10. Something New

SOMETHING NEW

M y hangover wasn't nearly as bad as it should've been, probably thanks to all that water Jake kept pushing at me last night. Jake. The memory of his steady presence, of those concerned looks he thought I didn't notice, made something warm stir in my chest.

Coffee. I definitely needed coffee.

Sarah's Diner glowed invitingly in the morning light, already half-full with the breakfast crowd. The bell chimed as I pushed through the door, and Sarah herself looked up from behind the counter.

"Well, look who's up bright and early," she called out, already reaching for a coffee pot. "Nina said you might need the strong stuff this morning. Jake made sure you got back to Clara's okay?"

There it was again - that weird flutter at the mention of his name. Must be embarrassment about needing a police escort. "Yeah, he was professional about it."

"Jake's professional about everything." Sarah's smile held something I couldn't quite read. "Except maybe when he's watching certain newcomers through the diner window."

I glanced out automatically. The patrol car sat across the street, Jake visible in the driver's seat, apparently focused on some paperwork. Probably just keeping an eye on the town troublemaker. That's all it was.

"French toast?" Sarah asked, pulling me back from thoughts I didn't want to examine. "Or are you more of a bacon and eggs man?"

"Just coffee," I started to say, but she was already writing on her pad.

"French toast it is.”

The coffee was perfect - strong and hot, exactly what I needed to face whatever the day would bring. Through the window, I watched Jake climb out of his cruiser, straightening his uniform with practiced efficiency. He moved with an easy confidence that made something in my chest tighten. Probably just instinctive respect for authority. Or gratitude for his help last night. Nothing more complicated than that.

"More coffee, hon?" Sarah appeared with the pot and a knowing look I chose to ignore.

"Thanks." I turned away from the window. "Is it always like this here? Everyone knowing everything?"

"Only the important things." She topped off my cup. "Like when someone might be worth keeping around."

I needed to clear my head, so instead of heading back toward the city and all its chaos, I found myself cruising through Oakwood Grove's quiet streets.

That's when I saw a house that looked like it could some care just along the coast. The realtor's sign swayed gently in the morning breeze, sunlight catching the "For Sale" letters in a way that made my heart clench unexpectedly. I looked into the sign more and it was said to be owned by the Millers.

"Well, shit," I muttered, pulling over to get a better look.

The house sat back from the road, all classic lines and wraparound porch, the kind of place that actually looked lived-in rather than staged for magazines. The yard stretched forever, dotted with ancient oak trees perfect for climbing. Tommy would love that - he'd been begging for a treehouse since he could talk.

Tommy.

My phone buzzed - Cassidy. I'd been avoiding her calls since last night's escape, but guilt finally won out.

"Where the hell are you?" Her lawyer voice was in full effect. "We have a situation here, Elliot."

"I know, I'm sorry, I just-"

"No, you don't know. Vanessa's team is pushing for an emergency hearing. They're using your 'erratic behavior' and 'sudden career hiatus' to paint you as the villain. I need you back in New York. Today."

The morning sun hit the house's windows, making them glow like welcome beacons. Through one, I could see built-in bookshelves lining a wall. Tommy could display all his science fair trophies there, the ones Vanessa kept hidden away because they "ruined her aesthetic."

"Elliot? Are you listening?"

"Yeah, I just..." I walked toward the porch, drawn despite myself. "Cass, I found this house. It's perfect - quiet street, big yard, the kind of place where Tommy could just be a kid, you know?"

A heavy sigh. "Stop. Whatever you're thinking, whatever plans you're making - stop right now. We're in the middle of a custody battle. You can't make any major life changes."

"But that's exactly why-"

"No. Listen to me. You take a sudden hiatus, disappear to some small town, buy property there? Vanessa's lawyers will have a field day."

The robin on the porch railing watched me with knowing eyes as my dreams crashed against reality.

"I'm trying to create something,” I protested weakly. "A real home, away from all the cameras and bullshit."

"I know." Cassidy's voice softened. "And maybe someday that'll be possible. But right now? We need to focus on keeping your current custody arrangement. That means coming back to New York, showing the court you're rational and reliable."

The house seemed to mock me now, its welcoming porch and perfect yard representing everything I couldn't have. Not yet, anyway.

"What time do you need me there?"

"There's a partners' meeting at four. We need to discuss strategy before Vanessa's team makes their next move."

I took one last look at the house, memorizing its lines, its possibilities. "I'll be there."

"And Elliot? I get it, okay? Wanting to start fresh somewhere quiet. But running away isn't the answer. Not if you want to keep your son."

The words hit like a punch to the gut. "Yeah. Yeah, I know."

"Just promise me you won't do anything impulsive before the hearing," Cassidy warned. "And get back to New York as soon as-"

"I need a couple of hours," I interrupted. "Clear my head before diving back into the legal shit. I'll be there by four, I promise."

Another sigh. "Fine. I'll prep the team for late afternoon. But Elliot?"

"Yeah?"

"Be careful. Whatever's drawing you to this town - make sure it's worth the risk."

I hung up, staring at the house that already felt like home. Cassidy was right about the custody battle, about needing to play it safe. But something about this place - this town - felt right in a way I couldn't explain.

Going against my better judgement, I decided to make another call.

My car felt out of place on the gravel road leading to the ranch, but something about the sweeping views of hills and pastures made my chest loosen. Out here, with nothing but sky and grass stretching to the horizon, all the pressure and chaos felt distant.

Rolling Hill Ranch unfolded before me like a painting come to life. White fences traced geometric patterns across emerald pastures, the fresh paint gleaming against morning dew. A massive red barn dominated the center of the property, its weathered wood telling stories of decades of honest work. Horses dotted the paddocks - some grazing lazily, others prancing with morning energy, their coats catching sunlight like polished copper and midnight silk.

The main stable building looked newer than the barn, all clean lines and practical beauty. Through its wide doors, I caught glimpses of orderly tack rooms and spotless aisles. Everything about the place radiated care and attention to detail.

"Well, look who found his way up the hill."

I turned to find Caleb approaching, work gloves tucked into his back pocket. His easy smile matched the relaxed set of his shoulders.

"Couldn't resist after your sales pitch at breakfast," I said. "This place is incredible."

"Thanks. Been in my family three generations now." Pride colored his voice as he gestured toward the nearest paddock. "That's Shadow over there - our newest addition. Just got him walking steady yesterday."

The foal in question wobbled near his mother, all gangly legs and uncertain movements. Something about his determination to stay upright made me smile.

"Must be amazing," I found myself saying. "Building something like this, watching it grow."

"It has its moments." Caleb leaned against the fence. "Though I bet it's nothing compared to city life. What brings you to our corner of nowhere, anyway?"

Before I could answer, another voice called out: "Babe, you won't believe what this little guy just-" A man emerged from the barn, stopping short when he saw me. "Oh hey, the guy from Sarah's! I'm Liam."

"Elliot," I offered, shaking his outstretched hand. "Nice place you've got here."

"All Caleb's vision," Liam said, pride evident as he joined us at the fence. "I just help clean stalls between writing sessions."

"And sing to the horses," Caleb added with a grin. "They're his biggest fans."

"You're a musician?"

"Among other things." Liam's smile turned self-deprecating. "Around here, everyone wears multiple hats. What about you? What brings a fancy car like that down our dusty roads?"

I watched Shadow stumble then right himself, determined to keep going. "Needed a change of scenery, I guess. Some place quieter."

"Well, you found it," Caleb said. "Though after last night's excitement with our sheriff, maybe quiet isn't what you're after?"

Heat crept up my neck.

"Small town," they said in unison, sharing a look that spoke of years of inside jokes.

I thought about Tommy, about how much he'd love this place. "My son would go crazy for those horses. He's been begging to learn to ride."

"Bring him by sometime," Caleb offered easily. "We do lessons on weekends. Got a few kids his age in the beginner group."

The simple kindness of the offer caught me off guard. No agenda, no angling for publicity or favors. Just genuine welcome.

"Maybe I will," I said, meaning it despite knowing I had to head back to New York soon. "If I stick around."

"Planning to?" Liam asked, but his tone suggested curiosity rather than prying.

I watched Shadow nuzzle against his mother, completely trusting. "Not sure yet. Depends on a lot of things."

"Well, Jake seems to think you might," Liam said casually. Too casually.

"The sheriff? Why would he-"

"Said you might need a friendly face or two." Liam said.

"Did he now?" I tried to keep my voice neutral, but something warm curled in my chest at the thought of Jake talking about me.

"Want to meet one of our gentler mounts?" Caleb asked, mercifully changing the subject. "Daisy here's perfect for beginners."

He gestured toward a chestnut mare who'd wandered over to investigate us. Her soft eyes and calm demeanor made something in my chest ache - Tommy would adore her.

"I've never actually been on a horse," I admitted.

"No time like the present." Liam was already heading toward the barn. "We've got time for a quick lesson if you're interested."

Part of me wanted to say no. But watching Caleb and Liam move around each other with such easy familiarity, seeing how naturally they fit into this peaceful world they'd built... fuck it.

"Sure, why not?"

Twenty minutes later, I found myself perched on Daisy's back, feeling simultaneously too high up and oddly secure. Caleb walked beside us, one hand on Daisy's lead rope.

"Relax your shoulders," he instructed. "She can feel every tension in your body."

"That's what she said," Liam called from where he was mucking out a nearby stall.

"Ignore him," Caleb laughed. "Just breathe. Let your hips move with her rhythm."

As we circled the paddock, I started to get a feel for it. There was something meditative about the motion, about having to focus completely on this moment instead of all the shit waiting for me back in the real world.

"Tommy would love this," I said without thinking. "He's got this mechanical mind, always wanting to know how things work. But this..." I patted Daisy's neck. "This is different."

"Horses have a way of teaching you what you need to learn," Caleb said quietly. "Sometimes that's trust, sometimes it's patience. For some kids, it's just feeling powerful in a good way."

"Yeah, he could use some of that."

"We do a family day every Sunday. Lots of kids his age, no pressure, just fun and fresh air." Liam said, joining us.

The image hit hard - Tommy laughing with other kids, learning to ride, being allowed to just be himself. No cameras, no society parties, no perfect pose required.

"That sounds..." Perfect. Impossible. Everything I wanted to give him. "Really nice."

"Speaking of community stuff," Liam leaned against the fence, “Are coming to the party this Friday?”

"I don't know if I'll still be-"

"It's nothing fancy," Caleb cut in, leading Daisy back to her stall. "Just locals hanging out, sharing food, enjoying some music. No dress code, no expectations."

"That's kind of the beauty of it," Liam added, his hands working automatically to remove Daisy's saddle. "Nobody's trying to impress anyone. Half the town shows up in whatever they wore to work."

The concept felt almost foreign - an event without an agenda, without cameras or careful positioning. When was the last time I'd been anywhere like that? Even Tommy's school events had turned into photo ops since Vanessa's PR machine kicked into high gear.

"Sounds nice," I admitted. "Different."

"Different can be good." Caleb's voice carried a hint of knowing. "Look, I get it. Being the new guy in a small town isn't easy. But these gatherings? They're how you stop being the new guy and start being just you."

"And who exactly would that be?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Liam paused in his work, exchanging a look with Caleb. "Whoever you want to be. That's the point."

"Nina makes these sliders that'll change your life," Caleb continued casually. "And the local band's actually decent, especially when this one joins in." He nudged Liam with his elbow.

"Plus," Liam added with a poorly hidden smirk, "certain members of local law enforcement usually stop by. You know, if you're interested in discussing traffic laws or whatever you two talked about at the bar."

Heat crept up my neck. "That's not-"

"Sure it's not." Caleb's grin matched his partner's. "Just like Jake doesn't drive by Clara's place more often than his regular patrol route requires."

The thought of Jake deliberately passing by made something flutter in my stomach. Ridiculous. I had bigger things to worry about - custody hearings, career decisions, my son's future.

"Look, I've got to be in New York by four," I said, checking my watch. "But maybe when I get things sorted out..."

"No pressure," Caleb leaned against the fence post. "But if you do come back, you should check out our fall festival next month. Whole town turns out for it."

"That the one Jake organizes the security for?" Liam asked innocently. Too innocently. "He takes it pretty seriously - makes sure everyone feels safe, you know?"

There was that flutter again. Probably just anxiety about the custody hearing. "He seems dedicated to the town."

"Oh, he is." Liam shared a look with Caleb I couldn't quite read. "Been here since we were kids. Really turned things around for himself."

"And the town," Caleb added. "Guy's got a way of making people feel protected."

Protected. Yeah, that's why I kept thinking about those steady brown eyes and capable hands. Just appreciation for good law enforcement. Nothing else.

My face felt warm. "I really do have to go," I said, standing straighter. "But thanks for everything."

"Our pleasure." Liam grinned. "And hey, if you make it back for the party, I'm sure Jake would be happy to show you around."

"Right," I cleared my throat. "Well, maybe I'll see you Friday."

Their goodbye waves followed me to my car, along with questions I wasn't ready to answer. About belonging. About feeling seen. About why a small-town sheriff's opinion mattered so damn much.

Time to focus on New York. On Tommy. On reality.