After I had my coffee and Marcy’s latte in hand, I chanced a glance back at Julie. She had already immersed herself in her laptop, her headphones planted firmly in her ears. I smiled and waved, and she grinned back at me, filling my chest with warmth. Forcing my gaze away from her, I pushed open the café door and left.
Julie wasn’t like the other women I’d met. She was different, confusing in her own way. From the first time I saw her, I was intrigued, and every time we spoke, she left me wanting to know more.
CHAPTER 7
Julie
Since I’d moved to Ennis, my parents had barely spoken to me. They weren’t angry about my decision, but they didn’t support it. To them, I’d given up everything I worked for while in college and the years after. I’d built my reputation as a successful reporter, only to leave Dallas for a know-nothing town. They weren’t happy, and as I drove toward their house on Saturday morning, my chest was filled with anxiety.
Deep down, I knew they’d behave. My sister Bethany was in town with her husband and their daughter. My niece, Layla, was only two and a half. She was the cutest little girl I’d ever seen, and I loved her more than anything. My parents felt the same way, so I hoped her presence would keep them in bright spirits for the duration of my visit.
Still, as I pulled into the driveway, my heart raced. I took a deep breath and checked my hair in my mirror. I looked fine, but I knew that wouldn’t stop my mother from finding something to comment on. She worried about my health more than anything. I was either too skinny: “Are you eating enough?” Or I was too fat: “Honey, did you get that new workout I sent you? It’s supposed to help tighten your core.”
She always meant well and, yet, I found myself dreading the visit as I pushed open my car door. Glancing at the house next door, I wondered if Andrea would be home for the holidays. Her parents still lived beside mine. I made a mental note to stop by and see them on my way out later that night.
I stepped up to the front door and shook myself. It was insane that I felt so nervous. My parents would be fine. My sister would be amazing, as always. My brother-in-law would keep everyone laughing, and Layla would make sure the conversation never got too serious.
I told myself everything would be okay as I grabbed the door handle and turned it slowly.
“You’re here!” a shrill voice chimed from the living room. I lifted my eyes to see Bethany running toward me with her arms outstretched. I grinned and met her halfway.
“Hey, sis,” I said as she caught me in a bone-crushing hug.
“Ugh! I missed you so much!” She giggled and held me tighter, smoothing my hair down as she did so.
Bethany and I were almost ten years apart in age. My parents had tried for years to have another baby, but after being disappointed enough times, they gave up. A month before Bethany’s tenth birthday, I appeared on the scene.
“There she is!” My dad’s voice rang out from behind Bethany.
I pulled away from my sister and hurried over to hug my dad. He gripped me tightly and then ushered me farther inside.
“Julie!” Bryan said when he saw me. He gave me a quick, one-armed hug and ruffled my hair. “How you been, kid?”
“Not a kid anymore, Bry,” I said with a roll of my eyes.
“You always will be to me,” he replied.
Bethany and Bryan had started dating when they were sixteen. I was in kindergarten at the time. Bryan had been around ever since. He was just as much my big brother as Bethany was my sister.
“How’s work?” Bryan asked. “Any new scoops for me?”
“Not yet,” I said. “I have a Skype interview on Monday morning with this new online journal. Keep your fingers crossed for me.”
“You’ll get it,” my dad said brightly.
“I hope so.” My stomach twitched again. The last thing I wanted to do was focus on work right now.
“You will,” Bethany said confidently. “You’re the ultimate success story. You’ve never failed at anything in your life.”
I rolled my eyes but didn’t say anything. Bethany, more than anyone, knew that wasn’t true. Still, it was nice of her to say so.
“Don’t get her hopes up,” my mother said from the kitchen. I jerked my head up to see her watching me with reproachful eyes. “If she doesn’t get it, she’ll only be more disappointed.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I said without thinking.
“I’m just being realistic, honey,” Mom said. “Someone has to be.”
I nodded and looked down at m