Page 19 of Romantic

“Oh dear!” says my mom, shaking her head.

“See what we have to work with?” Pepper says dramatically. She pulls out her journal and starts writing, probably plotting.

“How about a compromise?” I ask. Pepper looks up; I have her attention. “No more matchmaking, or eavesdropping, or locking Annie and me up anywhere. But I will allow unsolicited advice when it comes to Annie. I admit, I might need some help.”

“Really?” Pepper rubs her hands together like she’s plotting world domination. “I have so much advice for you. Starting with your sunglasses. You need new ones—your current pair makes you look like an FBI wannabe.”

I’m afraid I’ve created a monster.

“He paid her only the compliment of attention.” . —Sense & Sensibility

6

Annie

Brandon’s coming today. That thought shouldn’t fill me with as much agitation as it does. The shift started with his comment on New Year’s Eve: If I kissed you, it would be a very big deal. I’ve been replaying those words in my mind ever since. Did he mean that he wants to kiss me? Because he made it pretty clear in the Narnia closet that he has no interest in dating me. And I should absolutely not be interested in dating him. Not when I have Jack in my life—wonderful, clever Jack, who is always saying sweet things like, “You are as witty as Lizzy Bennet, as good as Jane Eyre, and as lovable as Anne Shirley.” And yes, he has read all of those books, plus so many more. Jack is a voracious reader. And I love that about him.

But still, I can’t shake the whole Narnia closet incident. What would have happened if Pepper hadn’t interrupted us? Would Brandon have kissed me? I don’t think he would. He knows I’m with Jack, and he said he can’t date—whatever that means. But if he had kissed me? I don’t know what I would have done. Does that mean I’m a terrible person? I think that means I’m a terrible person. How can I even think of Brandon when I have Jack? He is not afraid to act on his feelings—Jack is all in.

He recently decided to stay another month in Big Sur just to spend more time with me. We’re letting him rent one of the large cottages, even though cottage rentals stopped mid-June due to all the nearby construction. The small cottages are being replaced, but renovations on the three larger cottages won’t begin until fall. But since they’re so close to the demolition zone, we aren’t renting them to guests. Brandon and Pepper—and now Jack—are the only exceptions.

To prepare for Brandon and Pepper’s arrival, I’m placing flowers in the cottage, as well as leaving a tin of their favorite cookies.

“Who are these people again?” Jack asks while sampling a chocolate chip cookie from the tin.

I playfully swat his hand. “Hey, you have your own box!”

“I know,” he says around a mouthful of cookie, which he devours in two bites. “But they’re so delicious.” Jack often accompanies me in the morning as I freshen up and replace flower arrangements throughout the resort. Since I was in middle school, I’ve been tending my own flower garden and making my own flower arrangements. I make sure that each table in the cafe has fresh flowers and that each of the cottages has take-your-breath-away flower boxes.

For years, my sister, who manages the resort, didn’t have the funds to pay me for what I considered a hobby. However, since Brandon bought Norland Park last summer, he has insisted I’m paid for my efforts. And he pays well. Brandon says very nice business-y things about my flowers. I can’t remember his exact words, but the gist is that my fresh flowers are “integral” to the brand of Norland Park, which is honestly really kind of him. More than once, he has suggested I could start a business with my flowers. I like the idea, but I have no idea how I would even get started.

“It’s the new park owner, Brandon James. He’s the one who saved Norland Park.”

“I thought your sister’s boyfriend owned the park.”

“Edward owns Bumble Cottage, where we live, and the land it’s on. Brandon owns the resort. But Edward’s managing the renovation. They’re business partners.”

“Huh. So this Brandon guy is kind of a big deal. I might as well stick around to meet him.”

“Um . . .” This is the moment I’ve been dreading. “Actually, you’ve already met Brandon. He was the one that stopped by that morning, you know . . . the day after we met.”

“Are you telling me I get to live next to your ex?”

“How many times do I need to tell you? Brandon’s not my ex—we’ve never dated.”

“But he’s into you.” I can’t help but think of the way Brandon looked at me in the Narnia closet. For a moment there, I thought the same.

“He’s never even asked me out”—this much is true—“or shown any interest. So I think not. Now don’t go all territorial on me. I can’t have you picking a fight with Brandon; he’s like twice your size.”

“So he’s rich and jacked, but you’re still dating me instead of him?” Jack hugs me from behind. “You must really like me.” He slowly kisses the back of my neck, a move that always makes me feel a little lightheaded.

“Annie!” Pepper shouts from the front porch. I turn. Brandon stands in the doorway. His expression blank. I slip out of Jack’s arms just before Pepper scampers into the room and throws her arms around me.

“I have so many plans for this summer. Daddy and I are going to hike to a waterfall on Wednesday. Do you want to come along?”

“Maybe? You know I love a good hike.”

“Can I come, too?” Jack asks Pepper.