Chase Our Forever (Sutten Mountain #3)

6. Liv

6

LIV

“Pippa, you don’t know me. I can’t just sleep on your couch tonight. What if I’m a serial killer?”

Pippa rolls her eyes as she cleans off a nearby table. I’ve managed to hang out at Wake and Bake all day, avoiding getting back on the road. When I first came into town early this morning, I thought it’d be a quick stop. I was starving, and it had food. But the longer I’m at Wake and Bake, chatting with various people who stopped by and getting to know Pippa and Lexi, the more I realize I don’t want to leave.

Lexi left a while ago, having to go home to help her grandmother take care of her siblings. I’ve learned a lot about Pippa in the calm between lunch and dinner. I’ve learned so much about her that I now feel closer to her. I really think, in time, she could become a good friend. She was forthcoming with her entire story, something I should learn to be. Opening Wake and Bake was her dream for as long as she could remember.

I also learned that her family owns a ranch here in Sutten where they do trail rides—something I’d love to do if I end up spending some extra time here. She has a brother, whose name I forgot, but is the one taking over the ranch for her father.

She shared with me that her mother passed not too long ago, but it was touching to hear her speak about the amazing woman she was. I never met my mother; she left me with my father and chose not to be in my life.

Her brother is also engaged to the Marigold Evans, the author of Rewrite Our Story . I read the first book and fell absolutely in love. I’ve been waiting to read the second, and I still don’t think I’ve fully wrapped my mind around the fact Pippa’s her best friend. Or that her brother is the inspiration behind the book. The thought of getting back on the road makes me feel sad, but I’ve been planning to leave Florida for years. I thought I’d be on this long trip for weeks before I found somewhere I wanted to stay. But now, I’m only days into the trip and already considering staying—at least for a little while.

“You know, your dimples are far too cute for you to be a serial killer. I listen to true crime all the time. You’re not giving me serial killer vibes.”

I laugh as I pick at a stray thread on my shorts. “I think a lot of serial killers don’t give off killer vibes. That’s how they get away with it for years.”

Pippa places her hands on her hips as she stares at me with a smirk. “Liv, are you a serial killer?”

I shake my head. “I’m far too squeamish. The sight of blood makes me want to pass out.” A shiver runs through me at the memories flooding my brain. I try to push them away, wanting to leave all thoughts of busted lips and open cuts behind.

“Okay, then do you need a place to stay for the night?” For the last five minutes, Pippa’s been trying to convince me to sleep in her guest room before my meeting with Dean tomorrow.

I was hesitant about the idea of speaking to him more, but Lexi and Pippa convinced me it was worth it to at least try. If it doesn’t seem like a good fit, I can always hit the road again. Or if I decide I still want to stay in Sutten a little longer, I can see if there are any other job openings. But the idea of a job where I don’t have to pay for housing is very tempting, even if I never expected to become a nanny.

“Liv?” Pippa prods, reminding me she’d asked me a question.

I blink, bringing my attention back to her. “What did you ask again?” I question, feeling guilty for my mind wandering.

“I asked if you needed a place to stay tonight.”

I shake my head as I give her a smile that I hope conveys how thankful I am for her offer. “No, thank you,” I begin, knowing I should probably be heading out soon. It’s already dinner time, and as much as I’ve loved feasting on baked goods all day, I would like to find a meal somewhere. Something warm and filling, with maybe even a vegetable or two. “It’s kind of you to offer, and I really appreciate it, but I’m fine with booking a room somewhere.”

She nods her head as she lets out a sigh. “Are you sure? I really don’t mind. I just want you to stay in Sutten.”

“I’m positive. I really appreciate the offer and hope you don’t mind me declining. I will be staying in Sutten, and you will be seeing me again, but tonight, I’d like to rent a room somewhere. Do you have anywhere you recommend?”

“My personal favorite is the Sutten Mountain Inn, and Carmen there is one of my favorite people in town.”

I give her a smile, hoping she isn’t upset with me for declining her offer. I’m not very good at asking people for help, and it turns out I’m even worse at accepting help from a stranger. If I’m going to stay in Sutten for a night, I’d like to pay to stay somewhere just like anyone else passing through would. “And where is Sutten Mountain Inn?”

Pippa lets me drop the conversation about staying with her. It’s just another thing I like about her. She doesn’t push for more information or explanation. “It’s at the edge of town. About ten minutes from here. Since it isn’t quite the busy season yet, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a room.”

I rub my lips together, hoping the stay for one night isn’t too pricey. If I really do want to stay longer in Sutten, I’ll have to find a job soon. Maybe I will with Dean. Or maybe I won’t. Either way, staying one night at the inn while I figure things out shouldn’t put me back too much. “Perfect. I might head there soon, then.”

“I hope to see you again tomorrow morning. You won’t just decide to leave in the middle of the night, will you?”

I shake my head with a soft laugh. “Like I said, I promise you’ll see me tomorrow morning. I’ve got to meet with my potential future boss, remember? Besides, I don’t love driving at night, and I wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”

Her smile is bright and wide. “How crazy would it be if you started working for Dean? It’d almost be like fate that you stopped here and got a job out of it. All because of my pumpkin cinnamon rolls. I knew there was a reason I wanted to make them on a Tuesday, even though I typically save them for the weekends.”

This makes me laugh even louder as I shove my book back into my purse. “It really would be because of your cinnamon rolls. The moment I took a bite, I knew I needed to find a way to stay here longer.”

It’s quiet for a moment as Pippa stares at me. She continues to smile, but I have no idea what’s going through her mind. Her shoulders fall with a small sigh. “I’m glad you came into my cafe today, Liv. I really want you to stay. Something about you just makes me feel like I’m supposed to know you. Like we were meant to be friends.”

I blink, trying to figure out what I’m supposed to say back.

Are people in all small towns this nice? Or is it only just this one? Have I stepped into a small town straight out of a Hallmark movie?

I’m not used to people being nice. In fact, I’m used to the opposite. I grew up always having to have my guard up around others, so the smile I give her is probably awkward. It feels awkward. “Thank you,” I manage to get out, feeling incredibly grateful to have met her today.

She lifts her hands, her smile not faltering at all. “I’m a hugger. Can I give you a hug?”

I’m not typically a hugger. Not because I don’t enjoy them, but I just never get close enough with people to show affection like that. But she’s just been so nice to me, and I’m ecstatic at the thought of possibly making a friend. A real, true friend. So even though I know I’m probably not very good at it and my body’s probably stiff, I step into her arms and give her a hug.

It doesn’t last long, but it feels nice. I’m the one to pull away first, but the smile I give her is genuine this time.

I feel hopeful that maybe this town has far more to offer me than I ever expected. And most of all, maybe it’ll be the first place to bring me happiness.

Maybe, even if it’s just for a short amount of time, it’ll feel like home.