“You’re just being humble, which is fine. It’s a good quality to have. You know you were the best.”
I shrug.
“I saw you donated to the library,” Sharon says. “That was so generous.”
“Okay, please don’t bombard him,” Julie tells them, turning on her espresso machine. “Please.”
“The donation was made in my sister’s memory.”
Something shifts in her dad’s expression. “Sorry for your loss. That’s respectable, honoring her that way.”
“Thank you.”
Sharon is practically beaming as she watches us.
“Oh, Julie, honey, look at you!” She clasps her hands together. “I haven’t seen this look on you since Buddy Madison.”
“Mom!” Julie’s face turns bright red. “Why would you bring him up?”
“Who’s Buddy Madison?” I ask, intrigued.
“Her first love,” Sharon says. “They were inseparable.”
“Until he cheated on me with Bethany Collins,” Julie mutters.
Sharon reaches over and touches Julie’s hand. “But look at you now. That same sparkle in your eyes, except …” She looks between us. “This is different. Bigger.”
“Mom,please.”
“What? I’m just saying what I see.” She turns to me. “Yesterday, Mrs. Henderson cornered me at the grocery store, said you two were glowing at the festival.”
“Mrs. Henderson needs a hobby,” Julie mutters.
Her dad laughs. “She has one. It’s called being in everyone’s business.”
“Pot, meet kettle,” Julie says, gesturing at her parents. “You literally broke into my house.”
“We have a key. That’s not breaking in. Besides, we wanted to meet Nick properly.” She turns to me. “So, you’re from New York City?”
“I live there now, but I grew up in a small town a few hours outside of the city. The population is about the same as Cozy Creek.”
Richard nods approvingly. “Good. City boys don’t usually understand places like this.”
“Dad’s not a fan of tourists,” Julie explains.
“Pumpkin peepers,” Richard says with disdain. “They clog up the streets, can’t drive worth a damn, and act like we’re here for their entertainment.”
“Richard,” Sharon warns, but she’s smiling.
“He’s not wrong,” I say. “That’s why I rented out Coleman’s Orchard yesterday. I want and need privacy.”
Julie’s parents exchange surprised looks.
“You rented theentireorchard?” Richard asks.
“For the afternoon, yes.”
Sharon’s eyes shine. “Oh, that’s so romantic! Richard, remember when you?—”
