Annie rolled her eyes. “I just stopped by for a minute to check in on your mom and bring her some pizza. I figured she can’t do much on her hurt foot. I had to use the bathroom.”
“Now who’s being predictable?”
“I was about to go downstairs when something caught my eye.”
“Otherwise known as, ‘I decided to snoop around William’s room for a while—’”
“No. I noticed the pictures you have hanging on your bedroom door. A bedroom door that was already open, by the way.”
“And you casually strolled over to take a peek? I said a ‘believable’ reason, Annie. To me. My mother will believe anything.”
“It’s not my fault you can’t believe the truth.”
William peered at the photographs he had taped on the door as a teenager. They were curled and yellowed from Dennis’s smoking, but still clinging to the door by delicate pinches of tape. It was the picture of himself and Annie that had most likely intrigued her. He was lying on his back in the grass, hands resting under his head while Annie’s head lay on his stomach. She laughed for the camera. Brandon had snapped the picture just as a gust of wind had caught the linen of her skirt and had begun to blow it up, much to her surprise. She had framed the picture in purple metallic paper with heart stickers and taped it to his door for him. And there it still hung. He’d been so single-minded ever since he’d arrived back in his mother’s house, he hadn’t taken a second to study the collage. Most of his memories in this house weren’t worth reliving.
He faced Annie, the little wrinkle between her eyes pronounced as she waited for his response. Perhaps her eyes were pleading with him to believe her story. Perhaps she was worried he’d embarrass her in front of Joyce. As he relished making her squirm more, he asked himself why she was really in his room. Had she lingered in front of his door, admiring the picture? Did she muse about how young and in love they looked? Was she searching for some remembrance of their time together? Had she been missing him? What?
“Were you visiting Mom?” he finally asked, venturing back down the hallway with Annie close behind.
“I had to make sure you were taking good care of her.”
“Is that right?” William replied drily. “And what did you decide?”
“She’s in good spirits,” Annie said softly as they descended the stairs. “I couldn’t even tell she’d hurt her foot.”
William nodded. The truth was, he had begun to suspect there wasn’t anything wrong with his mother’s foot. The doctor hadn’t found anything sprained or broken, and though she insisted it was swollen, he couldn’t see it. It didn’t really matter, though. If she needed to cook up a reason for a few guilt-free days off work, she probably needed them.
After Annie called goodbye to Joyce and grabbed her jacket and purse, they cut an angled line through the grass to the curb, her stride matching in time with his.
“I have a few appointments lined up for us tomorrow. We’ll start bright and early,” he said.
“Can’t wait,” Annie retorted while fumbling for her keys.
“Really?”
She hesitated. “I’m being polite, William. The whole idea of moving...”
“I think you’ll like these locations, Annie. There’s one on the website that looks promising.”
“Okay.” Unlocking her car door, she paused, her hand caught at the handle. “Will?”
“Yes?”
“I—” her voice faltered. “Nothing.”
“You don’t want to go tomorrow?”
“That’s not it.”
“Then what is it?”
Annie gave him a weak smile. “I had a good talk with your mom before you accused me of pillaging your room. She’s didn’t seem to know you’re leaving in a few weeks. Why haven’t you discussed your plans with her yet?”
“I don’t have any plans.”
“Then why leave again?”
William was confused. “Why are you so eager that I should stay?”
“I think of Joyce as my own mother, William.”
“Is that all?”
“I care about her very much.”
“I mean...is she the only one you care about?”
“What do you mean?”
“You may not have been pillaging my room, Annie, but you were interested in something up there. What were you looking for?”
Annie shook her head. “I’ll see you tomorrow, William.”
“Is that it?”
“I’m going to go before you accuse me of anything else tonight.”
“Wait,” he blurted. “Before you go, I know you won’t like me doing this, but with the way you’re standing there like that, I really can’t help myself.” Leaning toward her, he noticed she drew a sharp breath and her cheeks flushed red. He hovered, drinking in the image of big brown eyes that stared at him like a startled yearling’s. The urge to brush his mouth over her hot, supple cheeks and on to her slightly parted lips struck him with abandon. Her fidgety body fell instantly motionless, admitting more than her words could ever convince him. He gently clicked the handle and eased open her door as she bit back a smile.
“What did we discuss about holding doors?”
He grinned. “I’m a slow learner.”
She nodded and slid into the driver’s seat, but she couldn’t pull away quickly enough for him to miss her blush. It wasn’t the response he’d been musing over all afternoon, but as he strutted back into the house, he figured it’d do.
* * *
WILLIAM SAT AT the end of the counter, running through the menu’s cost sheet as the usual suspects enjoyed their second cup of coffee. He had one ear on their conversation, as it sounded a bit scandalous for Chinoodin Falls standards.
“That land is untouchable. No one should be able to build on it,” Danny spouted. “Not one lousy soul. Otherwise what’s the point of preservation?”
Joe nodded vigorously. “It’s dirty dealings, I tell ya. It’ll come out in the wash soon enough if The Chinoodin Chronicle keeps pressing the politicians for answers.”
“Derek is supposed to be writing an entire series about it. He’s the best investigative reporter they’ve got.”
“He’s the only one they’ve got. Where’s he getting his information?”
“I’m not sure,” Danny replied, sipping his coffee. “But he’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’ll sniff the dirty dog out.”
William looked up as Brandon breezed in the front doors and spotted him.
“Hey, man,” he said, taking off his suit jacket and laying it on the stool beside him. “I thought I’d catch you.”
“I’m eavesdropping on the daily gossip.”
“Anything good?”
“A company acquired rights to build on some land preservation? There’s apparently a big write-up about it in the paper this morning.”
“Ugh,” Brandon groaned, flipping over his coffee cup for Mia to fill. “Someone got bought off big-time, and it’s about to blow up in the mayor’s face.”
“Anyone you know?”
“Probably.” He smiled. “I know everyone.”
“So what’s the story? I’m out of touch.”
Brandon loosened his tie. “Madelyn Helmswith—”
“The Heiress of Chinoodin. I remember all the stories.”
“Yeah. In her will she left a thousand acres to the city of Chinoodin Falls on the condition that they never sell it or build on it. She feared the Upper Peninsula would become commercialized and wanted to do her part to preserve the beauty of the land.”
“Where’s the land?”
“Just west of here. Mostly lakefront.”
“A gold mine, in other words.”
“The Chinoodin Chronicle discovered someone managed to find a loophole in Helmswith’s will—”
“Don’t tell me. And is now buying up her property?”
“A land developer out west just acquired the rights to buy the property and the mayor quietly approved it.”
“But it’s not so quiet now. Madelyn is probably rolling over in her grave.”
“It became public a lot sooner than the mayor expected. With all the money she had, you’d think her will would be airtight. I need that coffee.”
“How are you doing today, Brandon?” Mia chirped, handing him a menu.
“I think the question is, how are you doing, Mia? How many days left as a bachelorette?”
Mia gushed. “I have a calendar countdown hanging in my apartment and a million things to do before then. I just submitted the final numbers to the caterer.”
“It’s going to be the wedding of the year,” Annie added, scooting past her to refill sodas.
“You never submitted your RSVP, Miss Curtis, so you’ll never know.”
Annie feigned a pout. “I told you I was coming, of course. Don’t tell me you didn’t mark me down.”
William was only half listening as he noticed his mother enter the dining room, limping slightly with each step. He couldn’t recall her hobbling the same way when they were home. It was the first time in days he felt inclined to help her, and he puzzled at that.
Apparently he wasn’t the only one who noticed her limping.
“Hey dare, Joyce, I’ve gotta seat right next to me,” Earl offered, guiding her to his booth. “You go ahead and take a load off, darlin’.”
William’s mouth twisted as Joyce gleefully accepted his arm and slid in tightly against him. After a minute spent pondering what the appropriate defense was against a man flirting with his sixty-year-old mother, he heard his name.
“What about William?” Mia declared, rapping the counter in front of him. William jerked, scrambling to piece together the conversation that had led up to Mia’s mischievous grin. Annie stood behind the counter, her eyes as wide as sand dollars.
“What?” he asked.
“Now, that is a good idea,” Brandon agreed, waggling his eyebrows at William.
“What is?” William asked again, searching Brandon and then Mia for an explanation. As his eyes finally shifted to Annie, she ducked into the kitchen.
Mia leaned across the counter, resting her chin on her fists.
“Will, we have a proposition for you.”
“Who’s we?”
“Annie needs a date to my wedding, and we think you two would have a fun time together.”
“Who thinks that?” William huffed, staring at Brandon, but his friend only pressed his coffee cup to his lips, gleaming at him out of the corner of his eye.
“My wedding is ‘adult only,’ so she can’t bring the children, and that girl needs a night out desperately.”
William screwed up his face. He did think Annie needed a night out, but he certainly wasn’t the man to show her a good time, as she could barely stand him. True, they had shared a moment after he’d caught her in his bedroom...
“Listen, Mia,” he began. “I think I’m already taking my mom.”
“Your mom? Really?” Brandon jested.
“You want me to send her off by herself on a bum foot while I take a date?” William countered. “Come on.”
Brandon spun his stool around and called to Joyce.
“Is William taking you to Mia’s wedding?”
Joyce’s face turned up in thoughtfulness.
“Well, I don’t know, dear. It doesn’t bother me none if he can’t get a date.”
“Oh, get serious,” William grumbled. “It’s not that I can’t get a date.”
“You can always count on your mother, William. Don’t you ever forget that,” Joyce said as Earl leaned over and whispered something in her ear that made her beam.
“Aw,” Brandon teased, spinning back around. “You can always count on your—”
“Shut up,” William choked out. “I just got back to town, and I don’t know anybody.”
“Mmm-hmm,” Brandon mocked.
“Jerk.”
“I thought your mom was going with Earl,” Mia said.
“What?” William asked. It was news to him.
Brandon muffled a laugh. “Your mom has a date and is letting you tag along as the third wheel? Wow, man, it’s really gone downhill for you since high school.” Mia giggled, egging Brandon on further. “I never thought I’d see the day when William Kauffman couldn’t get a date.”
“Again, it’s not that I can’t—”
“I know, I know. I’m only messing with ya, buddy. You and your mom will have a lovely time together. Hopefully she lets you lead on the dance floor.”
“Shut it.”
“Do you think she’ll ask you to drive so she and Earl can make out in the back seat?”
“Fine. We’ll go together if you stop your jabbering.”
“You and Annie?” Mia squeaked, clasping her hands together in delight.
William reluctantly nodded. Annie shot out of the kitchen and headed straight to the front door to seat newly arrived patrons.
“Annie!” Mia called.
“Hmm?” she replied, her lips pursed.
“William will be your date for my wedding. It starts at four o’clock, William, so you’ll need to pick her up about 3:15 p.m. Okay?” Annie’s eyes bored into Mia. “It’s a date!” Mia called, speeding off to one of her tables.
Annie slowly pivoted to face William. “When Mia gets her mind set on something...”
“I’m sure.”
“What?”
“I mean... I’d be happy to take you, Annie.”
“Oh.”
“If you want.”
“I... That’s fine with me.”
“Good.”
“Good.”
Brandon’s eyes gleamed.
“I’m glad everybody’s good,” he teased some more. “I’m good, too. Mia? You good? She can’t hear me, but I think she’s probably good.”
Annie rolled her eyes, smacking the swinging door on her way into the kitchen. Once she was out of sight, William slugged his friend hard on the arm.
“The fix was in, huh?”
“What?” Brandon chuckled. “Hey, man...it’s all good.”
* * *
ANNIE WAS RELIEVED to be alone. She smoothed the front of her apron several times and studied the plaster on the ceiling in her office, feeling as gawky as a thirteen-year-old. Even though her friend was happily engaged and bubbling with hearts and roses and tiny cupids, it didn’t mean she had to play matchmaker and meddle in her love life...or lack thereof.
Annie paused at a mirror, tucking wispy stray hair behind her ears. As if she didn’t have enough on her mind, now she had to anticipate an arranged date with William. But as she double-checked her reflection, she reminded herself that it wasn’t a real date. They each needed to attend Mia’s wedding, so they were driving together. He was a warm body, if not a handsome one, to sit next to in the church pew and eat dinner with. There would be light drinks, light conversation, light dancing...
Annie shook out her hands at the thought of slow dancing with William, his broad shoulders and strong arms... The other night when he’d leaned over to open her car door, she thought he was going to kiss her, and what would she have done?
She grazed her fingers delicately down her neck and again imagined him leaning in for a kiss. The daydream only delighted if he was kissing her because he wanted to and had been wanting to since the day he’d left Chinoodin Falls.
“Are you okay?” Mia asked, coming up behind her, her friend’s voice dissolving her reverie.
“You,” Annie said, spinning around.
Mia feigned an innocent, doe-eyed stare before a grin burst across her face. “What?”
“W
hat was all of that back there? I don’t need a date for your wedding.”
“Girl, yes you do, and you’re welcome.”
“Since when have you and Brandon been in cahoots?”
“It was a team effort—I’ll grant you that.”
“I hope William doesn’t think this is a real date.”
“Uh, girl, I hope he does.” Annie arched an eyebrow as Mia launched into a fit of giggles. “Loosen up, A. You need to have some fun.” She pinned her hands behind her head and jostled her bosom toward Annie.
“Stop that,” Annie whispered emphatically. “Somebody’s going to see you.”
“Who? William!” Mia called through laughter.
“You’re ten years old. Did you know that?”
“Relax. He’s talking to Brandon, although probably about you.”
“Ugh.”
Mia grabbed Annie by the shoulders and shook her gently.
“I want my wedding to be a giant party, and parties mean you come to have a good time. That’s all this is, Annie. You can admit you need a good time and a good man by your side for a few hours.”
Annie made a sour face and pulled away from Mia. She had forgotten what good times felt like. Somehow she would have to trick herself into thinking this wasn’t a big deal, and that she wasn’t on a forced date with the man who’d broken her heart twelve years ago.
“Annie,” Mia continued. “Don’t make too much out of it, okay?”
“I’m not,” Annie protested, strolling past Mia. “You’re the one making it a big deal.” Suddenly Annie stopped short. “Except...” Her voice trailed off as her eyes widened with panic. “I don’t have anything to wear.”
CHAPTER NINE
ANNIE CASHED OUT her last customer of the afternoon, anxious to finish her shift and get out into the sunshine. She waved at Marjorie and the children as they passed in front of the diner, Betsy stopping to press her forehead against the window before puckering the glass. Annie didn’t know what she’d do without Marjorie and never wanted to risk finding out.
“Mommy!” Betsy called, sprinting for her mother as soon as Marjorie opened the front door. She bounded into Annie’s arms as James flung himself onto the heap and followed her declaration of excitement with, “I’m hungry.”
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