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I was tempted to walk away, but I used to live near that mansion. I’d explored it myself when I loved breaking rules. Slowly, I sat next to her and leaned back.
The place had been vandalized even when I had been there, but Wren talked about how much she wanted to make sure the community still loved it, and how she wanted to commission art on one of the garden walls by local artists.
This was obviously only the beginning of the show, but I could see where it was going. The camera kept panning to Wren and Jude while they talked, getting shots of them glancing at each other while they worked. They were probably going to get together.
I didn’t care much for the romance. But I did care to see the mansion get restored to its former glory.
When the episode ended, Mollie nudged me with her leg. “So ...”
“So what?”
“You watched the whole thing.”
“It was . . . fine.”
“Fine? It’s gonna be a hit. I hope she gets a hundred seasons and gets to have just as many kids with Jude.”
“A hundred kids?” I asked.
“Hey, if my best friend gets a shot with the man she’s had eyes for since she was a teen, then yes. She can have as many kids as she wants.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
She laughed. “I know. How did Nashville go?”
“It was as terrible as usual.”
“And the meeting with the lawyer?”
My stomach churned as my problems came rushing back. “I ... know what I need to do.”
“Care to share?”
“Not exactly.”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s really one step forward and two steps back with you, isn’t it?”
“There are no steps happening anywhere,” I said as I walked off.
“You kinda like me, I can see it!” she called.
I rolled my eyes, determined not to tell her that she was exactly right.
But I didn’t need to think about that. I needed help, and I only trusted one person when I needed that.
“All right, we’re starting on Operation Get Cain Friends.” Jackie’s smile was wide.
“We’re not calling it that,” I said. “And they won’t be friends.”
“Yes, they will be. Once you get everyone in Strawberry Springs to see what I do, you’ll have lots of friends. I waswaitingfor you to ask me for this.”
The idea sounded terrible.
It was a chilly morning, but it would warm up by the middle of the day. Strawberry Springs was hosting its last farmers market of the year. Bennie used to be at every single one. I’d gone to a few, but they’d never gone well for me.
The eggs and milk sold without it, so I figured I’d never have to see the square covered in tents again.
“Now, while you’re being a social butterfly, don’t let me forget to get one of those rocking chairs from Hugh. I want it on my balcony.”