“I love the Rueben, but if you’re not a fan of sauerkraut, I’d go with the signature sandwich because it’s got the best sauce.”
River nods. “Then signature it is.”
As we eat our sandwiches, I tell River all about Willow Shade Island. I talk about how it was settled over a century ago, how the bridge to the mainland was built in the 1970s, and how everything before that had to come by boat. He listens intently to me, which is amazing.
When I’m talking to Micah, he always looks like he’s writing song lyrics in his head. That sounds mean. I know he’s a songwriter, and it’s hard for him to turn it off. Plus I’m sure I do it, too, writing my next chapter in my head while Micah’s talking to me. I try to pay attention when River talks to give him the same courtesy he’s giving me.
After lunch, we walk down Main Street and stop inside Levi’s bakery. Claire grins when we walk in, wiping a hand down her apron that saysCrumb and Get It. “Hey, I thought you guys had school today.”
“We’re off for Thanksgiving week,” I say.
“Oh.” Claire looks at Micah. “Are you back home then? I was under the impression you were still at school this week.”
Crap. We didn’t even think about it being break. I quickly improvise. “He’ll be home tonight. We’re showing River around town today. River, this is Claire, Micah’s future sister-in-law. Claire, this is River Stone. He’s here to audition for a role in a film.”
Claire’s gaze bounces between me and River, and she smiles. “Ah, I see. So nice to meet you, River.” She squints at him. “You look familiar.”
He chuckles like this happens to him all the time. “You probably remember me from my show,Kid Logic. I played Jake.”
Claire’s eyes widen. “That’s it! Wow, you’ve grown up.”
River laughs, and a couple of customers turn to look at him. “I get that a lot.”
Levi comes out from the back, wiping his hands on a towel. “Hey, good to see you guys.”
I introduce him to River, and we pick out some treats for later because we’re too full to eat them now. We leave the bakery, and River carries the pastry sack as we continue along the downtown strip.
I point out various shops and local landmarks to River, trying to be a good tour guide. Micah’s quiet, trailing along behind us. Serves him right. I hope he feels awkward, because he’s the one who insisted on coming with us. He knew it was supposed to be a date. I think it’s kind of funny now that he’s so sullen.
“Oh, we should go in here,” I say, stopping in front of a large storefront with elegant gold lettering that reads Tidewater & Company. “They have really nice things. You might find a souvenir.”
River nods as he takes in the signage. “Sounds perfect.”
We walk through the glass doors. The smell of expensive perfume permeates through the air, and fall decorations are everywhere. A massive banner stretches across the entrance: “Bridal Bliss Weekend—Register Now & Save 20%!”
Before we can even look around, a woman in a crisp white blazer and pearls approaches us with a clipboard and the biggest smile I’ve ever seen.
“Congratulations!” she gushes, looking between River and me. “When’s the big day?”
My face heats. “Oh, we’re not?—”
“We’re not sure yet,” River says smoothly, slipping his arm around my waist. “But we’re thinking maybe June.”
I stare at him in shock. Is he seriously going to pretend we’re engaged? He looks at me, a glint in his eye, and I suddenly want to play along. It would be really fun. Spontaneous. I’m not usually like that, but today, I want to be thatperson. I glance back at Micah, whose jaw looks like it could hit the floor.
The woman claps. “How wonderful! June weddings are so romantic. I’m Diane, and I’ll be your personal registry consultant today.” She hands River a small handheld scanner. “This will track everything you scan, and with our Bridal Bliss discount, your friends and family will save twenty percent on your entire registry.”
I grin up at him. “Wow, twenty percent.”
“That sounds like a great bargain,” River says, a playful look on his face. He turns to Diane. “Can we putanythingwe want on the registry?”
Diane beams at us. “Of course! Oh, you two are adorable. And what about you?” She turns to Micah. “Are you the best man?”
“No,” Micah says through gritted teeth. “Just a friend.”
“Well, friends make the best shopping advisors!” Diane chirps. “Now, let’s start with the essentials. Kitchen first?”
River is clearly enjoying himself as Diane leads us to the kitchen section. He holds up the scanner like he knows what he’s doing.
