Page 58 of As They Are (Strawberry Springs #2)

WREN

RWL Superfan Discussion Central

Carly Ware : The season two finale is OUT! What are your thoughts?

Comments:

Alicia Parrish : The library looked SO good, though I was shocked by her mom coming back. That felt a little weird.

Kerry Winsor: It was weird, actually. Wren wasn’t made aware and it actually was really bad for her.

Alicia Parrish : Really? That’s terrible.

Jamie McCullough: I don’t believe baseless rumors. Jude and Wren are meant to be together.

Kerry Winsor : You know what? I joined this group to talk about the show, but you guys only care about the spectacle. Wren is a real person and deserves more than this. I’m happy there won’t be a season three!

Neve Bullock : NO SEASON THREE? HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!

Jamie McCullough : YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!!

I finally got my week off from working, even if it took me finishing up season two to get it.

Instead of searching for my next project, I barely left the house. The fixing up, running, and then being chased by Henry unlocked an exhaustion that I’d never felt before, and for the first time in my life, I did nothing .

Technically, I did Henry . But that was beside the point.

He’d needed the recovery too. After his meltdown, he’d closed the clinic and posted in the group that he needed a break. The outpouring of support had made him tear up.

Still, he recovered faster than I did. When Wednesday came around, he was ready to get back to his routine, though he told me multiple times to take as much time as I needed.

By the seventh day, I was feeling more like myself. Who knew eating three square meals a day, getting eight hours of sleep, and having an actual routine could make a huge difference?

Not me.

Mollie and Tammy checked in. Kelsey had already friend-requested me on Facebook and sent a long message about how she wasn’t here to take her mom from me and how she was super excited to get to know me.

I’d promised to make an effort once I felt up to it, but for the longest time, I was happy to stay in my pajamas and sleep whenever I needed to.

Until today.

Usually, Henry would be coming inside from watering all the plants. When I came downstairs, I expected him to be in the kitchen, but he was nowhere to be found.

I went out the back door. The smell of blooming late-summer flowers hit me the second I went outside, and I heard voices near the back fence.

“So, with that, I think we could rely on pansies and violas for the pots. But vary the color to brighten up the space, you know?”

“That’s what I usually do, though the pansies are easier to find. Everyone goes for those.”

Henry was talking to Kerry. His hands were in his pockets, and he was nodding along to what she was saying. She had been coming by to talk about all the plans she had for the square ever since she found out he was the one taking care of it.

“Well I don’t wanna do what everyone does. What do you think of a native flower?”

“I’m always interested in that.”

“Oh, Wren!” Kerry’s face broke out into a smile when she saw me. “I haven’t seen you in forever!”

Henry whirled around, blinking when he saw me.

“You’re dressed.”

Kerry gasped. “What does that mean?”

Henry’s eyes went wide. “Oh, no . I-I meant?—”

“I spent the week in pajamas,” I explained with a laugh. “Though now, it’s time for my being a recluse to come to an end.”

“We’ve all missed you!” Kerry said. “Henry’s been very clear about letting you rest.”

“I appreciate it.” I put a hand on Henry’s shoulder. “And I don’t mean to cut the flower talk short, but if this one doesn’t get breakfast soon, he’ll be thrown off.”

“No problem,” Kerry said with a wave. “I now have to find native plants that are good in pots.”

“I have a few ideas,” Henry began. “You could just?—”

“No, no. I wanna learn! It gives me something to do. I’ll catch you tomorrow.” She waved and walked back toward the square.

“You’re gonna have to add chatting with her to the schedule,” I said.

“I think so,” he replied. “But she’s excited. And it’s nice to have someone to talk to about the square. Even if she’s the one doing most of the talking.”

“I’ll also help,” I replied. “I’m back in business now.”

Henry grabbed my hand and led me inside. “Please tell me it’s because you want to and not because of anyone else.”

“I want to,” I said. “I miss my work pants. And seeing the sky. Plus, I wanna meet Kelsey when I’m not having a mental breakdown. She’s been waiting patiently.”

“Sounds like a plan,” he said. “Are you heading to the diner now?”

“I think so. You should do your usual, but I’ll grab something there.”

He checked his watch. “You know, I was thinking that we should have a day where we usually go. You and I can check in with Tammy and Kelsey. It’s a Monday, so it shouldn’t be too busy.”

“It’s been a week, and you’re wanting to change the routine?”

“Update it a little,” he corrected. “I’m always open to good changes. And Tammy’s been calling the clinic line and checking in.”

“Does she not have your number?”

“She does. She thinks it’s fun that my office has a landline.”

“That sounds like her.” I laughed. “Should we head out now?”

“We have time,” Henry said, holding out his hand.

The weather was finally cooling as fall rolled in, though the heat would linger for longer than anyone would have liked.

Henry had been busy updating the annual plants in the pots at the square, something I wanted to help him with as time went on.

Some of the leaves on the trees were starting to change, promising beautiful hues in the coming weeks.

Before, I didn’t stop to notice the season changes. This year, I would.

“Finally!” Tammy said when we walked in. “She’s outta the house! This has made my day.” Henry cleared his throat and Tammy’s eyes widened. “I mean, I’m happy you got the break you needed.”

“It’s okay,” I said. “I don’t feel bad for lounging for a week. No matter what anyone says.”

“That’s my girl,” she said as she pulled me into a hug. “Are you two stopping in for breakfast? I have a new omelet topping for you, Wren.”

“What is it?”

“Love.” Her smile was as wide as it had been on camera.

I blinked. “Really?”

“No, it’s olives. Did I get you?”

“I’m sure love does go into your food, but I’m not used to you being so ... sweet.”

She sighed. “Kelsey told me I should be sweet as well as snarky. I’m trying.” She waved her hand.

I would take her any way she wanted to be. “Where is Kelsey, by the way?”

A distant, muffled scream echoed through the diner.

Tammy winced. “She’s having a moment in the cooler. She must still believe that the cooler’s soundproof. Ron used to tell her that as a joke.”

“Is she dying in there?” Henry asked with horror.

“No. She gave Hugh the wrong order, and he said she should dye her hair blonde to match her brains. I told her to let out her frustration at that in the back and not at him. Usually, I find a towel to scream into. She must have needed more than that.”

I looked for Hugh. He’d been at the opening for the library, but I hadn’t met him directly yet.

He was in a corner, grumbling under his breath. He angrily sipped his coffee before catching me looking. I gave a wave, but his eyes cut to Henry.

“It’s decaf, Doc!”

“It’s not,” Tammy said under her breath.

“Do I give him this?” Henry muttered. “Or do I tell him he has to take his health seriously?”

“If you wanna open that can of worms, be my guest.” Tammy shrugged. “He’s already in a bad mood, so I bet he’d be real fun today.”

“On second thought,” Henry said before nodding at Hugh, “have a great breakfast.”

Hugh nodded and went back to his grumbling.

“Want the corner table?” Tammy asked. “Seems to be your favorite.”

“I’d love that one,” Henry said.

“It can be your usual.” She led us over to our table. “Though, you’ll have to make a habit of coming in.”

“We plan on it,” I said.

Henry was the picture of ease, and so was I. This was the complete opposite of how things had felt when I’d gotten here.

“I’m gonna let Kelsey take care of you,” Tammy said. “Please be gentle. She’s trying her best. After I make sure Hugh isn’t still pissy about the order mix-up, I’ll be back to chat more.”

I took a breath. “Time to get to know Kelsey,” I said.

“Are you nervous?”

“A little, but she seems nice.”

“She is. Tammy’s always had good things to say about her.”

Minutes later, Kelsey walked toward us. She wasn’t smiling, though I knew it had more to do with the grumpy old man who’d ruined her day and not us.

“Hi,” she said. “It’s so good to finally meet you more than just in passing, Wren. Sorry that I’m not in the best mood. Did Mom tell you what happened?”

“She did. And I heard your screams.”

She blinked. “I thought the cooler was soundproof.”

I slowly shook my head. “Sorry, it’s not.”

“Oh my God ,” she groaned.

“If it helps, it was funny.”

“I’m sure I’ll laugh about it later when Hugh’s not in the building.” She turned and looked at Tammy, who was still smoothing things over. “It was an honest mistake.”

“He’s like that with a lot of people,” Henry said. “Especially doctors.”

“I’m just adjusting to waitressing,” Kelsey said. “I have a degree in communications, so this should be easy.”

“I don’t think there’s anything easy about being a waitress,” I said. “All the things you have to remember? No thanks.”

“That’s nice of you to say.” Kelsey let out a breath and smiled. “How are you feeling?”

“Like a human again,” I replied. “I needed that break.”

“I saw a few episodes of the show you’re on and am wondering how you’re functioning at all. Seriously, you did not stop.”

“She really didn’t,” Henry said.

“What’s next?” Kelsey asked.

“I have no idea.” I shrugged. “Today, I’ll probably catch up with a few people. See if Mollie needs help with anything. But other than that, I have nothing. It’s ... weird. But I’m sure there’s something out there.”

“There’re all those old storefronts,” Kelsey said. “Maybe they could be something.”

“Wait a second,” Henry said. “I think Theo had something for you.”

I blinked. “Who’s Theo?”

“A guy who lives here,” Henry replied. “He’s been here longer than me, but he’s not from here, as far as I know. Now that I think about it, there’s not much I know about him at all.”

“But he has a project?” I asked.

“I don’t know anything about it. He’s pretty tight-lipped about things.”

“Mom!” Kelsey called. “Come here a sec!”

Tammy had just finished up with Hugh and was next to Kelsey in a heartbeat.

“I was coming back over here anyway. What do you need?”

“It’s not for me,” Kelsey said. “What do you know about Theo?”

“Quiet guy. Mid-thirties. Tattoos. He came in here once and got pancakes.”

“He apparently might have a project for me,” I added. “Do you know his number?”

“I know how to contact him. Everyone does. He works on a lot of odd jobs for the town. Plumbing. Yard work. Whatever. He fixed a tile here once.”

“In theory,” I began, “I could lure him out with a job and then get to know him, ask him about the project?—”

“Or you could step outside.” Tammy pointed at the window. “He’s right there.”

I turned. True to her word, there was a tall man with tattoos walking down the sidewalk.

“I’m catching him now!” I turned to Henry. “Can you get me a?—”

“I know your whole order, buttercup. Go talk to Theo.”

“Thanks. Love you.”

“Love you too,” he said as I nearly ran out the door.

“Good luck!” Kelsey called.

“Hey,” I said as I stepped into Theo’s line of sight. “Theo, right?”

“Uh, yeah. Wren, right?”

I nodded. “Henry told me you asked if I was staying, and I am. And that you might have something for me to work on.”

“Oh,” he said. “Yeah, I might have something. It’ll take me a few months to get everything sorted, but it would be here on the square.”

“In one of the super dusty abandoned shops, right?”

“Yeah. Hopefully it’s not a problem.”

I laughed. “Oh no. Trust me, I love old things. And if I get to stay in the town I love? It’s even better. Why don’t we go into the diner and you can tell me all about it?”

“I have a job to get to. Something about installing a lock on the supply closet in the bar. Can I talk to you after?”

“Yep. I can find plenty to do here in Strawberry Springs in the meantime.” I thought of Mollie, who would need help with planning out a nursery.

Or Cain, who could probably use help with the farm.

Or I could help Henry with the town square.

All of them sounded fun, but if no one needed anything, I could spend the day enjoying the library I worked on.

“Here’s my card. Call me when you’re ready. ”

He nodded, eyes flicking to one of the storefronts and then to me. I turned to go back inside and enjoy the rest of my breakfast with my favorite people.