"You don't know what she did or where she worked?"I asked, thinking Aspen or Mom would know.
Aspen gave me a look."You could ask her."
"The subject of her past hasn't come up.We're focused on the renovation."But I was curious.Had she avoided coming home because of my family and me?Or was it for another reason?Had she been involved with someone and stayed to be close to him?The possibilities were running on an endless loop inside my head.
"Eve was gone too?"I asked.
"I think I heard that they lived close to each other or were roommates or something," Mom muttered.
If Natasha roomed with her sister, that meant she hadn't been living with some guy.Even though we broke up, the thought of her moving on never sat right with me.On some level, I thought of her as mine.I kept her picture on my phone and wondered about her often.She was the one I wanted to keep in touch with, to tell her about my day, or just share news from back home with.But I'd severed that contact.
When she asked to break up, I knew it was for the best.She'd done what I couldn't.And I wasn't proud of that.
"She's coming for dinner next week, so we'll have time to grill her then," Cooper said with a grin.
Mom shot him a look."We don't grill people at the table."
Aspen's eyes widened."Then what do you call it?Small talk?"
"I like to know how people are doing.There's nothing wrong with that," Mom said, and Dad patted her shoulder to calm her down.If she kept going, she'd start talking about how she just wanted us to be happy.
Lincoln clearly found his calling when he moved back to work in a small family practice, meeting Penny soon after and falling in love.Sterling Brothers was fairly new and hadn't gained the reputation where we could relax yet.
And I had the added pressure of proving that I was worthy of working in the business.Each brother had their own side specialty.Morgan was the electrician, Hudson the plumber, and Maverick worked in landscaping and patio.Cooper was the contractor, who coordinated everything.I needed to prove that I fit in somewhere too.
If I was still imagining how Natasha look naked, I'd get over it.I had to focus on the renovation and not the sexy innkeeper.
Chapter9
Natasha
From the reactions of the shop owners, it sounded like there had never been a town meeting before.I was hoping they'd want to come to discuss the future of the town, but apparently, I was wrong.
I was prepared for the evening to be challenging, but I had Eve at my side, and Aspen promised that she'd drop in as soon as she could get away from her family.
The town hall was filling up with people and presents.I was impressed by the response to the toy drive thus far.
I was confident that Eve would drum up a lot of donations so we could have our celebration around Christmas.
Eve appeared at my elbow."Are you ready to get started?"
I scanned the room, noting that Clara was in the front row next to Angela, who owned the lingerie store, and Meg, who owned the coffee shop.Even the potential bookstore owner, Belle, was present.My throat was tight, and my heart was pounding, but I nodded my assent.
Eve smiled; she thrived at these events in front of an audience."Want me to announce you?"
"Sure."That would give me an extra few seconds to do some calming breaths.Not that they would help.
Eve moved to the podium and tapped the microphone to get everyone's attention.I was hopeful she could win over the room before I revealed my plans for the parade."I want to thank everyone for coming.We're excited to discuss our plans with you because this isn't my town.It's everyone's."
The room was quiet as if they didn't quite believe her.But at least they were listening.That was a good sign, or I hoped it was.They could be prepared to mutiny and stonewall our ideas.
"I want to introduce my sister, Natasha Palmer, if you haven't already seen her around town.She's been busy running the inn and just started some much-needed updates."
I watched the faces for any signs of disgust or interest, but it seemed like most people were carefully blank.
Eve moved off to the side as I approached.I appreciated that she'd stayed close for silent support.
I stood in the front of the crowd, feeling slightly woozy."Thank you for coming tonight.When Eve and I were going over the events from years prior, we knew we couldn't move forward without your input."
