I clear my throat, glancing away.“Well, Hazel made my day, too.Going to the retirement home, even getting a grilling from Mr.Gideon, it was… I don’t know.It felt good.Giving back.”I pause, running a hand through my hair.“I mean, yeah, I help Keith with his place, but this was different.Getting my hands dirty, actually doing something useful, felt good.It’s not something I did much in the city.”
She watches me closely.“You really like it here, don’t you?”
“Yeah, I do.I didn’t expect it, but I’ve realized how much I love being outside.Fresh air, even in winter.All of it.And I’d love to help Hazel again, if I can swing the days off work.”
“She’d love that.”Then, thoughtfully, she adds, “You know, she’s going to make such an impact in this town, helping people who really need it.”
I nod.“I agree.And even if Hazel wasn’t there, I wouldn’t mind helping out again.It’s actually got me thinking—how much time do I really have?Maybe once a month, I could offer a couple of hours at the retirement home, help with small repairs, or whatever they need.Some of them don’t have much help, but even a little effort means the world to them.”
She bites her lip, smiling at me in that way that tightens my jaw.“That’s what makes you, you,” she says softly.“You care.”
I shrug, a little embarrassed, but her words stick with me.
Then she hesitates, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.“Actually, speaking of that.I wanted to ask you something.”
“Go on.”
She shifts and sits up straighter.“I had to check with you first, but… how would you feel about me writing an article about you and Hazel helping at the retirement village?”
“An article?I don’t mind, I guess.At least the article would put me in a positive light.And maybe it would encourage others to volunteer as well.”
She nods, pulling out her phone.“I’ve already drafted the start of it, but I wanted to run it by you before I do anything with it.”
I glance at the phone in her hands, then back at her.She looks almost nervous, like she’s unsure of my answer.
And suddenly, I realize, I like that she’s asking.I like that she cares what I think.
I lean in.“Well, that depends.Does this article mention how good-looking I am?”
She laughs, shaking her head.“Oh, my God.”
“Because I think that’s important information,” I add, winking.
She groans and playfully nudges me with her shoulder.“I take it back.You don’t fit into this town.”
“We’d have to do another photoshoot.I suppose I can find time to pose,” I joke.
“You’re insufferable,” she says through a giggle.
“Honestly, I don’t mind, but don’t you think it’s going to start looking a little suss if you keep writing articles about me?”
She laughs.“I don’t think so.News has been slow lately.Other than you, the only interesting thing that’s happened is that out-of-towner who was supposed to be your ex.”
With a sigh, I shake my head.“I still have no idea where they got that from.The poor girl has nothing to do with me, yet somehow, she was tied to me.I don’t know where Dr.Whisperer gets their gossip, but damn, they’re creative.”I still have no idea who this mystery woman even was or why anyone would think she was connected to me.
Amelia grins.“Hey, at least you’re keeping the town entertained.”
“Great,” I say dryly, though I can’t help but smile.“But I guess it’s not a bad thing, since you’re keeping the paper alive.”
She hums in agreement.“Exactly.So, I don’t think anyone will question it.”
I watch her for a moment, then shift closer, my voice quieter now.“So, we’re just waiting on your boss to give you that promotion.And then, what’s our plan?”My heart pounds as I ask.I need to know if she’s thinking about us the same way I am.If she wants something real, or if I’m getting ahead of myself.
“What do you mean?”She shifts in the seat.
I reach over, gently taking her hand in mine, our fingers threading together.We both watch the way they fit, like it’s something worth holding on to.
“I mean, what do you want it to be?”
