Chapter 5

5

The hot liquid slid down his throat, soothing his rattled nerves. It was his second cup, and he knew he’d need a third to get his bearings back. It had been a week of hell. He’d vacated his residence to avoid Denise at all costs. Juliet had graciously let him crash at her place in the spare room, but he knew he couldn’t do that for the duration of the divorce. It could take a while.

Their lawyers had already chatted, and she was still claiming he had slept with Lila. Though no proof. The PI Griffin hired had already procured the proof he needed for her infidelity. She was sleeping with Judge Riner’s son, Eric. The man himself was a lawyer and no doubt thought it would make it easier to skate the truth.

They were both denying it despite the photo evidence.

One week and she was already pounding him into the ground. Never in anyone’s presence did she show how cruel and horrid she could be. But as soon as they all disappeared, she did what she did best: broke the man inside.

His only bright spot was Lila.

She kept him sane and the light burning inside him. She made him laugh and feel good about himself. And she kept everything professional between them. Denise might claim he’d slept with her, which he hadn’t, but it didn’t mean he didn’t want to.

For the first time in a very, very long time, he wanted another woman. He’d been faithful to his wife, never letting his gaze linger too long on another woman. Now he couldn’t keep his eyes off one. He shouldn’t feel guilty about it because his marriage was over, but he did. Every time he had a lustful thought about Lila, the guilt attacked him, making him feel worse inside.

He wanted the divorce to be finalized. But he knew with Denise running the show, she’d drag it on until there was nothing left but a shell of a man.

Besides Lila, the other bright spot was news of the fire in the cafe. An electrical issue with one of Juliet’s new fridges had gone haywire, causing the fire. Juliet was in the process of fixing the damage to reopen. She was also arguing with the company where she bought the fridge to handle the expenses for delivering a faulty item. Nothing nefarious to the fire. Thank goodness for that.

Lila had no other problems outside her cottage. Good news on that front as well. One of the neighbors had been walking in the woods and used her yard to cut through to his own. Griffin had procured that information after chatting with a few neighbors, trying to get an inkling if they had seen anything odd. The backyard camera also confirmed the same thing.

All in all, his only issue was his soon-to-be ex-wife.

Even the carnival they were planning was coming together without any hitches. They’d decided renting any rides would bring liability they didn’t want, much to Lila’s disappointment. He secretly vowed he’d have a summer carnival, invite her, and make sure she had the best time. Not because he liked her more than he should but because she was helping their town come back to life. She deserved the recognition for a job well done.

Instead, they would be having an ice sculpture festival, fireworks, and all the fun carnival games that people loved. It would be the best winter festival their town ever put on. He swore he’d make it happen. Lila said she was still working on getting the best entertainer to draw the crowds in.

“Sorry I’m late. I hate driving in the snow,” Lila said as she rushed through his office doorway, setting his much-needed third cup of coffee in front of him. Bryce grabbed the coffee cup. “I nearly ran into the ditch.”

He burned his throat, gulping too much at her words. “Are you okay?”

A gentle smile graced her beautiful face as she took a seat. His worried expression must’ve been way too obvious because she reached forward to brush his hand, but stopped herself at the last second.

“I’m okay. I said I nearly ran into it, not that I did. Driving with snow on the road is not something you can get used to. At least not for me.”

He let out a silent breath, forcing a smile out. Taming his racing heart was a different matter altogether.

“If it ever gets to be too much, I can pick you up.”

“Bryce, you already do enough for me. Stop worrying I’m going to pick up and leave town. I’m good. I like it here.”

Yeah, but not enough to stay.

That thought rolled through his mind, surprising him. He didn’t want her to stay forever. Of course not. Only until the town was back to normal and bringing the festive cheer to everyone visiting.

And he had reason to worry. Denise wasn’t being silent about her accusations. He knew Lila received looks from people, wondering if she had slept with him. Though, most knew it to be the lie it was. They’d seen Denise’s viciousness before he ever had. How had he been so blind for so long? Well, not necessarily blind. He’d wanted to save his marriage, not admit defeat.

“So, good news, last night I found a band to come play at the festival.”

They’d started calling it a festival rather than a carnival once they’d nixed the idea of rides. Winter festival sounded better.

“That’s wonderful. Who?” he asked as he took a tentative sip of the coffee this time.

“Well, so, they’re not super famous around the entire country, but,” she drawled with a hopeful smile, “they are pretty big in the area I’m from in California. They will draw in people from there. Which is what we want! New people coming to town.”

Her enthusiasm didn’t hide her worry. He could sense her underlying concern about the entire event.

“Okay. I trust you. Who is it?”

“They have a unique band name. Don’t be concerned about it. People love it. Because it’s unique.”

Bryce nodded, hoping that would encourage her to spill it. He didn’t like to be held in suspense, at least not about something this important.

“They’re The Cackling Bellies, and they play the best rock music I’ve ever heard.”

“The Cackling Bellies?” She had to be joking. They couldn’t advertise that kind of band name with a town that celebrated Christmas year-round.

“Look.” She leaned forward again, desperation now displayed. “I’m going to be honest. I’ve had trouble finding someone. The ones I tried to reel in wouldn’t do it. This is my brother’s band and they’re good. Like, really good. They’ve headlined for some big stars, so it’s not like they’re some nobodies. They will bring in a crowd. I promise you. I even told him to start practicing some Christmas songs.”

He couldn’t afford to be picky. This was her job and he had to have faith in her.

“If you’re not worried, then I’m not.”

“Okay, great. Perfect.” She rested back, grinning from ear-to-ear. “They will be here tomorrow to mingle with everyone and to set up. This should draw some people in advance for next week’s festival.”

“I will call Joy to have a place ready for them.”

She waved him off. “I already did. They have a cottage all booked. I will have ads going with their name plastered everywhere. They’ve even announced on their website they’ll be playing here next week. He did that last night, and Joy told me she already reserved two places for a week stay. So it’s already working!”

Now her enthusiasm seemed real, and it worked to rub off on him. He wanted to stand up and hug her. Despite his urge to do so, his butt remained in his seat because he knew that hug could easily turn into a kiss. He wanted to kiss her so badly the ache inside made his gut hurt.

“That is wonderful news. We better get busy on all the other aspects of the festival.”

She waved her folder and notebook she brought everywhere. “I’m ready. Let’s dive in.”

They got to work, and Bryce tried his hardest, as usual, not to stare at her. The way she smiled. The way she laughed, then snorted in her adorable way. The way her excitement filled the room.

Yes, the faster they got this town up and running, the better he’d sleep at night. Because having temptation across from him was too much to bear. The last thing he needed was to give Denise real ammunition in the divorce. Turn her lie into reality.

“Look, I asked for a castle ice sculpture, and that’s what I expect to get. I even paid for it already. So stop bullshitting me and have it delivered by Sunday because the event starts Monday. Okay, cool, thanks.”

Lila ended the call, wanting to slap her phone to the table, but instead set it down without making a sound. It wasn’t her phone’s fault the ice sculpture company they’d picked wanted to give her problems. They ordered several large sculptures to make it an amazing event, one where people could ooh and aah as they walked around a winter wonderland. Not to mention, the town was paying a pretty penny to get these sculptures. The last thing she needed was a delay in any aspect. Things needed to go off without a hitch.

“I wish I had something stronger for you, but this is all I have,” Juliet said as she set the steaming cup of coffee in front of her.

“Thank you, you beautiful goddess. This is just what I needed.”

Juliet laughed, the exuberant sound filling her heart with glee as she took a seat across from her. She and Bryce had decided to break for lunch. He had a few things he needed to take care of not related to the festival, so they went their separate ways.

She decided to grab a bite to eat at the cafe. It wasn’t fully operational, but Juliet opened it this morning offering light sandwiches, coffee or tea, and certain sweet treats. The back end of the building needed repair, but most of the items she served could be prepared in the front or were delivered by the food company she ordered from for supplies.

“Please, call me a goddess again. I do like the sound of that.”

“Hey, I call it like I see it. Your coffee is divine. Best in town.”

“Stop.” Juliet waved her off as if she didn’t care, but her smile said to keep going.

Lila liked Juliet. And Eve, though they didn’t chat as much as her and Juliet. But they were both very welcoming and easy to talk to. Since Juliet was Bryce’s sister, she saw her more than she figured she would’ve otherwise.

“You okay?” Juliet asked.

Bummer. Juliet had decided she wanted to broach the subject of the call she overheard.

“Nothing I can’t handle. I chatted with Joy a little bit ago. Two more places booked for three days next week. Things are looking up. I’m not about to let anything mess it up.”

“If anyone is a goddess here, it’s you.” Juliet pointed at her, her appreciation spread across her face. “I had to make a run out of town yesterday and the drive back in…girl, those billboards you had put up for Joy are amazing.”

Lila winced, then smiled behind her mug before taking a sip. “The slogan isn’t too silly?”

Because Joy had her reservations when Lila suggested, “Let us bring the JOY to your next home.” They’d taken several different photos of Joy as well in front of different houses and used each one on a different billboard. Her face was plastered everywhere. Her smile alone would reel people in. She had a way of smiling in a confident, I-have-your-best-interests-at-heart smile.

“Nope. It was great. She’s so photogenic too.”

“Right!” Lila’s heart filled with elation. “I couldn’t agree more.”

“Well, I won’t keep you too long. I know you have to get back to work. Enjoy your sandwich and coffee.”

Juliet left her to finish her meal, and she missed the company. It was hard being away from home and family and friends. Here she felt isolated and alone. Except when she had mini pockets of happiness with one of the few people she’d connected with. While she knew this was a job, she wanted to be liked. With Denise spreading her nasty rumors, not everyone liked her.

Bryce told her not to worry about it, but it wasn’t that simple. She couldn’t turn her emotions off like a switch. Not like he seemed to do. Not that the subject came up too often about his wife, but he seemed so unaffected by what was happening between them. The only time she noticed it bothering him was when she knew he didn’t know she was looking at him. He could pretend all he wanted that Denise’s actions didn’t affect him, but she knew better.

The day went by in a blur. More things accomplished concerning the festival. They’d added the event to the town’s website. She even had the woman, Harper, who ran the site, add a few more things to highlight the best parts of the town. Like Vinnie’s Diner and their daily specials “sure to make your mouth water for more.” Or Shannon’s clothing store, Tidings and Joy, that had the funniest and most stylish clothing around town. Little things that would appeal to someone browsing the website.

She had a glass of wine with her simple meal before resting in bed with a book that had her falling asleep faster than she wanted. Of course, that’s what hard work did to her. Exhausted her to the point of going to bed at eight o’clock. No more calling herself a night owl.

She woke up feeling refreshed and ready for a new day. As usual, she picked up a coffee for her and Bryce from Mocha’s Merriment and met him in his office. They proceeded to do what they did every day: work well with each other. They separated again at lunch, then reconvened in the afternoon. Another positive day in getting the festival ready for Monday.

By five o’clock, she was ready to go home, shower, eat, and go to bed again right away. Of course, she couldn’t do the last part until she knew her brother had arrived safely. A light sprinkling of snow was coming down, and according to the weather app, it wouldn’t accumulate too much. Thank goodness since her brother and his bandmates weren’t used to the snow like her.

She was packing her bag to leave when Bryce cleared his throat. She looked up to see the fake smile he wore when he wanted something. She hated that smile.

“What’s on your mind?” No sense beating around the bush. If he wanted something, he should say it.

“I know your brother and his friends are arriving tonight. Griffin thought a nice welcome supper at his house would be nice. What do you think?”

That would require mingling with everyone, which wasn’t a bad thing. She liked Griffin as well. The Stuarts were a very open and welcoming family. But she’d also have to make sure her brother got settled into his cottage, and it could turn into a long night.

But she also didn’t want to offend the Stuarts.

“That sounds wonderful. He texted me a little bit ago. He’s about forty minutes away. I’ll let him know.”

“Good. I’ll meet you at Griffin’s in an hour.”

She smiled, though had to force it, then bid goodbye. Her brother didn’t mind the change of plans. Not surprising. He had always been a go-with-the-flow kind of guy. Sometimes, it irked her. She liked to know plans ahead of time and got frustrated when they got changed at the last minute.

Taking a shower would have to wait along with her early bedtime, but she refreshed herself before waiting for her brother to arrive. When he texted they got delayed behind a snowplow, she told him to take his time driving and to meet her at Griffin’s. She had to be around people while she waited for him, otherwise she’d go out of her mind with worry.

When she stepped outside to walk across the lawn to Griffin’s house, the snow was coming down heavier. So much for the weather app telling the truth. It had lied! No wonder why the snowplows were out.

She knocked on the door and tried not to pretend she was worried when it swung open. Eve answered it.

A quick glance behind her told Eve that she was alone. Her brother hadn’t arrived yet.

“They’re stuck behind a snowplow. They’ll be here soon.”

“Come on in. Do you want a drink?”

Bless this woman for knowing what she needed to calm her nerves. She nodded and a wineglass was in her hand before she could even worry a second about her brother.

Griffin and Eve took a seat on the couch, while Juliet stood near the fireplace, warming up from the burning blaze. Bryce sat on the loveseat. She had no other option but to sit by him or take a stance by Juliet. She chose to sit by Bryce but not close enough to touch.

“Thank you so much for having us over. They’ll be here soon. Stuck behind a snowplow.”

“We want them to feel welcome. Of course, say thank you for doing this for our town,” Griffin replied.

Small chitchat commenced while they waited until the doorbell rang. Lila shot up from her seat, then froze.

“Not my house. I guess I should let one of you get it.”

Eve laughed and waved her hand toward the door. “Go ahead.”

She set her wineglass on the coffee table between the two couches and answered the door.

“We made it!” Aster said in the loud, boisterous way he always spoke. He stepped inside, picked her up, and twirled her in a big circle as he hugged her.

“You had me worried,” she whispered in his ear.

“That’s because you worry about everything. I’m the big brother. You’re the little sister. I’m supposed to worry, not you,” he whispered in return.

He let go so his other bandmates, Toby, Stan, and Carson, could say hi and get their hugs as well. Even though they lived in the same town, she rarely saw all of them. They were all good guys. They’d be there for her in the blink of an eye if she asked.

They all removed their shoes and entered the living room. Lila made quick introductions and the nerves she’d had since the snow started dissipated. Her brother had made it safe and sound.

“Thank you for inviting us. We love playing in different venues, and this will be fun.”

Bryce had stood up to greet them, beaming his smarmy politician’s smile. Lila figured he couldn’t help it when he went into work mode. “We also thank you for coming. I’m sure playing in a Christmas town is not your usual forte.”

“Na, but that’s what makes it fun. Changing it up a bit,” Aster said, then swung an arm around her and pulled her closer. “And it’s hard to say no to Lilac.”

Juliet giggled, still standing near the fireplace. “Lilac?”

Aster’s grin widened. “Come on, sis. You didn’t tell them your full name.”

She shoved off his arm playfully, hoping she didn’t look as red in the cheeks as she felt. “Our parents are huge anthophiles. We were each named after a flower. Aster, Poppy, Zinnia, and me—Lilac. I go by Lila most of the time.”

“Girl,” Juliet started, “I love your name. It’s so pretty and unique.”

“I love her,” Aster said, pointing at Juliet with a smile that said he was going to flirt with her. “She’s amazing.”

Lila forgot how much her brother could annoy her with his carefree attitude and flirtatious manner.

“Aww, Lilac,” he said, chuckling, and grabbed her again by the shoulder, pulling her closer. He decided to embarrass her even further by giving her a noogie. “I missed you, sis.”

If she could crawl in a hole and die, she would’ve picked that moment to do it. She decided the best course of action for the rest of the night would be to avoid eye contact with everyone.