Everyone Has Something To Hide

Chapter Six

After folding up some laundry and putting it away, she hears a car horn and smiles, grabbing her purse and water. Opening the door, she sees Breanna and Kyle. They make their way just outside of town to the farm, at first Juliane doesn't see anything through the trees. Then, once they pull down the driveway she sees all the different crops sprawling across the hundred acres. She sees Link's house and the barn. Kyle parks in front of the house and they head up to the door.

"Wow, he definitely does well for himself," Juliane says.

"He supplies a lot of stores around town, plus the restaurant has done really well. I think he had an inheritance or something but Link has never really said much about where he's from or anything," Kyle continues.

The front door opens, but the screen door stopping a massive dog running towards them. They walk inside, the dog immediately taking a liking to Juliane.

"Hey, I'll be right there," they hear Link call out.

"She likes you," Breanna nods at the dog.

"She's adorable," Juliane nods, kneeling and scratching behind the massive dog's ears -- licking her face.

"You guys can come in," Link welcomes and looking at Juliane, "and she definitely likes you. Her name is Bella by the way."

They walk inside, the whole place covered in old hardwood floors, windows around the exterior living room walls. The other wall having a natural stone fireplace and the last well filled with books. The kitchen has another old fireplace along with a ton of counter space which leads to the dining room which has huge French doors that lead out to the wrap around porch and the back patio and a fire pit. Most of the house either exposed wood, natural stone, along with a few plaster walls here and there.

"Did you want me to show you around?" Link walks up to Juliane.

"Sure," she nods, Bella still nudging her nose into Juliane's hand,.

He begins the tour of the living room then the dining room and kitchen before heading upstairs. Link shows her the guest rooms and then his room with the huge fireplace and windows looking over the property and the master bedroom with the claw foot tub and big shower.

"When I got the house it was in rough shape but I'm pretty happy with what I was able to save of it," Link says proudly.

"It really is beautiful," she smiles. Noting the dog never leaving her side.

"Thank you. It took a lot of work. Do you want to head back downstairs and get a beer or a glass of wine?"

"A beer sound amazing right now," Juliane nods.

"Beer it is," he says, walking past her as she follows. He grabs the cooler. "So do you guys want to head to the lake before everyone else comes by?"

Of course, no one objects. Placing the coolers and towels in the back of the truck, they head towards the few hundred yards to the lake. Bella jumping out the back and diving into the cool water. They all grab a beer from the cooler. Juliane follows Kyle and Breanna with a towel and laying it down beside them as they hear the music from Link's truck blaring in the background.

"So are you excited to see Trevor?" Breanna asks Juliane, both girls sitting beside each other.

"I am."

"Are you guys going to sit there and not swim?" Link walks over.

"I'll swim eventually," Juliane smiles, raising an eyebrow as Link peels off his shirt.

"I think Bella wants you to swim," he nods towards the soaking wet dog running towards them.

"Fine," Juliane laughs, standing up and stripping down to her bathing suit. "Let's go," she laughs -- following the dog into the water. She throws the toy, the dog retrieving it.

"She definitely likes you," Link joins them. Breanna and Kyle watching from the shore.

"Well the feeling is mutual," he says, looking at Bella as she swims back, dropping the toy beside Juliane. "I think I need to get another beer, would you like to join me?" Link asks. Bella heading over to shore, flopping over exhausted.

"Yeah sure, and a nap sounds nice," Juliane only half joking, noticing the dog.

"I mean, I have a few spare rooms and a hammock if you're interested," he suggests. The two walking back to shore to join the now group of three.

"Juliane, this is my friend Éliane. She lives in the other guest house."

The Éliane woman stands, extending her hand. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Nice to meet you," Juliane nods, taking her hand.

Link hands Juliane another beer as promised. "Would you like to see the barns?" he asks her.

"Yeah that's fine," she smiles, taking the bottle and taking a sip.

Juliane follows as she steps into what is known as the event barn. She's in complete awe, seeing the lights strung up inside, it's mostly empty except for the handmade bar that is over in the corner. She notices a ladder going up to a small loft on the upper party of the barn. He leads her out of the event barn and over towards the original barn, half of it filled with equipment and the other half split between some wood working items and then two cars, one has a cover over it, the other being a completely restored 68' Mustang Fastback.

"That would be my pride and joy," Link beams, Bella trotting in behind them.

"It's pretty," Juliane says, looking on the inside through the open window. "So what's Éliane's story?" she asks bluntly.

Link chuckles. "Oh there's a lot of stories with Éliane but what do you mean?"

"Like how did you meet her?"

"We met through a mutual friend actually and knew each other for a little while before I planned on moving here and she decided she could use a change of scenery so she came with me."

"You guys have hooked up haven't you?" she smiles.

"Oh no, I'm not her type. You are absolutely her type though so just prepare yourself."

"Well okay then," Juliane smirks. "But I'm not interested, so thanks."

"I kinda figured that given that you're married to a man. Be prepared for a barrage of compliments though," he informs, leaning against the car.

"From who? You or her? Or both?" she smirks once more, leaning against the other car across from him -- one arm crossed, the other moving the beer bottle to her lips.

"That obvious huh? And here I thought I was a little more smooth than that."

"Need to work on your game a little bit more."

"Oh really?" he asks, taking a step closer to her. "And who would you recommend that I do that?" never breaking eye contact with her.

"You'll figure it out. I have faith in you," she says softly. She pats his chest and walks past him.

"I guess it's time to make some food."