Adam laughed, placing a friendly hand on her shoulder. Something clattered in the kitchen, spinning itself to a jittery stop. “We’re happy to have you here. Let me know if Liv lets you down and you need a full tour. There’s a lot more to explore.”
She grinned and thanked him before the conversation turned to everywhere sheneededto visit in Beckett Falls. Everyone had someplace to suggest, from Pella’s Pond, up near the mountains, to Beckett Falls itself, located next to Adam’s lodge. Liv and Ben told her about a hiking trail accessible through their yard, and Noa gushed about the two-for-one happy hour at the Waning Wolf. For being such a tiny town, it had a lot to offer. No pizza place, though. She complained about that and was met with sympathetic nods.
“Someone might open one up over on New Road when it’s ready,” Able offered.
“Yeah, Fitz should,” Ben suggested.
“No. I have a job,” he grumbled softly, still hanging back near the island.
Noa lifted her fork defiantly. “Thenew road. NotNew Road. It’s not named yet!”
Things devolved into a friendly argument over whether or not the up-and-coming street should be named after a tree. Eventually, Liv ushered Fern and the arguers into the den off the spacious kitchen, and urged Fern to sit on a dining chair in front of the unlit fireplace. Fern wasn’t having it, but Liv threatened to revoke her presents if she didn’t behave. Feeling like the birthday girl, a bride-to-be, or even a mom-to-be—not that she’d ever been those last two—Fern took her seat and awaited her bounty.
The housewarming gifts were unbelievable. She got a gift card to Reads & Roasts from Noa, who’d learned of her love of books. Able built her a birdhouse to mount on one of her windows; she just had to promise not to hang it over the entrance to the shop. From Liv and Ben, she got a new, perfect pillow with a hand-embroidered design of the main waterfall, made by someone in town.
She opened Elliott’s present last, her own take-home loaf of bread, as promised. There was also a hand-thrown serving platter, a large salad bowl, and a tiny little dish on four stubby legs. The dish would make a great ashtray or a candy bowl—one or the other, but definitely not both. Each piece was glazed a different color. They’d lookperfectin her apartment, mismatched but meant to be a set, like her pillows, her towels, her dining chairs... everything she owned.
On her search to thank Elliott, she found him in the far corner of the room with his shoulders hunched, looking down at his phone.
“Thank you all so much,” she shouted, announcing her gratitude broadly instead. “I feel like it’s my freaking birthday. This is amazing!”
“Anything for you, my newest bestie.” Noa toasted her, “To Fern! Welcome to Beckett Falls!”
The group returned the sentiment, and one voice mumbled, lower than the rest. With a sigh, she finished her wine and accepted a refill from Ben, who was walking around with a bottle. Even though Adam was talking to her about a second waterfall near his house, Fern’s gaze kept drifting to Elliott. He’d let his hair down again and kept dragging his hands through it. She’d wanted to do that when he’d kissed her but hadn’t had the chance.
Ben reached Elliott with the wine and was waved off before the twomen had a brief, hushed conversation. Then Elliott disappeared onto the back patio and didn’t return.
The rest of the evening passed quickly, probably because Fern didn’t have anyone to sneak glances at from across the room.
“Liv, I’m going to have to come grab this stuff tomorrow,” she said, studying the footed bowl from Elliott, glossy and smooth, in all shades of blue.
“Why? We can help you carry it out to your car.”
“Oh, I walked.”
“Fern!”
“I’ll give you a ride,” Able offered, “I’m driving Noa, too.”
“Don’t you know there’s wild animals out here, Fern?” Olivia asked as Ben joined her on the cushy brown sofa and pulled her into his side.
“Only me?! Noa walked—and Elliott.”
“Fitz and Noa don’t count, they’re locals,” Ben offered.
“Ah, the wild animals check for proof of residence? Should I carry two bills and my ID?” Fern asked sarcastically.
With a punch of laughter, Adam reiterated, “I’ll give you a ride home, and I’ll even bring your new shit upstairs.”
That wouldn’t be so bad. It had been a long day… maybe not the longest Saturday ever, but at least top three.
“Thank you,” she replied with a smile, though she couldn’t help but wish it was Elliott offering to help.
7
Elliott flips out.
Elliottranaway.
