Love Next Door (Lakeside 1)

When I was young, I believed that life was easier when you had money. And after moving to Chicago, I learned all about the grass on the other side being greener, and how wide the divide was between me and those who had more than average. Even in college there were cliques. They wore brand names and drove around in sweet cars I’d have to work a lifetime to afford. No matter where I was, or where I worked, there would always be a hierarchy that I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to get close to the top of. Back then, it was easier for people with everything to have more, and harder for those of us at the bottom to secure a place a few rungs up the ladder without being kicked back down. Being back here is a reminder of that.

I turn onto the main road and head into town. The first stop is Harry’s, on the off chance that he has everything I need, including the office supplies.

Harry greets me with crinkled eyes and a wide smile. “Well, if it isn’t wee Dillion Stitch. I heard you was back in town!”

Of course he has. That news must’ve spread like wildfire. It feels like a bitter pill I have to swallow every time I run into someone new. When I left, I was sure I’d never have to come back for more than a holiday visit. I force a smile, because it isn’t Harry’s fault I feel the way I do. “Sure am. How are things with you? Looks like it’s business as usual around here.”

He hoists up his pants by the suspenders and rocks back on his heels. “Doing better than ever, actually. Hired on some new summer help to keep up with things. Plus, my son got himself engaged to sweet little Miss Claire Bell. You remember her, don’t you?”

“Of course, I saw Claire the other day. Congratulations, that’s such exciting news.”

“Sure is. The missus is hoping they’re not gonna wait too long to start giving her grandbabies to look after. Anyway, Claire’s planning to help out around here, but she’s been busy with online classes and working at Tom’s Diner. Her sister works at the rental shop by the beach, but I’m sure you already know that. You and Allie were thick as thieves back when you were kids.”

“That we were.” I nod my agreement.

“Have you run into her since you’ve been back in town?”

“Not yet, but soon, I’m sure.” I don’t know how excited Allie will be, actually. In the years since I moved to Chicago, I allowed my friendships to languish, too busy with work and my new life to make time for them. At first there were phone calls and text messages, but over the years they got fewer and farther between until they were mostly happy-birthday GIFs or holiday wishes. And whenever I came back to town, I’d spend a few days with my family and Bee and leave again. Mostly it’s been work and sleep and not much else since I’ve been back in Pearl Lake.

I give Harry the list of things I need and am pleasantly surprised when he can fill almost everything on order. As expected, he can’t provide the flooring option, but he puts in a call to a distributor in Chicago and gets us his wholesale discount. I feel good about the fact that we get to support local, and we’re able to get a better deal on the flooring by taking advantage of Harry’s contacts.

“I heard Tommy’s working here now too. Is he around?”

“Sure is. He’s out back. If ya want, you can head back and talk to him directly about some of the supplies, see if we have what you need on hand or whether we’ll have to place an order. Or I can do it if you’re in a rush.”

“I can do it; thanks again, Harry. And I’m glad things are going so well.”

He tips his hat, gives me a wink, and then opens the door, ushering me into the lumberyard behind the store. I breathe in the fresh scent of cut wood. The sharp smell of cedar makes me smile. The scent lingers long after the construction phase is over, warm and sweet and comforting.

I spot Tommy at the back of the lot. He’s impossible to miss. His large, bulky frame has filled out and then some since I last saw him. Where his dad is tall and lean with a small paunch, Tommy is broad and thick, like he was built for swinging an ax. He was always a nice kid who got into a little trouble back in the day, but he never meant any harm.

I tuck my thumbs in my pockets and head for him. I’m less than fifteen feet away when I realize he’s talking to someone else. As I get closer, I realize it’s Bee’s grandson. Van.