Trepidation skittered up her spine, making her skin erupt in goosebumps. The distant sound of laughter carried on the wind as her eyes landed on the shaded section of the cliffside.
Instead of an open area, she saw a bench which hadn’t been there the last time she climbed up this mountainside. And upon the bench sat a familiar head of dark blond hair she recognized immediately.
Jake.Her body tensed as anger and irritation flared in her gut.What the hell is he doing here? And why is he everywhere?
Stomping over to the bench, her footsteps loudly announced her presence, though Jake didn’t bother to turn around.
She circled the bench and stared down at a peaceful Jake, who looked like he was relaxing under the fading sun.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
Ten
JAKE
After an exhausting hour talking to Alina, who agreed enthusiastically to help Marley with her insane rehabilitation program to re-socialize Gia to Willowbrook, they headed farther away from town toward the inn.
Alina was the new community events coordinator for the town. She had lived in Willowbrook until graduation, when she ventured off to the city. Based on the murmurs in town, Alina landed a cushy job with a prestigious company but returned to town this past spring. Though the reason for her return was unknown, her presence was a welcome one. Alina worked tirelessly to organize and revitalize the town’s summer carnival while also building a recreational baseball league for both children and adults.
Jake forgot Gia and Alina had been friendly during their time together at school. Though they never hung out outside of classes, Alina still remembered Gia fondly, which helped their case.
At Marley’s direction, he drove them from the community center to the Willowbrook Inn near the base of the popular hiking trails. When they pulled into the parking lot, they found Diem arguing with Silas, the town’s only handyman.
Despite Diem’s expressive and clearly irate gesticulating, Silas remained standing stoically as she pointed toward the inn. The parking lot was empty, which probably had to do with theClosed for Renovationssign hung haphazardly on the closed door.
When Diem saw Jake and Marley approaching, she puffed a breath, her sideswept bangs fluttering. She pasted a wide smile in greeting.
Silas acknowledged them with a small nod before trudging past them into the inn.
“Hey, Jake! Marley! What are you guys doing here?” Diem said enthusiastically.
“Actually, we wanted to talk?—”
“Are you okay?” Marley interrupted.
Taken aback by the question, Diem turned her attention to Marley.
“Oh, that? Yeah, I’m fine. You know how stubborn Silas is.” Diem waved her hand in the air dismissively. “He’ll come around, eventually.”
Jake grimaced at her high-pitched laugh, not fully convinced. And judging by the lack of expression on Marley’s face, he was sure she didn’t believe it either.
“Anyway, what brings you folks around here? I don’t get a lot of visitors coming my way.” Diem gestured at the inn behind her, which was looking a little rough around the edges with its overgrown hedges. The inn had been owned by Victoria for as long as Jake could remember. Diem, who turned out to be a distant niece, inherited the property when Victoria passed away a few months ago.
“Actually, we were wondering when the ballroom would be ready. I know you and Alina have partnered up to host the town’s fall event.” Jake tucked his hands in his back pocket and rocked back on his heels.
“Oh, yes. Um, well, here’s the thing. The ballroom isn’t quite up to code yet. So, we may need to change plans. I’ll know moreonce Silas gets his act together.” Diem ran a hand through her hair with a grimace.
“Gotcha. Actually, this might work out even better. Alina said the community center could host the town fundraiser. Maybe you could set up a booth, too!” Marley suggested, her eyes flicking to the building in need of repair.
“Right. I’ll think about it.” She crossed her arms.
“Oh, we also wanted to talk to you about something we’re working on and need some help with.” Marley wiggled her eyebrows comically.
Curious, Diem leaned in closer, eager to hear what Marley had in mind.
Jake stood nearby, hands tucked in his pants pockets, while Marley relayed her genius plan on how they needed trusted spies to help them keep an eye on Gia’s whereabouts around town so Jake could “pop” in.
“Oh! Like a happy accident!”
