Olivia Jennings sashayed into the living room at Grandma’s house like she was on a Fashion Week runway. Everyone stopped talking for a moment.
Riley paused for a second and stared at her sister. Even though they FaceTimed and she followed Olivia on social media, she was still struck by her sister’s beauty. Olivia’s long, perfectly-coiffed blond hair and sky-blue eyes brought to mind a pageant contestant or spokesmodel or one of those girls who holds the prizes on a TV game show.
Thankfully Riley had known Olivia during her awkward adolescence so she wasn’t intimidated by her looks. “Hey, Sis.” She walked over and gave Olivia a hug. “Glad to see you in person.”
Olivia beamed. “It’s good to be home,” she said. “Just stepping off the plane from New York made me feel so peaceful. And there’s literally no traffic here. It’s amazing.”
Riley had a feeling they’d be hearing how “amazing” their small town was for the next two weeks. Probably followed by tales of city life. “Brooke mentioned that you were bringing a boyfriend. Is that true?”
Olivia’s eyes flashed. “I hate labels. But yes, there is someone coming to be my date to the wedding. He’s not coming till the weekend of the wedding though.”
“Can’t wait to meet him.”
Olivia was soon surrounded by other family members and Riley stepped to the side. “Everything okay?” her mom asked.
Riley nodded. She hadn’t mentioned the conversation she and Brooke had the other day, but she knew it was probably weighing on her parents. “Yep. Things are going well with the business. I’m selling my products online now and I’ve even started to advertise some of my pet paintings.”
Mom smiled. “Brooke mentioned the online store, but not the paintings. That’s wonderful. I’m so proud of you, honey.”
“Thanks.” Riley grinned. Her parents had always encouraged her artistic ventures. Even in elementary school, Mom had taken her to art camp in the summertime and always made a point to hang Riley’s work on the fridge.
Mom gave her a quick hug. “Let me know if there’s any way your dad and I can help with your business. I’d be glad to help you mail packages or answer e-mails or whatever you need. I have a little extra time on my hands right now.” LouAnn Jennings taught junior high English at a local school.
“Summer vacation is the stuff teachers’ dreams are made of,” Riley said with a smile.
Her mom nodded. “Do you ever think about going back?”
“Sometimes.” Especially during the months sales were slow and she didn’t have many boarders. “But I don’t think I was really cut out for teaching.”
“Not everyone is, that’s for sure.” Mom reached out and smoothed Riley’s hair. “I know you’ve found your calling working with animals, and now if you can add your art into the mix, that will only make your business grow.”
“I hope so.”
“Are you still volunteering at the shelter?”
Riley nodded. “As much as I can. Vera needs all the help she can get. We’re nearly at capacity right now, which means we’ll be needing fosters soon if we don’t find homes for some of them. Summer is always a busy time.”
“Vera does a lot for those animals. And so do you,” Mom said. “The two of you make a real difference to the animals in Arcadia Valley.”
“I hope so. We’re working on a grant right now to help cover a low cost spay and neuter program. That kind of thing can really benefit a town the size of ours.”
“Did I hear someone say neuter?” Brooke asked, coming up beside them.
Riley burst out laughing. “We’re talking about the shelter animals.”
“I figured.” Brooke said.
“LouAnn, can you come here for a second?” Dad called. “I can’t get this phone to behave. It dings now every time anyone I know on Facebook does anything.”
Mom laughed. “That man has more phone issues than anyone I know.” She went to help Dad, leaving Brooke and Riley alone.
“Any more dates with cute preppy guy?” Brooke asked. “Please tell me there’ve been more dates.”
Riley rolled her eyes. “Nothing really to report. We’ve texted a few times over the past week, and we went out for ice cream. He’s out of town for a few days now for a family thing and so I don’t think I’ll see him again till his company picnic.”
“So where were you last night?” Brooke asked. “I drove past your house thinking I’d stop in and see if we could figure out hairstyles for the wedding, but your truck wasn’t in the carport.”
Riley blushed. “I was at a get together.”
Brooke raised one eyebrow. “A get together? Who with?”
There was no getting out of it. “Blake invited a few people to come to his place for a cookout.”
Brooke’s eyes lit up. “Well, isn’t that a fun evening?”
“It was the group going through the pet therapy training stuff and we brought our dogs, so it’s not like it was some kind of social gathering.” She left out the part where she’d stayed later than everyone else and spent some time alone with Blake. Or that their dogs seemed to have bonded and so had they.
“Did you have a good time?”
Riley nodded. “Yeah.”
“Have you given any thought to seeing him outside of the pet therapy training?” Brooke asked softly.
The moment of truth. Should she come clean with her sister? Or stay vague? “I hadn’t until last night.” That blush again. She could feel it creeping across her face like a bad rash.
“It’s okay to like him.”
Riley wrinkled her nose. “I’m not so sure about that. He has some things in his past that I’m not okay with.”
“Is he a Christian?”
“Yeah. He says that’s how he straightened his life up and that now he has a totally different outlook.”
“Do you think God forgives?” Brooke wasn’t going to give her a pass on this.
“Yes.”
“If He can, do you think you can?”
Riley met her sister’s eyes. “I don’t know,” she said softly. “It’s scary to me because what if that’s really who he is? What if he’s really the same guy he was when he did all the things that weren’t so great?”
“I guess that part is up to you,” said Brooke. “But none of us are perfect. We’ve all done and said things that we shouldn’t have.” She patted Riley on the arm. “I’m not saying you should date the guy. I’m saying that sometimes we have to give people the chance to show us who they are based on the here and now, not who they were five or ten years ago.”
Riley nodded. “I get it.”
“Now if someone claims they’ve changed but their actions show that they haven’t, that is a different story.”
Riley considered her sister’s words. She made good sense, as usual. Brooke had always been one of the most level-headed people she’d ever known. Even back when they were young and most girls her age were full of drama, Brooke had always been above it. “Thanks, Sis. That’s all true and all stuff I struggle with. I think sometimes I tend to think the worst of people until they prove themselves instead of the other way around. I should probably give the benefit of the doubt more often than I do. Judge not lest ye be judged and all of that.”
Brooke grinned. “Sounds like a plan to me.”
Later that afternoon Riley, her sisters, and Kate sat around the table at Kate’s house catching up.
“The coffee will be ready in a minute,” said Kate.
Olivia looked up from her phone. “Do you have any tea? I prefer hot tea to coffee.”
Riley rolled her eyes and Brooke kicked her under the table.
“I think so,” said Kate. She fished around in the cabinet over the coffee maker. “I have peach and chamomile, take your pick.”
“I’m on a green tea kick right now.”
Riley stood up and poured herself some coffee. “Whatever shall you do?” she teased, using a dramatic voice.
“We’ll have to stop and get some green tea on the way to the house,” Brooke said. “I’m like Kate. I pretty much only have coffee and whatever tea I have has been in the cabinet for no telling how long.” Olivia was staying at Brooke’s for a few days so she could spend some time with River. She’d barely seen her nephew since he was born.
“I don’t mean to be a bother,” Olivia said. “But I stopped drinking coffee a few years ago and switched to green tea. I feel so much better now.” She glanced around the table. “It really helps cut down on bloating. Maybe the three of you should try it.”
Riley scowled. “I’ll stick with my coffee, thanks.”
Ever the peacemaker, Brooke opened the fridge. “There’s bottled water. Is that okay?”
Olivia nodded. “Yes. I prefer bottled over tap.”
Riley rolled her eyes. If Olivia was here more than two weeks, she may have to visit an optometrist. “Our tap water is pretty good. They’ve done studies on it and it’s supposed to be some of the best in the country.”
Olivia twisted the lid on her water. “I’ll stick with this.” She took a dainty sip.
“Tell us about life in the big city,” said Brooked. “Is it everything you hoped it would be?”
“And more,” Olivia said. “I’ve been doing a cooking segment for a local station for the past few months. But I think I’m about to get to do a fill in spot on Wake Up America. The girl who does the segment now is about to be on maternity leave for a few weeks. I’ve filled in twice the last few months, so I think I may be the one to get it. Mom and Dad have it on their DVR in case you guys missed it. Or it’s online. You can see it on my Facebook page.”
“We saw it.” Riley had to admit, her sister looked good on screen and was the perfect combo of knowledge and perkiness. She and Brooke had watched the clips together.
“Everything else is going really well. Morning segments are super early, then I do a spin class. Three days a week I do a bungee workout class where you hang from the ceiling with these bungee cords and do all these cool acrobatic exercises. It’s very challenging.”
Riley couldn’t imagine. She would end up in a full body cast if she attempted a bungee workout. “That’s cool.”
“It’s definitely put me in good shape.” Olivia grinned. “Of course, it helps that I haven’t had a burger in like two years.”
Olivia had struggled with her weight during her adolescence, but you certainly couldn’t tell it now. She still had some insecurities about her weight though.
“Well you look fantastic,” said Brooke. “And honestly, I think a burger every now and then would do you some good.”
Olivia beamed. “Thanks. What’s been going on around here? Besides Kate falling in love and all.”
“The farmers market is doing really well,” said Kate. “You’ll have to come out and check it out.”
“Oh, definitely. I’m really pondering my next cookbook right now and one of the things I’m considering is it being centered around the products you might find at a farmers market. Kind of a farm fresh theme. I think that might be fun.”
“What a great idea.” Brooke finished her coffee and took her cup to the sink.
“That is super cool,” Kate agreed. “And other than farmers market stuff, just wedding plans for me. I finally finished the renovation on the house. . .well, Drew finished it.” She grinned. “We decided that we’re going to stay here once we get married. Drew is going to sell his place.”
“Is it going to be weird to be living in the house you grew up in?” Olivia asked.
Kate shook her head. “I don’t think so. I made a lot of changes to the place. So much so that a lot of the rooms are hardly recognizable.” She gestured around the kitchen. “But I left some stuff here. It reminds me of my mom.” Kate’s mom had passed away just as she was graduating from high school.
“I think this is a fantastic place to start your life together. I think you and Drew will be really happy here.”
“And I can’t wait to meet him,” said Olivia. “I’ve been Facebook stalking your photos of him, but it will be nice to meet in person.” She turned to Riley. “What about you? What’s been going on in Riley world?”
“I’ve started making some changes to my business,” Riley said. “I’ve been a little stressed lately that my business wasn’t growing like I need it to. Then a friend of mine had some great ideas about how I can do more business online. A few days ago, I officially opened my online store where I sell my homemade treats and also the paintings I do from photos. I’ve already started getting email inquiries. I’m pretty excited about it.”
“That’s great,” Kate said. “I’ve always thought you should use your artistic talents.”
“Olivia nodded. “Me, too. You’re still volunteering at the animal shelter?”
Riley nodded. “Of course.”
“We want to hear about is your date,” Kate said. “Have you seen the accountant again?”
Olivia widened her blue eyes. “A date? That sounds interesting. I can’t remember the last Riley-dating story I heard.”
“That’s because when she goes out with someone they don’t make it past date number two. Plus, she doesn’t talk about her personal life much, so most of her dating stories are years old.” Brooke grinned.
“And none of us are getting any younger,” Olivia pointed out. “I mean, Riley is the baby and she’s on the downhill slide to thirty.”
“I’m not as close are you are.”
“Do we really have to discuss who is the oldest?” Brooke scowled. “I kind of think we’re at the age where we are all basically the same.”
Riley laughed. “You’re only saying that because you’re the oldest.”
“True.”
“Well I have one observation about growing older,” Olivia said. “I think it’s easier to grow old as a blond.” She tossed her light blond hair. “Because dark hair will show gray whereas it kind of blends in for blond hair.” She smiled. “I’m lucky.”
“Lucky or have a good colorist?” Kate asked with a grin.
“So, anyway, Riley. You were telling us about the accountant.” Brooke could always be counted on to keep them on track.
Riley filled them in on the dates she’d had with Don. “I had a good time,” she said.
“But do you get that tingly feeling whenever he sends you a text message or when you see his name pop up on your phone?”
“I want to know what he has to say,” Riley said. “So I read the message or answer the call.”
“But there’s a difference in wanting to know what someone is calling about and feeling giddy when their name pops up.” Olivia tossed her blond hair. “Which is it?”
“We’ve only gone out a handful of times. I guess it’s too soon to tell,” Riley explained. “But he is a very nice guy and I plan to see him again.”
Brooke raised her eyebrows. “I’m impressed. You didn’t tell me that earlier.”
“Is he what you guys had your heads together about today at Grandma’s?” asked Olivia.
“Sort of,” said Riley. She wasn’t sure she was ready to open her social life up for group analysis. “But seriously. My life is super boring.” Riley grinned. “Tell us more about what’s going on with you. Last time we talked, you said you had some big secret project in the works.”
Just like that, Olivia had forgotten all about Riley’s love life. Her blue eyes sparkled. “Okay, but this is super top secret. Like don’t breathe a word to anyone at all.”
“Of course,” Brooke said.
“Spill it.” Kate leaned forward eagerly.
“You know that show, Happily Ever After?” asked Olivia.
Riley wrinkled her nose. “Is that the one where the guy dates thirty girls at the same time and narrows them down each week until one poor girl is left standing and the rest are humiliated?”
Olivia frowned. “It’s not exactly like that. You must not be a fan.”
“Well, I just don’t buy in to the whole ‘falling in love’ while cameras roll kind of thing, but that’s just me.” Riley had only watched the show a handful of times and always came away feeling sorry for everyone involved.”
“Do you know who Austin Granger is?”
“Isn’t he that hunky weather guy who has as many people following him for his looks as he does for his weather reporting abilities?” asked Kate.
Olivia nodded. “Yes. He does the weather for the parent company of the station I work for. He’s the one who they always send when there’s a hurricane or some kind of snowstorm or whatever. He brings in viewers like you wouldn’t believe. Not to mention that he has tons of followers on social media.”
Riley knew who she was talking about. “He’s pretty entertaining sometimes. I watched him cover a hurricane in the Gulf last year and even though most of his time on the screen was just him talking, he was sort of witty.”
“He’s very witty.” If Olivia’s smile got any wider, her whole face might crack. “He’s also the next lead on Happily Ever After.” She paused dramatically. “And I think I’m going to be a contestant.”
Riley, Brooke, and Kate stared at Olivia, matching looks of horror on their faces.
Brooke finally broke the silence. “Um, are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“Do Mom and Dad know?” Riley asked.
“What if you get a bad edit?” Kate chimed in.
Olivia crossed her arms over her chest and frowned at them. “Thanks for the support. I appreciate it so much.”
Brooke patted her on the arm. “Don’t be like that. We’re supportive. But we’re just worried that you haven’t thought this through.”
“I have no intention of appearing on that show to find love. Or to get in a situation that would embarrass Mom and Dad. But even if I last a week or two, it could really raise my profile. I’m really hoping the Wake Up America fill in can become permanent, but if that doesn’t pan out, at least this is something that could open up some doors for me.”
“That’s an ambitious plan.” Of all of them, Olivia had always been the one who aspired to fame and fortune. Riley was just surprised sometimes at the lengths she was willing to go to in order to get it.
Olivia nodded. “And I may not even get picked to be on. But my initial interviews went well. I’m just hopeful this is the kind of thing that will boost my career.” She smiled around the table. “And don’t worry. I will behave appropriately. That show could use someone with good morals, don’t you think?”
She had a point there. “Still, a heads up for Mom and Dad might be a good thing to do,” Riley said. “That’s not the kind of surprise they’ll want you to spring on them.”
“You’re right. I’ll definitely confess it to them before I had back to New York.” Olivia promised. She turned to Kate. “But enough about me. Let’s go look at your wedding dress.”
Kate beamed. “Of course.”
Riley followed her sisters and cousin down the hall to Kate’s room, wondering if Olivia’s newest endeavor was going to be as much of a disaster as she feared.