“Alright. Josh is around somewhere pretending to fix things that Ma said needed fixing, so if I don’t answer, try his cell.” I pull on a Maple Cove baseball cap and give my little sister a playful punch in the shoulder before heading out the back toward the dock.
Chloe and her friend are filling bowls with fruit, yogurt, and granola at the counter in the great room. I try to slip by unnoticed, but fail miserably.
“Luke Huffman, you snuck by me before, but not this time.”Fuck.
I paste on a smile and take my hat off, turning to face Chloe and her friend—what was her friend’s name again? I’m not even sure I was told.
“Morning, ladies. How are we doing today?”
“Better now, obviously.” She bats her heavily made-up eyes at me and bites seductively into a strawberry. She’s wearing shorts that are too short and a crop top that shows more than it covers. Her friend is wearing almost the same outfit, just with a differently colored shirt. I feel like a younger version of me might have found them attractive once upon a time. They’re certainly not unattractive. They just aren’t…
The realization hits me like a ton of bricks. Liv. They aren’t Liv.
I drift back to this morning and how she looked when I ran into her on the path. Walking next to her, hands animated as she spoke, the way her face scrunched and her eyebrows moved, I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. She talked so passionately about the work she does. She isn’t settling for a job that pays the bills or hunting for someone to take care of her. Liv seems happy to pave her way, and something about that drive and determination is so sexy.
Everything about her is beautiful. Fresh-faced first thing in the morning with glasses? Goddamn, she’s a walking fantasy. When she spoke and her arms moved, her shirt lifted just enough to give me a glimpse of a toned stomach, but not enough for me to really see what she kept hidden under her clothes. There’s something to be said for a little mystery.
Liv has some walls up, that’s for sure. She questioned everything, like she needed to know my intentions for every question—and I liked it. I just need to figure out how to break down those walls, to get her to trust me enough to open up. Should be doable. I just need time, which is exactly what I don’t have.
What am I saying? I can’t get involved with a guest.Getting to know her doesn’t mean I’m involved. It means I’m being hospitable.
Giggling in front of me pulls me from my thoughts.
“Hellooo, earth to Luke.” The girls giggle again.
“Sorry, ladies, a lot on my mind.”
“We asked what you were up to today? Do you think youcould give us a ride into town? We need to do some shopping.”I’d rather inventory the linen closet.
“Ah, sorry, I can’t do that. I have some things that I need to get done around here. Holly, over at the desk, can call you a local cab or an Uber if you like, though it’s an enjoyable walk.” I suggest, trying to figure out how to get out of this conversation without seeming rude.
Chloe pushes her bubblegum-pink glossed lips out in an overly dramatic pout. “We don’t want to walk and get all sweaty. We really would ratheryoutake us.” She reaches her hand out and touches my arm.
I step away, pulling from her touch. “I really would like to help, but I have to get going on my to-do list. Holly will be happy to help you out!” With that, I slip past them. “You two enjoy your day.”
I leave, planning out all the ways I can be more hospitable.
Liv
I did not know French toast could melt in your mouth the way it did at brunch. Maybe it was the mimosas, or perhaps I just have an unappreciated love for French toast, I don’t know, but my goodness, it was yummy. Viv had eggs Benedict with perfectly crispy bacon. Between the two of us—moaning over our food and carrying on about how fresh and tasty the fruit was—I think several patrons questioned our use of pleasure-enhancing drugs. No drugs needed though, just good food and good vibes.
We spend the rest of the morning and early afternoon wandering the quiet streets of town, stopping at a storefront called Maple Cove Treasures. The little bell above the door tinkles as we enter, and I’m met with a familiar face sitting behind the counter. His nametag succinctly saysReg.
“Hey now, you’re the toe lady,” he says as we purchase matching beaded bracelets. This is our tradition: anytime Viv andI vacation together, we pick up a new beaded bracelet to remember the trip by. Viv scrunches her eyebrows at Reg’s declaration.
“Oh. Ha! Hi, Reg, how are you? This is my friend Viv.” I tilt my head toward her.
“What? I thoughtyourname was Viv.” He tilts his head forward to look at me over the rim of his glasses.
“Nope, I’m Liv.” I smile at him.
With an expressive eyebrow raise, Reg stares me down for an uncomfortable few seconds. “Liv and Viv? Are you messing with me or something?” He squints at us.
“Nope. Those are our actual names,” I answer.
“Well, it’s confusing.”
“Fair,” Viv says. We’re not hearing anything new.
