He paused, his gaze lingering on me for a moment as if considering his next words. He glanced at Ivy and Margie, then back at me. A slight hesitation flickered in his eyes, but then he simply smiled and said, “I’ll see you soon, Vinnie.”
The air between us felt charged, but Ivy smoothly broke the tension by turning to Margie with a warm smile. “Vinnie, I don’t think you’ve officially met Margie, the owner of Willow Cottage.”
Margie stepped forward, her wild red hair catching the light from the streetlamps. She looked to be in her mid-thirties, with kind eyes that shone with a gentle, motherly aura. She extended her hand to me. “It’s great to meet you, Vinnie. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to greet you when you arrived. Hope you have settled in okay?”
“It’s been lovely, thank you.” I shook her hand, grateful for the easy shift in conversation. “And no worries, Ivy’s been wonderful, and made me feel right at home.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Ivy’s great at making everyone feel welcome. If you need anything, or have questions, just ask. We’re all here to help.” She chuckled. “Though, knowing Ivy, she’s probably already told you everything you need to know.”
Ivy grinned, crossing her arms playfully. “What can I say? I’m thorough.”
Margie glanced at her watch and sighed. “I’d love to stay and chat more, but I’ve got to run. It’s my kids’ bedtime, and the babysitter has to get home soon.” She smiled apologetically. “Mom duties never end, right?”
I nodded, returning her smile. “It was nice to meet you, Margie. I hope to see you around town.”
“I’m sure you will,” Margie replied with a warm laugh. “This place is small enough that it’s hard to miss anyone. Have a great night, Vinnie, and enjoy your stay.” With a quick wave, she turned and headed off.
Ivy turned to me. “Want some company on the walk back? The cottage isn’t far from my place.” I nodded, appreciating the offer.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Ivy glanced over at me with a slight smile. “So . . . Ethan is nice, yes?” Her tone was casual, but there was a hint of teasing curiosity in her eyes.
I shrugged, a small smile playing on my lips. “I spilled coffee on him at the café this morning. It was a pretty embarrassing way to meet someone, but he was really nice about it.”
Ivy nodded, her eyes glinting with playful interest. “He’s one of the good ones around here. Solid guy. The kids at school love him, and he’s always involved in community events.” She paused, giving me a sideways glance. “And he’s single, if you’re wondering.”
I laughed, feeling a bit of a blush creep up. “Noted. But honestly, it’s just nice talking to someone who isn’t . . . complicated, you know?”
We strolled past the darkened shops of the town square, the twinkling string lights casting a soft glow on the cobblestone streets. Even with the businesses closed, the town kept its charming allure, the lights giving everything a warm, magical feel.
Ivy grinned, nudging me playfully. “You know, Margie and I were talking, and we both thought Ethan seemed pretty interested in you. We didn’t want to interrupt, but Margie was eager to meet you.”
A blush crept up my cheeks, and I chuckled softly. “It’s fine, really.”
I thought about the nature of small-town gossip. It was different here—nothing like the catty and malicious rumors that spread in Cresden. This felt more innocent, a kind of harmless curiosity.
We moved through the residential area, where quaint houses lined the street, and I recognized the route as the one I drove through on my first day.
Feeling a bit awkward and unsure, I hesitated before blurting out, “Do you really think he was into me, or was he just being nice?”
Ivy gave me a reassuring smile. “Oh, definitely. Ethan’s always polite, but he rarely lingers after town meetings, or shows much interest in the women around here. He’s definitely nice, but this was different.”
My heartbeat picked up, excitement and nervousness fluttering through me. “Really?”
Ivy leaned in, clearly enjoying the chance to share a bit of town gossip. “You remember Emily?” I nodded, trying to hide my curiosity. “She’s been pining for Ethan for years. She’s always been very . . . persistent, trying to flirt and catch his attention, but he’s never asked her out. Despite all her efforts, it’s always just been polite exchanges and nothing more.”
Hearing this sparked a curiosity within me. Ethan’s apparent disinterest in the women of Hallow’s End only made his behavior with me stand out more. Was there really something there, or was I reading too much into it?
Ivy continued, “Ethan’s always been a bit of a mystery in that way. The fact that he seemed genuinely interested in talking to you is . . . well, it’s notable.”
I couldn't help but smile. “Well, he did ask me for coffee.”
Ivy's eyes lit up, and she squealed. “That’s fantastic! I’m so excited for you.”
I laughed, feeling embarrassed. “It’s just coffee. We didn’t make any actual plans, and he doesn’t even have my number.”
“Semantics,” Ivy said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “Sometimes the most meaningful connections start with just a simple cup of coffee.”
As we reached the turn for the cottage, Ivy stopped and smiled. “I live just a bit further down this street,” she said, gesturing ahead. She pulled out her phone. “Here, give me your number, and I’ll text you mine. We should plan something together soon.”
