Whispers of Hollowbrooks

Chapter 4: Pumpkin Spice and Second Chances

Adeline

One Month Later...

"Well, look who finally showed up," Bonnie teased as I slid into the booth across from her. She raised an eyebrow, sipping her coffee slowly, clearly enjoying my flustered state.

"I overslept, sorry," I mumbled, reaching for the spare cup in the center of the table. I poured some coffee, adding far more cream and sugar than necessary. I liked my coffee with a side of coffee—practically all cream.

"Mhm, overslept... is that what we're calling it these days, sugar?"

"What? I did!" I defended myself, only to catch the look on Bonnie's face. I groaned, realizing where she was going with this. My cheeks heated. "Bonnie, it's not what you think!"

She grinned, full of mischief. "Right, so you're telling me you didn't let the hot sheriff cuff you to the bed and—"

"Bonnie!" I nearly choked on my coffee, the mental image she painted far too vivid. "That is not what happened! He came over to watch a movie, and we both passed out. That's it."

Bonnie raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "So you're telling me he just 'passed out,' and nothing else happened?"

I shifted in my seat, thinking about how I had curled into Ethan, falling asleep next to him like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Really, nothing happened," I insisted, though the warmth in my cheeks probably gave me away.

The past month had been about reconnecting our friendship. Ethan had come over for dinner most nights, and we'd fallen into an easy routine of watching movies and catching him up on what he missed over the last decade. I hadn't realized how much I missed having him around, his steady presence calming me in a way no one else did. It was nice to have someone to talk to, to share quiet moments with, especially around this time of year.

Halloween was my favorite season, but the Crane family's history with the town legend always made it bittersweet. And with the 200th-anniversary celebration of the Headless Horseman, there was a heavier air hanging over everything—especially with the strange killings around town. Ethan had filled me in on the case over dinner one night, and the whole situation felt eerily close to the old town myths.

"Addy," Bonnie interrupted my thoughts, a soft smile on her face. "You can say you're just friends all you want, but you and Ethan have always had something more between you two."

I sighed, setting down my coffee. "Bonnie, we're just friends, really. He's still adjusting, and I'm just helping him get settled. It's nothing more."

Bonnie gave me a knowing look, her hand reaching across the table to squeeze mine gently. "I know you mean well, but I just don't want to see you hurt again. Last time was bad enough."

Guilt tugged at my heart. She was right. When Ethan had broken my heart before, it had taken me a long time to recover. Bonnie hadn't been around back then, but Abby had filled her in, and they'd both supported me through the aftermath. I placed my hand over hers, smiling.

"I know. And if it ever became more than just friendship, I'd tell you. But we've both moved on from that... He left, and I'm just offering forgiveness, like you told me I should."

She sighed but nodded. "Alright, I'll trust you. But you should keep an eye on your own heart. That man has a way of getting under your skin."

I laughed softly, appreciating her concern. "Speaking of hearts, shouldn't we be focusing on Abby and her romantic disaster with Connor?" I asked, shifting the conversation.

Bonnie's eyes lit up. "Oh, she's still raising hell about him buying that building. I think she's ready to strangle him."

"I mean, it is strange for him to invest in a place here of all towns," I pointed out, placing my order with the waiter for pancakes and bacon. Bonnie placed hers too, and I couldn't help but notice the amused twinkle in her eyes.

"Well, it's not so strange when you think about it," Bonnie said, smirking.

"What do you know that I don't?" I asked, leaning forward.

Bonnie chuckled, leaning back in her seat. "It's just a hunch, but I think Connor might be doing this for Abby. There's been a lot of back and forth with her trips to New York. Who's to say something didn't happen between them?"

I blinked, processing her theory. Bonnie had a knack for matchmaking, and more than one couple in Hollowbrook had come together thanks to her bakery's charm—and maybe some of her special baked goods. I couldn't help but laugh at the thought.

"Wait, are you suggesting there's some secret romance between them?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Bonnie shrugged playfully. "I'm just saying, it wouldn't surprise me if Connor's trying to win her over. You've seen how they bicker. That's enemies-to-lovers energy if I've ever seen it."

I laughed, shaking my head. "I always thought that, but now with him being best friends with her older brother, we might be leaning into the 'older brother's best friend' trope."

We both burst into laughter. "Oh, Abby would roll her eyes at us if she heard this conversation," I said as our food arrived.

"She definitely would," Bonnie grinned. "But just like I have a feeling about Abby and Connor, I've got a feeling about you and Ethan too. You can keep saying it's just friendship, but I know there's more between you two. I'll let it slide for now, but just remember what I said."

I sighed, knowing she wasn't completely wrong. The more time I spent with Ethan, the more I realized how easy it was to fall back into old feelings. But now wasn't the time. The festival was coming up, and Ethan had enough on his plate with the case. I couldn't risk getting my heart broken again.

After breakfast with Bonnie, I headed deeper into town. Shops were already starting to decorate for Halloween, and as October rolled in, my side business of decorating store displays picked up. Sundays and Mondays were my days off from running the inn, so I used the time to meet clients and get their ideas for the spooky season.

Decorating had always been something my father and I did together, and even though he was gone now, I liked to think I was continuing the tradition. Today, I had a few stops to make, starting with Manny's Hardware Store.

As I walked in, the familiar bell jingled. "Morning, Manny!" I called.

Manny waved from behind the counter. In his early 50s, he'd been friends with my dad, and ever since my father passed, he'd stepped in as a sort of father figure for me. He gave me a warm hug, smelling of wood and motor oil, which made me smile.

"Hey, kiddo. What can I do for you?" he asked.

"I'm here to see what you're thinking for this year's Halloween display. I'm starting on them this weekend to make sure everything's ready before the festival," I said with a grin.

Manny chuckled. "Ah, whatever you come up with is always amazing. You've got full creative control."

I smiled, feeling the warmth of his trust in me. "What do you think about doing something with the Headless Horseman legend this year? It's the town theme, after all."

Manny laughed, shaking his head. "You're always pushing the envelope. But I like it. Let me know what you need, and I'll help however I can."

After a hug and a promise to update him on my progress, I headed out. The cool autumn air greeted me as I walked to my next stop, mentally planning the day ahead. By the time I finished running errands, it was nearly 3 p.m., and I headed home to prepare dinner.

When I opened the door, the sound of nails tapping on the hardwood floor welcomed me, followed by a low, happy bark. "Hello, handsome," I cooed as Beast, Ethan's loyal dog, trotted over, wagging his tail. "I thought your dad took you to work today."

Beast wagged his tail harder, making me laugh as I gave him some scratches behind the ears. I'd grown attached to the big guy over the past month. Ethan always brought him over when he visited, and it seemed Beast had decided my house was home.

I texted Ethan to remind him to bring more food for Beast. I didn't mind him being here at all—honestly, I enjoyed having both of them around. It felt nice, to have someone to come home to, someone to cook for, and someone genuinely happy to see me.

"Come on, Beast," I said, heading to the kitchen. "Let's get started on dinner. Your dad will be home soon."