The Trouble With Us

stled in the heart of Willow Bay. The morning rush had just tapered off, leaving her a moment of rare silence. She loved these in-between momen

een steady, and despite the occasional hiccup, The Perch had become a beloved spot in town.

ecting to see one of her regulars, maybe Mrs. Holloway with her usual chamo

rom her past stepp

nd Pr

dressed in a sharp navy suit that looked completely out of place in the relaxed, seaside town. The same piercing blue eye

, grounding herself. "You

read across his face. "H

n't ended things in a tangled mess of silence and unspoken words. She hadn't seen Desmond since the night he

" she said, forcing her

g his hands into his pockets.

s. "Last time we talked, you disapp

ion remained unreadable. "That'

arms. "Then why don

t said. Desmond had always been good at holding his cards close to his chest,

"I didn't come here to argue, Eme

ca

ke a blade. Her fingers tightened around

he build

r a second, she thought she migh

yled hair, looking almost apologetic. Almos

r, something close to panic. "That's

t the sale went through

more than just a business; it was her home, her livelihood, the one thing she had fought to create on her own. And

g breath. "What doe

efused to let it disarm her. "I do

she said flatly. "T

poke. "I want to renovate the building. Bring in new busines

"So what? You expect me to sit here

to figure it

don't get to say 'together,' Desmond

e fragile present. Emery wanted to hate him, wanted to tell him to get the hell out and never come back. But this wasn't j

going to roll over and let you decide what

lm, infuriatingly so. "I want to find

don't want anything t

, but he didn't back down

ght have been the one holding the deed, but this café was hers. No

ted. "Then I

g for her to crack first. But Emery wasn't that girl anymore- the one who let him h

sting. "So, let me get this straight," she said, keeping her voice steady. "You want to change everything about

loser. "I never said I wan

turned back to face him. "And you know what? That makes sense. You never were good at staying

ou think I'm here to

tightened.

ight to come back and throw her world off balance like this.

ry," he said, softer this time. "I c

ound them. "This place is my way forward, Desmond. And you-

es. Guilt? Regret? She didn't

away from him as her best friend, Sadie Whitm

die's voice trailed off as she spotted Desmond. Her smile

. "Nice to see

rms. "Can't say the

ective mode. Sadie had never liked Desmond much to begin with, an

k of his neck. "I don't suppose I should exp

ced like some villain in a soap opera,"

, forcing herself to stay compose

yes widen

ght nod. "Just fi

e Sadie turned back to Emery. "Please tel

lized she was holding. "Tempting, but

s the plan? You gonna run her out of here so y

. "I don't want

e a funny way

Enough." She turned to Desmond, her voice unwavering. "If you really wan

, then gave a small

"Now, if you don't mind,

ver his face before he took a

out, the door swing

o. Are we getting drunk tonight,

h despite herself. "It'

for day drinking. And this? Th

had no idea how to handle the storm Desmond had just brought back