Page 14 of When In Doubt

“When I took over the store?”

“When you moved.” Oscar raises an eyebrow. I’m confused, not sure what he means.

“Moved here?”

“No, when you moved to Connecticut.”

Did somebody tell him I used to live here? Whatever my expression, Oscar lets out a chuckle—one that doesn’t carry much joy.

“I figured you didn’t remember me.”

My stomach drops. Oh God. I thought he looked familiar… “We know each other?” I blurt out, less gracefully than I would have liked.

“I grew up here, we went to school together,” he says with an awkward smile. My fingers curl into fists inside my pockets, guilt gnawing at me. He must think I’m such an ass for forgetting that.

Though, in fairness, I wasn’t exactly a social butterfly as a child. I can’t think of anyone who made a particular impression on me, unless they were being nasty.

“Freya, it’s not a big deal,” he says, and I nod. “I was like, two grades ahead? I just remember seeing you around.”

“Oh.” My cheeks heat, and I glance around at the other diners. People are chatting, going about their mornings. A few look over at us, some watching curiously for a moment before going back to their meals. “I’m sorry. I feel rude that I didn’t recognize you.”

“Seriously, it’s fine.” Though something in his face disagrees. “You were, what, ten? Eleven? I wouldn’t expect you to remember.”

“Okay,” I say quietly, nodding down at my shoes. Now that he’s said it, there’s definitely something there, I just can’t pinpoint it.

“So, what brought you back?”

I clam up a little, not sure what to say, how much I want to give away.

“Just wanted a fresh start.” I shrug, hoping I’m pulling off the nonchalance I’m going for. I’ve only just met this guy. Well, re-met him, apparently. He doesn’t need the whole sordid story of everything I left in the rearview. “Elsie wanted to move closer to her son, so she offered to lease me the storefront.”

“Did you always want your own yarn store?”

I grin. “For a long time, yeah.”

His lips tip up under his scruff and he hums. “Are you liking being back?”

“It’s been nice, just a bit of an adjustment,” I lie, not wanting to drone on about how lonely I’ve felt, how much time I’ve spent second-guessing myself.

“Sure.”

“I’m still just settling in, getting my apartment sorted.”

“You’re at the Croft right?”

I frown. “Yeah?”

“Small town.” He rolls his eyes. “People talk.”

“About where I live?”

“Yeah, you know Mrs. Parker?” I nod, recognizing my downstairs neighbor. “The moment you pulled into the front lot she was on the phone to half the people in town, telling them about the ‘nice young lady with all the boxes of clothes.’”

I flush. Does the whole town know about my addiction to swing dresses?

“How are you finding the apartment?” he asks.

“It’s okay.” I shrug, glancing over at the counter wondering when my drink will be ready. I’ve never been good at this kind of small talk.