Chapter8:Small Town, Big Expectations.
575 Words
Scarlett had barely settled into Everbrook when she realized just how deep the town’s love for romance ran. Everywhere she turned, there were reminders of Valentine’s Day—heart-shaped wreaths, twinkling fairy lights, and chalkboard signs boasting specials for couples. Even the coffee shop she ducked into for warmth had a “Love Latte” on the menu.
Sitting at a corner table, Scarlett wrapped her hands around a steaming cup of black coffee, grateful for something simple. The last thing she needed was a heart-shaped foam design staring back at her. As she took a sip, she noticed the barista whispering to another employee while looking in her direction. Within moments, the entire café seemed to be buzzing, eyes darting toward her as if she were the newest celebrity in town.
Scarlett sighed. She had hoped to go unnoticed for at least a little while.
“Excuse me, miss?”
She looked up to see a woman in her early forties, wearing a red apron embroidered with the words ‘Sweetheart Café.’ She had kind eyes and an unmistakable air of excitement.
“You must be Scarlett Hayes,” the woman said, beaming. “Mayor Harper mentioned you might stop by. I’m Carol, owner of this little love nest.”
Scarlett offered a polite smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“I just wanted to say how thrilled we are to have you in Everbrook. Everyone’s been talking about you. A city girl visiting our town just before the festival? It’s fate!”
Scarlett resisted the urge to groan. “More like bad luck.”
Carol laughed as if Scarlett had made a joke. “Oh, honey, you’ll change your mind soon enough. Everbrook has a way of working its magic.”
Scarlett was about to refute that claim when the bell above the door jingled. In walked Noah Carter, looking as effortlessly rugged as ever. His eyes landed on her, and a slow smirk crossed his face as he strolled over.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the town’s newest skeptic,” he teased, leaning on the back of the chair across from her.
Scarlett raised an eyebrow. “And if it isn’t Everbrook’s biggest believer?”
“Believer?” He let out a low chuckle. “Oh no, sweetheart, you’ve got me all wrong. I don’t buy into the town’s obsession with love. I just enjoy watching people like you squirm.”
Carol clapped her hands together. “Oh! You two would make a fantastic pair for the Valentine’s Festival!”
Scarlett nearly choked on her coffee. “Excuse me?”
Noah’s smirk only widened. “Now that’s an interesting idea.”
“Oh, don’t look at me like that,” Carol said, pointing a knowing finger at Noah. “You need a partner for the festival’s events, and Scarlett here needs to experience Everbrook properly. What better way than to pair up?”
Scarlett shook her head. “Absolutely not.”
“Come on,” Noah said, tilting his head. “Afraid you might actually have fun?”
“Afraid you might start believing in love?” she shot back.
Carol grinned. “See? You two already have chemistry.”
Scarlett groaned, but as she looked around at the eager faces in the café, she had the sinking feeling that saying no wasn’t an option.
Little did she know, this was just the beginning of Everbrook’s plans for her.
- Writer
