Maybe we could organize a strike.”
“Which Lissy Ann would ignore. She’d talk us right back into volunteer duty.”
Serena chuckled. “We have an hour before the shift starts.”
Heidi wandered over and joined Serena at the table. She glanced around the room and said, “As much as I love customers, this is the first time all day it’s been quiet in here.”
Serena tossed markers into a bin. “It is pretty awesome.”
Heidi took a marker and rotated it between her fingers. “So, want to tell me why you were in such a hurry to get that last group out of here?”
Serena’s head jerked up. “What are you talking about?”
“Ever since you went ballistic over C
arrie putting your picture on the website, you get jumpy whenever someone thinks they know you. Why?”
She tried to stall. “It’s weird. I don’t want people thinking they know me.”
“You’re the face of the business.”
Serena looked away. “I don’t want to be.”
“Then let Aunt Mary’s memory take over.”
Closing her eyes for a second, Serena drew in a breath. Too many secrets were piling up, and Heidi was much too perceptive. Hadn’t her friend witnessed her meltdown over the website picture? And truth be told, the secrecy was weighing on Serena. Maybe she could let this one fib go.
“There is no Aunt Mary. There never was.”
Heidi sat back in the chair, her eyes wide. “Come again?”
“I made her up.”
Heidi blew out a breath. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “Tell me.”
“It goes back to college.”
“Your infamous business model?”
She nodded. “One of the things I learned was that people love a story. Think about some of the successful brands we know. They all have a backstory.”
“So you made up Aunt Mary?”
Oh, yes. She’d learned a thing or two from her con-artist dad.
“She sort of came to me as I was preparing for the project. I guess you could say she’s a compilation of women I remember from when I was a child.” She hesitated, then unburdened herself. “My mother was a storyteller, delighting my father and me with worlds she’d created to entertain us. Her best friend, Mary, loved to draw and used to come up with scenes for the stories. When she noticed my artistic talent, Mary encouraged me to draw. After my mother died, I lost touch with Mary, but I remembered the hours we’d spent immersed in our art projects.”
“So then she really isn’t a lie.”
Serena cringed. “She wasn’t my aunt.”
Heidi looked away, but not before Serena caught an odd glint in her eyes. “Sometimes close friends become your real family.”
They did, but they couldn’t in Serena’s case. “I needed a theme and Mary’s artwork came to me. The idea sort of mushroomed from there. My professor assumed Aunt Mary was real and encouraged me to make her story part of my business proposal. I guess I got caught up in the excitement, especially when I started selling items online.”
