Finding Love in Ivy Falls

Chapter Thirty-Nine

TESSA

Eight Bordering On Nine

I paced in between the biography and self-help aisles. After months of preparation, and too many sleepless nights, this was finally happening. That small idea shared between Manny and me in the streets of my beloved town was now a reality.

People were going to come to my store to hang out again, buy a coffee or drink tea, and relax among the stacks. Pick out a new book and remember why this little place was an important part of the community. Why they should shop here instead of one of the chain stores, or one of those big online websites that not only sold books but twenty-five rolls of toilet paper, a gallon of peanut butter, or a thousand other items you didn’t need.

I kept pacing until Torran stalked down the aisle toward me. ‘Why doesn’t it surprise me to find you back here?’

I shook out my hands and feet, willing my nerves to settle.

‘Hey.’ She reached for my shoulders. ‘Number?’

‘A negative two,’ I said with a caustic laugh.

‘There is no reason to worry, Tessa. Beck is helping Dad bring in extra chairs. Piper and Penny are behind the bar handing out free samples of that blonde roast you recommended. Mrs Vanderpool and Miss Marta spent the last few minutes drooling over the baked goods Barb and Susan made, and Isabel has the girls corralled over in the children’s section.’

‘Tell me again why I agreed to say a few words. I hate public speaking. It’s only in the last few months that I’ve finally gotten used to reading during story hour.’

‘You’ve got this. All the people here love you. They are not expecting anything grand. Go out there and show them your normal warmth. Introduce them to your new offerings and then cut the ribbon. That’s all you have to do.’

Everything she was saying was true, but I wished my heart, which was currently doing the conga, would get the message.

Torran looked over her shoulder at where Beck was having a conversation with our dad.

‘Did you ever figure out what was up with him?’ I asked.

‘Work is stressing him out, and I’m making too big of a deal out of it.’ She closed her lips tight, looking a little bit guilty.

‘What did you do?’

‘I cornered Pete. Told him I’d make Manny unavailable for a lot longer for that client, Teddy Ray, if he didn’t tell me what was up.’

‘So you’re blackmailing people now?’ I laughed.

‘It’s not blackmail. It’s subtle coercion.’ She laughed too. ‘Anyway, he admitted that they’ve been working long hours on some new medical equipment account that has a pretty big budget.’

‘See, you were making up too many dire scenarios in your head. Exactly like Manny said.’

‘I know. Just when I think I’m getting over the part of me that’s terrified Beck will run again, that I have to trust him, I’m reminded I’ve still got things I need to work on.’

‘Don’t we all,’ I sighed.

‘How are things with Manny? Did you call him? Is he coming tonight?’

‘Why wouldn’t he come? The reason this is happening is because of his help.’

She pointed that ornery stare at me. ‘Tessa, did you call him?’

‘No,’ I confessed. ‘But he knows he’s invited.’

She flapped her hands at her sides. ‘I thought we talked about this. He needs to hear from you.’

‘I know, but what if it doesn’t work between us and I lose him? That I already have because of the mess my life has become.’

Torran held my gaze for a long beat. She only did this when she wasn’t sure how I’d react to whatever was spinning through her head. ‘Don’t get mad at me, but I think it’s more than that.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘You’re hesitating because you’re scared. It’s easier to let things get in the way, avoid an uncomfortable conversation, rather than facing the chance of getting hurt again.’

I both loved and hated that she knew me so damn well. ‘What if he doesn’t want me? If he’s realized all of this is too complicated?’

She held on to my hands like she understood I needed to be steadied. ‘All you can do is be honest. Tell him how you feel. That’s what Mom would say.’

I nodded, even as the waves of nerves still spun through me. ‘Have you heard anything from Hearth and Home?’ I said, desperate to get my mind off the fear and sense of impending doom rattling my bones.

‘Lauren texted me. Said she was coming tonight but nothing about the contract.’ She let go of my hands and chewed on her bottom lip. ‘I’ve decided to tell her I’m out if the network won’t agree to Manny’s terms.’

‘Tor,’ I gasped. ‘Are you sure? The show has helped the town and your business so much.’

‘None of that matters without my best friend beside me. Finances might get tight again, but all I wanted was to bring people back to Ivy Falls. Remind them what an amazing place this is. I’ve done my part. Now it’s up to the mayor.’

Right on cue, Dad strode down the aisle toward us. He looked handsome in his deep green dress shirt and charcoal pants.

‘Tessa, honey, people are asking for you.’

‘You done hiding?’ Torran teased.

‘Yes,’ I grumbled.

I followed her and Dad to the center of the store and came to a stumbling stop. Our friends were packed shoulder to shoulder in the small space. A crowd pressed against the coffee bar. The overstuffed chairs and sofas were filled with the people I knew and loved in Ivy Falls.

‘This night should be an eight bordering on a nine,’ Torran said. ‘You’ve put in the work. Go and mingle. Enjoy your victory.’ She gave my shoulder one last squeeze before heading toward the coffee bar where Beck stood with Piper.

Tonight, Piper was wearing a soft pink blouse and black skirt. Looking at her was a positive reminder that you could rise from the ashes. Make a good life if you focused on what was important. Didn’t let fear take hold.

These last months had felt like I was standing on the edge of a rocky cliff. That with one wrong move, the ground beneath me would easily give way. In this moment it was like the wind gave me a gentle nudge back. Spun me around and sent me in the right direction. Whispered that I knew what to do.

I set my chin and went in search of Manny, hoping he was here. After saying hello to Dr Sheridan and his wife, as well as Maisey and her husband, I found him planted on the rainbow rug in the children’s section. Iris sat crisscross applesauce in front of him. Manny was laser-focused on her head, giving her the same kind of fancy braid as Lou. Rose bounced on her toes nearby, waiting for her own turn.

How did I ever think I could have space from this man? His actions never had an underlying motive. When he gave me his word, there was no doubt he’d keep it. And when his hands moved across my skin, a warmth shifted over me like my body understood that every moment spent in his arms was precious.

Penny stepped beside me, and a devilish grin slid over her face. ‘Do you think if I sat in front of him, he’d do my hair too?’

I hip-checked her with a laugh. ‘No, ma’am, you have customers you need to ring up,’ I said, tipping my chin to the growing line at the register.

‘Fine,’ she mumbled. ‘And for your information, everyone adores the sign.’

After a few rounds, Penny had finally come up with: Thank you, Ivy Falls. We love you a latte! It wasn’t as funny as some of her other suggestions, but it said exactly how we felt about this town.

‘It’s a good one.’

‘I know,’ she clucked happily. ‘Before I go back to that’ – she flailed her hands to the growing line at the register – ‘we need some smaller bills. Tens and fives.’

‘I’ll take care of it.’

As I made my way to the office, Isabel stopped me. She looked beautiful in her yellow skirt and matching cardigan. Her snow-white hair swept back in an elegant bun.

‘The coffee bar was a genius idea. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished.’

‘Thank you for being here.’

‘I would not miss it for the world.’ Her gaze scanned the room.

‘My dad was going to check out the new books I got in on gardening.’

Her lips twitched. ‘Hmm. He was talking recently about growing tomatoes.’ She started toward the non-fiction shelves, and I couldn’t help but smile at how she practically danced all the way there.

I was almost to the door of the office when Mrs Vanderpool stepped into my path. Tonight, Baby was wearing a sweater that looked very similar to the traditional Burberry pattern. Where did she find them?

‘Child.’ Mrs Vanderpool’s voice didn’t have its usual steely tone. It was soft and almost watery. ‘Your mother would be proud of you. This store has been the beating heart of this community since the day she opened the doors. I believe she is looking down upon you with a warm smile and a grateful heart for all you’ve done to save it.’

I swallowed back the thickness in my throat. ‘Thank you. That means a lot to me.’

‘I must also apologize for overstepping with Billy. Sometimes I let my mouth run off before I think things through. I should have checked with you first before I offered him the apartment. Talked to Silvio about that job.’ Her lips went tight. A warning that Billy hadn’t checked in with Silvio lately.

Mrs Vanderpool glanced over her shoulder to where Silvio was laughing along to some story Ferris was telling about his prized roses.

Wait. Was that a blush on her cheeks?

‘It’s all right, you only meant well, Mrs Vanderpool,’ I said, not hiding my grin.

‘Please, call me Greta.’ She tore her gaze away from Silvio. ‘You’re a grown woman now. No formalities are needed.’

‘That’ll be hard. You’ve always been Mrs Vanderpool to me.’

‘Don’t you mean “Old Mrs Vanderpool”?’

I shifted uneasily on my feet, and she cackled.

‘It doesn’t bother me,’ she said, stroking Baby’s head. ‘In fact, I’m glad I have a nickname. It means I’m seen. And when you’re an old widow with no kids, it’s good to know people still think of you enough to whisper your name out like a curse sometimes.’

She patted my hand and went to greet the rest of her friends in the book club, who’d already confirmed they’d be returning to the store to have their meetups from now on.

The chatter continued to rise in the store, and I took in the scene.

This was my hometown.

My family.

They’d shown up for me in so many ways. Yes, they were nosey. Knew way too much about my private life. But they were also what made Ivy Falls home. Why my mother had wanted to build this store in the first place. So we all had a place to gather. To rest. To escape the worries of the world and get lost in a good book. I’d never stop being grateful that she’d put the care of this place in my hands.

Penny waved at me from the counter and mouthed ‘change’, reminding me of my task.

I walked to the office, laughter ringing in my ears. When I reached the door, I turned the handle, but it wouldn’t give. Penny must have locked it because of all the people moving around the store. I pulled out my key and let myself in. Only a few steps over the threshold, a hand slammed over my mouth, and the door swung shut behind me.