Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

Jake

I push open the door to Mr. Thompson's classroom, and my jaw drops. The place is buzzing with activity, volunteers bustling around with paintbrushes and tools in hand.

"Jake!" Mr. Thompson calls out, waving me over. "Can you believe this turnout?"

I shake my head, grinning. "It's amazing. I didn't expect so many people on a Saturday morning."

A volunteer brushes past us, carrying a stack of boards. "Where do you want these, Mr. T?"

"Over by the window, please," Mr. Thompson directs. He turns back to me. "Everyone's been so enthusiastic. It's heartwarming."

I roll up my sleeves. "Well, put me to work. What needs doing?"

Mr. Thompson hands me a paintbrush. "How about you start on that wall? We're thinking a soft blue. It'll make a nice backdrop for the pirate-themed mural."

As I dip the brush into the paint, a young woman joins me, masking tape in hand. "Hey, isn't that reporter usually with you? The one who's been covering the Wishing Wall?"

I feel a pang in my chest. "Sophia? She's on assignment today. Covering the fall festival at Wilson's Farm."

"Oh, the pumpkin patch and corn maze?" another volunteer asks. "My kids love that place."

I nod, trying to focus on the wall in front of me. "Yeah, it should make for a great story."

The conversation flows around me as we work, but I find my thoughts drifting to Sophia. I wonder if she's enjoying the festival and if she's thinking about me too.

"Earth to Jake," Mr. Thompson's voice breaks through my reverie. "You missed a spot."

I blink, realizing I've been painting the same section for the past five minutes. "Sorry, I was just..."

"Thinking about a certain reporter?" Mr. Thompson teases gently.

Before I can respond, the door swings open and Elena walks in, her arms full of books.

"Special delivery!" she announces. "I found a great adventure series I think the boys will love."

"Elena, you're a lifesaver," Mr. Thompson says, helping her with the books.

She looks around the room, nodding approvingly. "This is really coming together. Oh, Jake! I didn't see you there. Where's Sophia today?"

My cheeks heat up. "She's working. Covering the fall festival for the station."

Elena's eyes twinkle knowingly. "Ah, I see. Well, she's missing out on all the fun here."

As we sort through the new books, Elena leans in close. "You know, Jake, I noticed the way the two of you kept glancing at each other. Some real chemistry there."

I nearly drop the book I'm holding.

"Oh, honey. It's obvious to anyone with eyes. Did you go on a date?" Elena asks.

"Not really. We're working together." It would be unprofessional, wouldn't it? "We've had coffee together a couple of times."

Elena laughs. "You should go for it, ask her out properly."

"You think?" I ask.

"Absolutely," Elena nods firmly. "Life's too short to waste time wondering 'what if'. Take it from someone who knows."

I mull over her words as we continue working. Maybe she's right. Maybe it's time to take that leap.

The setting sun paints the Cape Fear River in hues of orange and gold as I lean against the railing at Riverfront Park. It's my favorite spot to come and think, the gentle lapping of water against the shore a soothing backdrop to my thoughts.

"Beautiful evening, isn't it?" a voice beside me says.

I turn to see an older man, probably in his seventies, gazing out across the water.

"It sure is." I nod in agreement.

"I don't think I've seen you around here before," the man comments. "New to Wilmington?"

I chuckle. "Not exactly. I've been here about six months now." I don't tell him that I stop by here at least once a week.

"Ah, still getting your sea legs then," he jokes. "How are you finding it?"

I take a moment to reflect, thinking back on everything that's happened since I moved here. "It's been surprising, actually. I feel like I've found my place here."

The man nods sagely. "That's a rare and wonderful thing, young man. Hold onto it."

As he ambles away, I turn back to the river, my thoughts drifting to Sophia. I wonder how her day at the fall festival went, if she's thinking about the Reading Oasis too.

As if summoned by my thoughts, my phone rings. Sophia's name flashes on the screen.

"Hey," I answer, unable to keep the smile out of my voice.

"Jake! How did it go today?" Sophia asks.

"It went really well," I say, filling her in on all the details—the volunteers, the progress we made, Elena's book delivery. "I can't wait for you to see it. It's really coming together."

"I wish I could have been there," she says, a tinge of regret in her voice.

"Hey, don't worry about it. You've been such a huge part of this project. We couldn't have done any of this without you,"

"Really?"

"Really. Without you, we wouldn't have gotten supplies and funds together so quickly. You've inspired so many people to get involved."

I can almost hear her smile through the phone. "Thanks, Jake. That means a lot."

"So, how was the fall festival?"

As Sophia launches into a vivid description of pumpkin carving contests and corn maze adventures, I find myself wishing I could have been there with her.

"I'll send you some pictures," she says. "Unless you've already seen everything on social media."

"I have not." But I will, as soon as we wrap up our conversation.

"Oh!" she exclaims suddenly. "I almost forgot. Did you take pictures of the Reading Oasis progress? I'd love to post an update."

"I didn't take a single picture all day," I say. "It honestly didn't even occur to me."

Sophia laughs. "Seriously? Have I taught you nothing?"

"I guess I was so caught up in the work, it didn't even cross my mind," I say. "See? That's why I need you there. You never forget the important stuff."

"Well, I guess you'll just have to give me a personal tour soon," she teases. "And I'm sure you did plenty of important stuff today."

"Not unless you count assembling shelving units and painting walls." I turn and lean back against the rail. The sun has set and it's getting dark.

"I do," Sophia says with a yawn.

"I should let you go." I'm surprised how reluctant I am to end our conversation. "I'm sure you've had a long day.

"I did. And I should probably fix something to eat." She seems as reluctant to end the call as I am. "Sounds like you had a pretty busy day too. Let's catch up soon."

"What are you doing tomorrow night?" I ask, my heart racing. "Would you like to have dinner with me?"

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I worry I've overstepped.

"I'd love to," she says.