A Summer of Secrets

by Kay Correll

  “Where is your partner now?”

  “He—he moved away.”

  “You two had a falling out?”

  “You could say that. He moved away… with… uh, my girlfriend.”

  Ouch. That had to hurt. “I’m sorry.” Though, she really had no clue. No one had ever cheated on her. She’d actually done the cheating… but that was behind her. Way behind her. She’d moved on and forgiven herself. Mostly.

  “It wasn’t the best time of my life. But better it happened when it did.” Much better. Because he’d actually been thinking of asking his girlfriend to marry him. Which was ridiculous, because as he found out, she’d been cheating on him for months. What did he know about women and honesty?

  And why was he even telling Cece this?

  “So, this is your first project without a partner?”

  “Yes. Jason was good to give me the chance. Berry and Saunders Construction became Berry Construction. And I hear that Saunders Construction opened up in Boulder.” Hopefully far enough away to not be any competition and, even more important, far enough away that he’d see neither Saunders nor his ex.

  “Had you dated her very long?”

  “Two years. But whatever. I never really knew her it seems. Anyway, it was a year ago. My partner and I had to wrap up some projects we had going at the time, then he left.” He changed the subject. “How about you? Anyone special in your life?”

  “No. All free and clear to move here to Sweet River Falls.”

  And he wasn’t sure that he liked the tiny trill of excitement that flitted through him when she said she didn’t have a boyfriend. Because that was silly. He’d sworn off women. But this woman sitting across the table from him, with her one dimple and dancing eyes made him think that maybe, just maybe, his decision to swear off women forever was just a bit too hasty.

  She smiled at him then and he wavered under her magic spell. “So what else do I need to know about Zach Berry?”

  Okay, he could talk about himself. Anything to keep from getting lost in her eyes. “I was born and raised in Denver. Came here about ten years ago. Started working construction, then opened up our own company with my partner.”

  “Family?”

  “My parents retired to Florida. I have a sister still in Denver. You have any other siblings besides Bree? Parents around here?”

  A sadness drifted across her face. “I have a sister, Abby, in Los Angeles. But my parents are gone. Killed in a car crash a little over a year ago.”

  “I’m sorry. Both at once? That must have been hard.”

  “It was. It is.” Tears glistened in her eyes and she looked down at her drink. “Anyway, I guess it just takes time.”

  Before he could say more, the waitress arrived with their food. But really, what more could he say than he was sorry? He couldn’t imagine it. He still made at least a yearly trek to Florida to see his parents. Usually in the winter when the construction business slowed down and the sunny Florida weather beckoned him. But he hadn’t made time this winter. He’d been too busy. He vowed right then to make plans to go see his folks as soon as the building at the lodge was finished.

  Cece was concentrating on eating her meal and the hint of tears in her eyes disappeared. He attacked the fried chicken on his plate and turned to mindless talk of the weather and the upcoming May Festival. Much safer topics.

  He watched her smile at the stories he told about past May Festivals and started listing off all the events the town had each year.

  “There’s a lot more than I remember from when I was here as a young girl. You almost need a calendar to keep track of the numerous festivals and fair weekends and special events now.”

  “Yep, there’s a calendar out on the town’s website.”

  She grabbed her bag hanging on the back of her chair and scribbled a note on the pad she took out. She looked up at him. “Just making a note to check out the website. I figure it will be good to know what’s going on in the town and what are super busy weekends.”

  Of course she was writing a note. That seemed to be her thing. He’d seen her writing lots of notes when he’d shown her around the building at the lodge. He liked organized people.

  They finished their dinner, and he walked her out to her car.

  “That was nice. I mean, I enjoyed having dinner with you.” She stood next to her car with the door open but didn’t slip inside.

  “It was nice. Much better than grabbing something at home. I admit to eating standing up at the sink quite often when I get home late.”

  “No, you don’t.” She looked horrified.

  “Okay, then maybe I didn’t admit that.” He smiled.

  “No wonder Nora tries to feed you all the time.”

  “I’m sure not complaining about that.”

  She slipped into her car and looked up at him. “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Yes.”

  She pulled the door shut and drove away. He stood there in the moonlight like a fool. Yes? That’s the only thing he could think to say to her?

  What he’d really wanted to do was to ask her to stay longer. Maybe go for a walk. Or even ask her out on a date.

  But that was ridiculous because he’d sworn off women, right?

  The heck with that stupid swearing off women thing. He liked this woman. He wanted to see more of her. Maybe he would ask her out.

  He whistled as he headed over to his truck, for once not concentrating on all the delays at the project.

  Cece entered the cabin, lost in thought.

  “Hey, there you are. Did Nora feed you again? If not, there’s some chicken in the fridge.” Bree looked up from the table. “You okay?”

  “What? Yes, I’m fine.” She focused on Bree’s words and not Zach’s tantalizing smile and warm eyes that lit up when he talked about his business.

  “And yet, your face says something is going on.”

  “I thought you were going out with Jason tonight.” She avoided her sister’s question.

  “He came over for a while. But he was exhausted, so I sent him home.”

  “You should set a wedding date so that when he comes home at night, he stays.” She grabbed a wine glass from the cabinet and walked over to sit at the table by her sister. Bree slid the wine bottle over to her.

  “That’s what Jason said. I’ve just been so busy, and there are so many details in planning a wedding. I can’t imagine adding that to my already crazy schedule.” Bree shook her head.

  “And yet, you have your own personal wedding planner sitting right here at the table with you.” Cece poured some wine and took a sip. “Oh, that’s good.”

  “A new wine I wanted to try out. I’m always getting asked suggestions on wines to go with my catered offerings.”

  “Well, this one is a winner. Maybe we can serve it at your wedding.” Cece grinned.

  Bree let out a sigh. “I’ll figure it out soon. I do want to marry Jason. I—and this sounds terrible—I want to be married to Jason more than have the wedding.”

  “Is this because it’s your second marriage?”

  “No, it’s just… I don’t know. I’m pretty overwhelmed with life right now.”

  “I’m here to help. Take things over where I can.”

  “And I’m very grateful.” Bree set her glass down. “But you’re still avoiding my question.

  “What question?”

  “What’s up?”

  Cece laughed. “Well, I did have dinner at the lodge. With Zach.”

  “And?” Bree cocked an eyebrow.

  “And… well… we talked. He’s an interesting guy. Nice.”

  “I thought you said he was all business and cold.”

  “Maybe I changed my mind.”

  A smile teased the corner of Bree’s mouth. “Maybe you have. You going to see him again? Go out with him?”

  “I’m sure I’ll see him tomorrow at the lodge. But I just met him. It’s not like we’re dating or anything.”

  “
But you like him.”

  “I don’t dislike him.” Cece stuck to her story, unwilling to admit Zach intrigued her. The first guy she’d really been interested in—in forever it seemed. And that included Eric Riley, because though she’d gone out with him and it had been fun to have someone to go out to the movies with or go out and grab a bite to eat with… she’d never really been interested in him. Not like that.

  Bree rose. “I’m going to bed. Sweet dreams,” she said pointedly.

  “Subtle, Bree. Very subtle.”

  Chapter 7

  Nora looked up from the reception desk to see her friend Annie standing in front of her. “Annie, hi. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “You’ve been so busy you haven’t stopped by Bookish Cafe in weeks. I miss you. I figured if I showed up and demanded coffee, that maybe you’d take a break.”

  She looked at the stack of paperwork she’d been sorting through. She’d been busy and had been neglecting her friend who was undoubtedly just as busy as she was.

  Jason walked up to them. “Hey, Annie. Good to see you.”

  “I’ve come to steal your mother. Just for a bit. Maybe a cup of coffee’s worth of time.”

  “Great. Mom, I’ll cover the desk. You go have coffee with Annie. You two should take it outside, it’s a beautiful day out there. Sunshine and warming up nicely.”

  “Okay, thanks. I’ll be back in soon.”

  “Take your time. I got this.” Jason walked behind the reception desk.

  Nora grabbed them both some coffee and they headed outside into the sunshine. “Want to go sit by the lake?”

  “Sounds great.”

  They wandered down the path to the lake and settled on one of the wooden benches along the shoreline. She took a sip of the coffee, relishing taking a few minutes away from work.

  “I love this view,” Annie sighed as they both sat and looked out over the lake.

  “Me, too. So peaceful.”

  “Any more news about the zoning changes to the lake?”

  Nora shook her head. “No news so far, but I know that Dobbs is pressing on with it.”

  “Well, we’ll have to do all we can to cut him off.”

  “I’ve been talking to some business owners in town. Some of them are for the zoning changes. They think it will bring more business to town. You know, the ones who don’t actually live on the lake or have businesses on the lake. They don’t appreciate how wonderful the peacefulness of the lake is.”

  “I’ll never understand how people want to build up and expand and destroy the quiet and natural beauty of an area.”

  “Progress.” Nora shrugged. “Anyway, how’s Nick?”

  “He’s out of town at a convention. It’s strange. I was so used to being alone. So many years of it… Now that Nick and I are married… well, it seems strange to rattle around in the house at night all by myself. I’ll be glad when he comes home tomorrow.”

  “You should come to dinner tonight. Beth, Mac, and the boys are coming over. I’m cooking. Say you’ll come.”

  Annie grinned. “I’ll come.”

  “Great. We’re eating about six.”

  “I’ll be there.” Annie sipped her coffee. “How’s the new building coming along?”

  “Fine. I can’t wait for it to be finished. Zach is doing a great job on it.”

  “I think it was such a great idea and a good addition to the lodge.”

  “Did you hear Cece Stuart is moving to town?”

  “No, really?”

  “She’s going to join Bree in her business.”

  “I’m glad to see the sisters have worked things out.”

  “Cece’s such a great girl. I keep thinking of reasons to have her work with Zach.”

  Annie laughed. “Always the matchmaker.”

  “I think they’re a good fit for each other. I just have this hunch about them. And it never hurts to give people a little push.”

  Nora turned and looked at the lake again. The sunshine threw sparkles of light dancing across the water. The light breeze tickled the branches of the trees along the water’s edge. She hoped with every fiber of her being that she could keep the lake like it was right this very minute. Peaceful. Beautiful. No noisy motorboats or jet skis. No high-rise condo buildings.

  There were times when she believed Sweet River Falls needed progress and to change with the times, but ruining this lake wasn’t one of them.

  Annie stood. “I should let you get back to work, and I need to get back to the bookstore.”

  They walked back up to the lodge and Nora gave her friend a quick hug. “Thanks for coming by and dragging me away from my work.” She watched Annie drive away then headed back inside to tackle the stack of paperwork.

  Cece headed over to the new building carrying a large picnic basket filled with lunch for Zach. She was beginning to think Nora thought she was a delivery person. Though she had to admit she liked having the excuse to see Zach again. She climbed up on the long porch that stretched across the opening to the chalet and stepped inside. She looked up and only saw one small portion of sky still visible.

  “Zach?” She called out over the sound of hammering on the roof. That probably wasn’t going to work. She headed across the building to look in the kitchen area at the far end.

  She peeked in and saw Zach perched on a stool by a table made out of sawhorses and a sheet of plywood, poring over a large rolled out paper. “Zach?”

  He looked up and flipped her a quick smile. “Hey.”

  This time his voice was warm and welcoming, and he hadn’t looked at his watch… yet…

  “Nora wanted me to bring you lunch.”

  He laughed his warm chuckle of a laugh. “Gotta love that woman.” He rolled up the papers in front of him and she set the basket on the table.

  He looked in the basket and started unloading the food. “She sent enough for an army.”

  “I might have mentioned you standing up at your kitchen sink to eat…” She grinned at him.

  He unwrapped the sandwiches. “Want to join me?”

  She did want to sit with him—spend some time with him—but she’d had a late breakfast and really wasn’t hungry. But then, the sandwiches did look good. “I… maybe a little bit.”

  He grabbed another stool, placed it by the makeshift table, and she joined him.

  “How are your plans coming along?”

  “Pretty good. I’ve already ordered the chairs. Bree gave me a list of what’s needed for the kitchen. I’m still undecided on the light fixtures. And I’m not sure on the tables but don’t have much time to make up my mind. I’m thinking round might be better for weddings—for the receptions—but maybe not for meetings. Trying to sort all that out.”

  “You’ve really gotten a lot done in a short time.”

  “Lists. The secret of my success.”

  He laughed and grabbed a yellow pad of paper sitting on the table. “I’m a list maker myself. Used to try and juggle it all in my head, and most of it is still up there, but this way I don’t forget anything.”

  A young, tired-looking worker poked his head into the kitchen area.“Hey, boss. Shingles are here.”

  “Have them unload them out front, thanks.” Zach stood and grabbed his sandwich. “That was Billy. He’s got a newborn. Looks like it, too, doesn’t he?”

  “He does have that new-father exhausted look.”

  “I told him he should take another week of leave with pay but he wouldn’t hear of it. He knew we’re busy with this job. Anyway, I guess I’m going to have to eat and run. I need to check this order, sorry about that.”

  “No problem. I’m going to just take a few more measurements, then I’ll be out of your way.”

  “You’re not in my way,” he assured her and turned and walked out of the opening that would soon be the door.

  Well, things were improving. Instead of being annoyed she was interrupting him, he’d admitted she wasn’t in his way.

  She finished the few bites of s
andwich and went out to recount the number of windows—or would-be windows—and measure the floor space again to plan out how many chairs could be set out in how many rows and how wide the aisle would be. No use trying to figure that out at Madeline’s wedding.

  Nora had loved the lanterns she’d gotten for outside weddings, so she was going to look into some battery run lanterns for along the aisle for evening weddings. She also still needed to talk to Zach about the arbor. She wanted to string fairy lights through it and the brides could pick what kind of flowers to put on it.

  She headed back to the kitchen area to find Zach. She paused when she heard him talking on his phone.

  “No, they are not the right shingles. I know they’re a close shade, but not the ones I ordered. And they aren’t the same quality, either. I’m not interested in a break in price to keep these. I want what I ordered, and I need them like yesterday.” He clicked off his phone and tossed it on a pile of papers on the table.

  She walked into the room. “Everything okay?”

  He looked up, annoyance hovering in his eyes. “Yes.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Well, no. They delivered the wrong shingles. Roofing is not where we want to cut corners on this building. Not with the harsh winters. The supplier is looking into when he can get the right shingles here.” He raked his hand through his hair. “Another delay.”

  “Another one?”

  A guilty look flashed across his face.

  “Are you having problems?”

  “Nothing I can’t handle. Don’t worry about it.”

  She frowned. “Okay, but I thought everything was going well and there was no problem adding on Madeline’s wedding.” Her mind started racing ahead to what they’d have to do if the building wasn’t finished in time for the weddings that had been booked at the chalet.

  “I’ll have it finished in time.”

  She’d never seen a more determined look on anyone’s face, so she chose to believe him.

  “I guess I’ll leave you to get back to work.” She turned to leave.

  “Was there something you needed?”

  “It can wait.” She wasn’t about to pile anything else on him right now. Discussion of the arbor could wait.