Sitting down beside her feels oddly normal. Steam rises from the coffee in her hands, and faint freckles are sprinkled across her nose.
The meeting begins, and people discuss town improvements, ideas, complaints, and celebrations. When the floor opens for new speakers, I stand up.
“Hello, everyone. I’m Everett Callahan. I just moved back and purchased the theater. I’m excited to bring it back to life, modernize it a little while still keeping the charm. And hopefully provide a place for you to enjoy it for years to come.”
There are nods and smiles, a few skeptical looks, understandable, it’s a small town. But mostly supportive murmurs. Julia from the general store immediately suggests a fundraiser to help repair the building.A fundraiser, I like that idea.It’s a community event everyone can be a part of.
After the meeting, groups of people gather to talk. My eyes find Violet again, standing behind a small table she’s set up with muffins, donuts, and coffee. I make my way over.
“Thanks for bringing the snacks and coffee,” I say.
“It’s the least I can do. People can get crabby without their coffee, and that would be detrimental to a town meeting,” she says, chuckling.
Just as I am about to say something, someone calls her name. “Hey Vi, how was the meeting?”
“Lily, this is Everett. Everett, this is my sister, Lily.”
“You’ll have to excuse me, I’ve heard all sorts of things about you,” Lily says with a mischievous look in her eye as she shakes my hand.
“Good things, I hope?” I ask.
“You’ll never know,” she says, winking.
Violet steps toward us. “Everett just bought the theater and he’s going to renovate it. Julia suggested a fundraiser to help with the costs.”
Lily looks at Violet, then at me, and back to Violet. “Vi, why don’t you help organize the fundraiser. You know everyone intown, and your café is such a success, I’m sure Everett would love to pick your brain.”
Sensing a little tension, I add, “Actually, that would be perfect. I’m not the most organized guy. Having someone like you would be more than helpful,” I say to Violet.
Grinning, Violet answers, “I don’t usually babysit men with big plans.”
I laugh. “Oh, it’s not babysitting. Think of it as creative collaboration.”
Violet rolls her eyes, but that smile can’t be hidden. I catch Violet giving Lily the eye, a silent, “How dare you!”
“Well, if you think you can handle me, I suppose I can help,” she says.
“Excellent, I’ll hold you to that,” I say, winking at her, grinning like a kid.
Lily claps her hands together, her voice cheery. “Looks like my work here is done.” She waves and leaves, turning back once to glance at us.
When Violet catches my eye, the rest of the room fades. “So, when should we start this fundraiser planning?” she asks.
“Whenever you’re free, Violet. I’ll follow your lead,” I reply.
She smirks and shakes her head. “You might regret that,” she says softly, but I know I won’t.
7
Everett
Coming home wasn’t the hard part; staying is.
I forgot how loud a small town can be. Every look I get, I wonder if it’s judgment. Every “hey, stranger” has me curious about their true intentions.
My mom taught me to always be polite, so that’s what I do. I nod and smile, give a little laugh and say “hey” back.
It’s been a struggle to be looked at as the person who left years ago. In a small town like this, history sticks harder than truth, and no one has bothered asking me who I am now. Twenty years is a long time.
