Too Enchanting

by Bethany Lopez

  Meet at the courthouse at 12:30PM. Bring your camera. Dress nice, not like a bag lady.

  That was the text I’d received from Jasmine that morning. No explanation, just those few words. With anyone else I would have been annoyed, but it was so totally Jazzy that all I could do was smile, and laugh at the bag lady comment.

  Jazzy knew I didn’t leave my house without my hair and makeup done, and dressed to impress. It was just how I was, how I’d always been. In order to feel my best, I had to look my best, and who wanted to walk around looking and feeling frumpy?

  Not me.

  I saved frumpy for when I was home at night, eating junk in front of the TV as I binged on my favorite shows, or for when I was in the studio.

  At twelve twenty, I parked my car on Main Street, pulled out my camera bag, and headed for the courthouse. I wasn’t surprised that Jasmine wasn’t out front waiting for me, she was perpetually late, whereas I liked to be early. I was, however, surprised to see Gabe, Zoey, Reardon, and Chris standing out front, all dressed up in their Sunday best.

  “Hey,” I called as I neared them. “What’s going on?”

  Gabe shrugged as Zoey bounded over to me.

  “Hey, Rena,” she said as she pulled me in for a quick hug. “We don’t know, Jazzy sent us each a cryptic text this morning, telling us to meet here and to not look shabby.”

  “Hmmm, weird,” I said, looking up and down the street for signs of my cousin. “Is Dillon here, too?”

  Before anyone could answer, the courthouse door opened and the cousin in question stepped out onto the steps, along with Laurel, his fiancé, and Jasmine. They were all dressed beautifully and grinning from ear to ear.

  “What’s happening?” Gabe asked, while we all looked expectantly at the trio.

  “We’re getting married,” Dillon replied happily, throwing his arm around Laurel, who hugged him close and looked up at him, her face full of love.

  Laurel had been best friends with Jasmine since we were kids, and had been in love with Dillon forever, while he’d just thought of her as his twin’s pesky friend. Now, they were in love and about to get married.

  It was enough to make even my black heart shudder as I sighed happily.

  “What about the family?” Reardon asked; he too was engaged, but since Chloe was about to have their baby any second, they’d agreed to wait to have the wedding until she was fully recovered and had time to actually plan it.

  Apparently, Dillon and Laurel were not prepared to wait.

  “My mom and dad are inside, as for everyone else, we figured we’ll have a big reception next month and that should appease them.”

  “Uh, you’ve met my mom, right?” Gabe asked with a chuckle, then walked up the steps to give Laurel a hug and clap Dillon on the back. “Congrats, you guys, thanks for inviting us to come … and, Dillon, I was just kidding, my mom will get over it. She’ll just be happy you guys are married, having a big party, and hopefully getting busy having kids.”

  Aunt Annabeth was always bugging us about having babies. Even though Gabe and Chloe had Chris, long story, don’t ask, Gabe and Zoey had little Evie, and Rear and Chloe were about to have their baby, it still wasn’t enough for Aunt Annabeth. She’d already started in on Dillon and Laurel and mentioned it to Jazzy and me every time she saw us, regardless of the fact that we were both single.

  “Actually,” Dillon began, looking down at Laurel with a conspiratorial smile, “that’s another reason we didn’t want to wait … Not just because we’re already living together, and I see no reason to have a long engagement when we’re ready to live our lives now, but because we wanted to do it before Laurel was too far along.”

  “What?” we all cried excitedly.

  “You’re pregnant?” I asked Laurel, who was tearing up a little bit.

  She nodded as Jasmine clapped her hands together and jumped up and down.

  “Isn’t it great, I’m going to be an auntie!”

  I rolled my eyes at Jasmine, because, of course she’d make this about her, then walked up the stairs to give my cousin and Laurel each a hug.

  “Congratulations, I’m so happy for you guys,” I said, then squeezed Dillon extra hard and added, “I can’t believe you’re going to be a daddy.”

  “Me neither,” he said with a chuckle, then kissed me on the cheek and pulled back, saying, “We’d better get inside. It’s almost time for us, and Ma and Dad are waiting.”

  Our group piled into the courthouse, then followed Dillon and Laurel down to the room where the judge would officiate their ceremony.

  Laurel was glowing and pretty as a picture in her knee-length white dress that showed no evidence of a baby bump, and Dillon had never looked happier in his navy-blue suit, his auburn hair perfectly coiffed and his face free of stubble.

  The ceremony was short, but everyone watched with tears in their eyes as two of the people we’d known and loved for what seemed like forever vowed to love each other until death.

  Before they said I do, Laurel ran her fingers over Dillon’s knuckles and said softly, “Dillon, I’ve loved you since you had a cowlick and you screamed like a girl when I put that frog in your sleeping bag.”

  We all chuckled, but I saw Jasmine discreetly wipe her cheek and felt my own get wet.

  “Laurel,” Dillon said, his tone rough with emotion. “I will love you until I take my last breath, and even after that … forever.”

  I heard Dillon’s mom let out a deep sob, then turn to my uncle for comfort as she watched her son marry the girl who’d always been like a daughter to her.

  When the judge ended with, “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” then added, “Why don’t you kiss her?” we all laughed and cheered as Dillon dipped Laurel deeply and covered her mouth with his.

  “Get a room!” Gabe yelled good-naturally, his own voice suspiciously gruff, then we all rushed the bride and groom and smothered them with hugs and kisses.

  Chapter Ten

  Jed

  Jed … Jed,” I heard a voice call behind me.

  I turned to see Zoey Lewis jogging down my street toward my house.

  I smiled expectantly and waited for her to reach me. She was wearing a T-shirt that said, Writers do it better, with jeans, and her long brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She was naturally beautiful, didn’t look like she had an infant daughter, and was the love of my friend Gabe’s life.

  She grinned her goofy smile as she stopped in front of me, her breath coming out in pants.

  “You okay?” I asked with a chuckle as she bent and placed her hands on her knees.

  “Yeah,” Zoey said with a shake of her head. “Cheese and rice, this is embarrassing. Looks like it’s time to start running again, I’m woefully out of shape.”

  I waited for her to catch her breath, curious as to why she’d been so eager to catch me. She’d been coming from the direction of Reardon and Chloe’s, so I assumed she’d been visiting her sister and was maybe on her way to see Serena, but we’d never talked one on one before. Every time I’d seen her we’d been in a group, or she’d been with Gabe.

  “Okay, I think I’m good now,” she said, standing back up.

  “Can I get you anything? Water?” I asked, unsure if I should invite her inside, or if that would be weird.

  “Oh, no, that’s okay, I’m good.”

  When she didn’t say anything, just stood in front of me staring over my shoulder as if deep in thought, I cleared my throat and asked, “Uh, Zoey … is there something you wanted to talk to me about?”

  Zoey blinked, shook her head, and looked at me sheepishly.

  “Sorry, yeah … um,” she began, rocking back on her heels. “So, my agent contacted me because she has another client who has a new show … anyway, long story short … Have you ever seen that show Fix it Up on the Home Network?”

  I nodded. I didn’t watch a lot of TV, but I’d seen that show. It was one of those home improvement shows where a crew came in and refurbished a home for
one lucky family.

  “Cool. Well, they are coming to Cherry Springs to film an episode and will be here a couple weeks while they refurbish the home of one of our residents. Do you know that Camu family?”

  I shook my head.

  “Doesn’t matter,” Zoey said with a wave of her hand. “Anyway, they love to use local businesses, and people, wherever they’re shooting, and since I live here, my agent asked me for recommendations. Naturally, I thought you would be perfect to help with the carpentry. Not only would it give you the chance to work on a highly visible show and showcase your talent, but they’ll include the name of your business in the credits of the episode, so … free advertising.”

  “Wow,” I managed, utterly floored by the opportunity she was giving me. My heart pounded as I thought about what this could do for my business. If it worked out well, I could finally quit construction and focus solely on my creations. “That sounds fantastic, Zoey, thank you for thinking of me. Is there anything I need to do, anyone I need to call, or meet?”

  “Yay!” Zoey exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “This is great. No, not yet. I’ll pass your information along, then the show will be in contact you to let you know when you’ll start and to work out the particulars.”

  “Perfect, thanks.”

  Zoey beamed.

  “I’m headed to Serena’s next,” she said, already turning her feet toward Serena’s house.

  “Oh?” I asked, wondering if that meant she was offering Serena the same opportunity, or just going over for a visit.

  “Yeah, I figured, with her eye for décor and art, and her managing the gallery, this would be a great way to get the word out about the new gallery as well. Whatever we can do to bring more tourism to Cherry Springs, right?”

  I nodded, although I was pretty happy with how low key of a town Cherry Springs was. Still, getting more business for the town, and for myself, could only mean good things. Even if that meant I’d have to work on the same show as Serena Lewis.

  It wouldn’t be that long, right? And, we probably wouldn’t really even see each other, since I’d be working carpentry and she’d be finding decorations.

  “Right,” I agreed, then stuck my hand out, shaking Zoey’s when her slender hand grasped mine, and said, “Thank you,” again.

  “It’s my pleasure, seriously,” Zoey assured me, then bounced on her heel and started walking hurriedly down the path in front of Serena’s. “See you later.”

  I stood there for a moment, watching her walk away without really watching her. I was in my head, thinking, all the possibilities darting through my mind, while I warned myself not to get too excited. After all, I didn’t have all the details yet, and had no idea whether they would want me, how much air time I’d get, or what the job would actually entail.

  Still, the possibilities had adrenaline pumping through my veins, and inspiration striking, so I rushed through the house and back to my workshop, glancing over at the boat wood.

  I clasped my hands together as an idea started to take hold, then turned on my speaker, hooked up the music, and got down to business.

  Chapter Eleven

  Serena

  So, we’ll begin shooting next Monday. The days can last anywhere from twelve to sixteen hours, depending on what we’re filming that day. Of course, you won’t always be expected to be on set, or always be in the scenes. We’ll do our best to give you a schedule with your tentative times, but we do ask that you be available on call in case we have to shift the schedule around. Does that sound okay?”

  I said that it did, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Jed nod.

  We were in a meeting with the team from Fix it Up, along with a few other members of our community. When Zoey had asked me to be involved just last week, I’d had no idea that filming would start so soon.

  With the gallery about to open in two weeks, and filming starting on the Cherry Springs episode beginning next week, I had a feeling sleep would be a distant memory for me over the next few weeks.

  It would all be worth it though.

  Being involved in this show would be great advertisement for the gallery, and for Cherry Springs, and I didn’t mind the fact that the staff of Fix it Up would have my name on file if they ever needed someone to do a consult for another show.

  “Great, we’ll email it over. See you at the Camu house on Monday morning.”

  I gathered my things and walked out of the conference room of the hotel the Fix it Up people were staying at in town. When I was almost to the exit of the hotel, I heard footsteps behind me and Jed call out, “Hey, Serena, wait up.”

  I looked over my shoulder and looked at him expectantly as he caught up to me.

  “Can you believe it?” he asked with a grin.

  “It is all happening pretty fast,” I replied, smiling in thanks when he held open the door for me.

  “Where are you heading now? Do you have time to grab a drink? I’m keyed up and would love to talk it out with you … since we’re kind of in this together.”

  I paused for a second, thinking it was odd that he’d ask me out. He wasn’t my biggest fan, after all, but since it was obvious that this wasn’t a date, and we were kind of in this together, I nodded and said, “Sure, but, it’s only like four in the afternoon … were you thinking coffee, or drinks drinks?”

  He shrugged.

  “Either works for me.”

  “Okay, well, I still have some work to do this evening, so we’d better make it coffee,” I said, hoping I didn’t come off like an old fuddy duddy. I really did have to go to the gallery and put in a few more hours.

  “Great, meet you at Strange Brew?” he asked, talking about the coffee shop that was on Main Street, right next to the gallery.

  “Perfect,” I replied, then we left each other with a little wave.

  I parked at the gallery, since I’d be going there afterwards, and walked into Strange Brew to see Jed already standing in line.

  “What’ll you have?” he asked when I walked up behind him.

  “Vanilla Chai, non-fat,” I replied.

  “Pastry?” Jed asked.

  I shook my head. “No thanks, I’m not hungry.”

  “How about you grab us a table, and I’ll get the drinks.”

  I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should let him get my drink or insist I buy my own. Then I thought, it’s just coffee, gave him a smile, and grabbed a table by the front window.

  I pulled out my phone, checking my email and social media while I waited.

  “They already sent the itinerary,” I told him when he placed my drink in front of me and sat across the table.

  “Wow, they sure do work fast,” he said with a grin, blowing on his steaming cup before taking a sip.

  “So,” I began, placing my hands around my cup, enjoying the warmth. “What do you think we’ll be doing?”

  “Have you ever watched the show?”

  I shook my head. That was a negative.

  “Well, there’s a host, and the key people they have in charge of each area, like carpentry and design. Those people meet with the family to get an idea of what their dream house looks like, then come up with a plan. I don’t think we’ll come in until that plan is ready to be implemented. I’m sure we’ll be doing mostly grunt work, but I think it’s worth it for the free publicity.”

  “Is it pretty popular?” Zoey had seemed to think it was, but she admitted to never having watched it herself.

  “Yeah, people love it. It’s been on for about five years now, so it’s pretty established. The host has been on magazine covers and talk shows and stuff. She’s the one who gets the most attention, but the work they do is pretty fantastic. A little main stream, maybe, but nice all the same.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be great. I have a lot going on right now, with the opening of the gallery right around the corner, but I think it’s worth it to fit this in as well.”

  I took a sip, closing my eyes as I savored that first, spicy taste, the
n opened my eyes to see Jed watching me. Ignoring the tingle that ran through me at the bright-blue gaze, I narrowed my eyes and asked the question that had been plaguing me all week.

  “So, are you going to let me showcase your river table, or what?”

  Jed leaned back in his chair, all casual with a cocky, and dammit, sexy grin on his lips.

  “I’ve been thinking about it, and I will … for a price.”

  “How much?” I asked, mentally calculating how much the gallery could afford in the budget.

  “You let me buy your painting,” he replied softly, and my heart stopped.

  “Why?” I asked, hoping my voice didn’t tremble.

  I gave my paintings to family members, and I had a few in my home, but not only had I never shown my work, I’d never sold it to anyone either.

  “Because it makes me feel something, isn’t that what art is supposed to do? It makes me think. It speaks to me,” Jed leaned forward, placing his forearms on the table and hit me right in the gut when he added, “I need it.”

  I didn’t know how to respond to that, not verbally anyway; my body, however, was responding by getting heated. I could feel a flush on my skin.

  It seemed so personal to think of my painting hanging somewhere in Jed’s home. Somewhere where he could look at it whenever he wanted to, to perceive it however he wanted to.

  It was hard to get the words out of my throat, but I really, really wanted that table in the gallery, so I croaked, “Okay.”

  “Yeah?” Jed said, sitting back up with a massive grin on his face.

  I nodded, unable to say anything further.

  “How much?” he asked, and I looked around to see if anyone was watching, or listening. “Sorry, is it uncouth to ask out loud? Should I email you?”

  I wasn’t sure if he was joking or not, but didn’t reply to his questions. Instead I said, “It’s not for sale, but … you can have it.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Jed