Gabriel refurbished it himself, sanding it down and applying a fresh stain to restore its charm and add a new twist. Normally, he’d put in a few more special touches but lately, his job in the city has been consuming his focus and time.
“He was mad, yeah. But at Rebel, not me of course,” I say, brushing my fingers over the desk’s smooth surface. “I felt terrible.”
She nods. “It sounds like he understood that it wasn’t your fault.”
I bite down on my bottom lip, thinking back to Cain’s advice to stay away from him and what Gabriel said about giving Cain a chance.
“Gabe thinks that we both need to ‘lighten up’and start dating again. Model work and play to Eden better.”
Natasha arches an eyebrow as I grab a sticker, scribble$20on it, and attach it to the desk before tugging it to the floor.
“I agree with him. You two really stepped up when Uncle Daniel and Aunt Linda passed away, and you’ve done an incredible job raising Eden, but you’ve put so much pressure on yourselves. You’re missing out on your twenties while trying to keep the store afloat and still pretending like Eden’s a kid. She’s eighteen years old now and a full adult. She doesn’t need you hovering anymore. It’s time to spread your wings and fly.”
I laugh. “That’s essentially what he said, but rich coming from you. When was the last time that you went on a date?”
She points the marker I just capped at my forehead. “I’m working all the time.”
“You don’t have to, though.”
Natasha works insane hours at our small-towns bar and in her free time, helps cover shifts at the thrift store for us. But beyond that, her parents, my aunt and uncle, are some of the richest people I know. The only problem is that she refuses to touch any of their money due to a fall out that they had years ago.
I don’t blame her. Ever since my parents passed, they haven’t made any effort to keep in touch with Gabriel, Eden or myself. It’s like our connection to their family died with their sister. Thankfully, Natasha and her older brother Roman have stayed close with us.
“I’m practically running Brookhaven Brews by myself, and you know it. When would I have time to date?”
I snort. “That’s what I told Gabriel.”
I lift the desk and weave through the crowded aisles packed with shelves, sectionals and dressers until I find a spot for it in the children’s section.
The store smells like wood polish and lavender air freshener, and the space is crammed full of treasures just waiting for new homes.
I love being in here, it reminds me of when I was a little girl and would tag along with my siblings to the store on the weekend’s when my mom and dad had to work. Gabriel and I would duck in and out of the rows of stacked furniture, playing tag until our parents were ready to leave.
A pang rushes through my chest at the memory and how badly I miss them. I rub there and before I can ask Natasha if there’s anything else that needs stocking, the cheerful jingle of the front doorbells signals a customer arrival.
Setting the desk down near the other kid-sized furniture, I straighten and make my way back to the front.
My cousin is already talking to someone at the front, a striking young woman with dark blonde hair, soft, round green eyes, and a warm smile wearing a chic leather jacket. The woman is flipping through a rack of vintage curtains, chatting animatedly with my cousin like they’ve known each other forever.
As I approach, Natasha glances at me with a mischievous grin, clearly plotting something.
“Rhiannon,” she says, waving me over. “Come meet Rosie. She just moved to Brookhaven from New York City.”
Rosie? Why does that name sound so familiar. “Hi, Rhiannon Carpenter. I’m one of the owner’s here.”
As Rosie turns to greet me, I can’t help but notice her eyes are sharp, assessing, and there’s something so memorable about them.
“Hi,” she says, turning and smiling at me.
“You just moved to Brookhaven? Are you a commuter to the city? It’s always fascinating to meet someone who moves here after living in the city of dreams.”
She smiles kindly. “My place here is more of a weekend getaway. I wanted to be close to the water, and since Brookhaven’s just a train ride away from the city, with the prettiest and largest lake this close, it felt perfect. I’m loving it so far.”
I nod. “Well, welcome to our town. It’s small, but there’s lots to do. Especially this time of the year with the holidays. And whenthe lake freezes over and we get snow, it’s magical if you’re into ice skating.”
She smiles. “I’ll keep that in mind. Might need someone to teach me how to skate, though.”
“Is there anything we can help you find today?”
