As she stepped into Hogwild, Crystal decided going from one small town disaster to another small town potential disaster was perhaps not her best play. And yet here she was, home in Blueville, for her big brother’s fortieth birthday party.

Hogwild, Blueville’s nicest restaurant and famous for its pulled pork, was crammed to the gills with what seemed to be the entire town. Not the entire town. Crystal would know just about everyone here, and they were all safe. Meaning they weren’t people who still called her Crazy Crystal.

“Is that my baby sister?” Trent’s voice thundered through the restaurant as he stalked toward the door.

Trent was massive—six-three with a barrel chest and arms as big as tree trunks. His light brown hair had a few gray streaks here and there, but he still looked incredibly young and robust despite the efforts of his four children to make him otherwise.

She smiled as he approached, bracing herself for the inevitable bear hug. “Happy birthday, Trent.”

He swept her up against his chest and squeezed her until she couldn’t breathe. Then he set her down and grinned. “This is a surprise.”

“I like to surprise.” She handed him the bag with the bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue. “Brought your favorite.”

He peered inside, and his face lit with rapture. “You shouldn’t have. I mean, of course you should have. Thank you.” He gave her another quick hug and then she was assaulted by the rest of her family—her parents, Trent’s wife Delia, Crystal’s other brothers and their wives, and a passel of nieces and nephews.

After a few minutes, her mother ushered her to the table where the family was sitting. “I’m so glad you came. Surprised, but glad.” Mom smiled as she gave her a side hug. “So what changed that you could come?”

Changed? “Nothing really.” Her life was just a major disaster.

She’d driven back to the guesthouse knowing that Alaina would show up at some point. But Crystal hadn’t wanted to face her, so she’d repacked the few things she’d unpacked and called a car to go back to the airport. She hadn’t been able to get a flight out until the next morning and when one of her options was flying to North Carolina instead of LA, she’d decided that celebrating her brother’s birthday was probably the best thing she could do.

So here she was.

She’d texted Alaina to tell her where she’d gone, and Alaina had responded with a simple “Okay. I love you.” Tears had clogged Crystal’s throat, and even thinking about it now threatened to send her into an emotional spiral. She glanced around for a drink or a bottle of beer.

“Is something wrong, dear?” Mom asked. “You look a little pale.”

“Just a long day of travel. And I’m thirsty.”

Mom waved a hand at one of the servers and ordered Crystal a Long Island iced tea. Hogwild was famous for them; they were truly one of the best things about coming home.

It felt good to be taken care of. Maybe that was why Crystal had come. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Of course. Will this be another short trip?”

Crystal hadn’t booked a return flight to LA. “I don’t know actually.”

Mom’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“You don’t have to look so shocked.”

“Are you going to try to tell me this isn’t shocking?” She waved her hand. “Pshaw. I just wish I’d known so I’d made your bed up. Not to worry, I’ll take care of that when we get home.” She patted Crystal’s knee.

Again, Crystal basked in her mother’s care. “Thanks.”

Mom had converted the boys’ rooms into a guest room, an office, and a sewing room, but Crystal’s was still frozen in her teenage years. Mom’s policy was to keep their rooms intact until they were married—in case they needed a landing pad. After they got married, they were on their own.

She looked at her brothers, sitting around the table, and their wives and children. She realized she took it all for granted—that her family was so close-knit and supportive. She missed most of it living across the country. Her oldest nephew, Trent’s son Ryan, was fourteen. He looked like he’d shot up a couple of inches since she’d seen him last. Geez, that had just been at Christmas.

“Hey, Ryan, you ready for high school next year?” He’d go to the same high school that Crystal had barely graduated from. Only he’d do far better. Ryan made the honor roll every semester and was class president.

“Just about. When are you arranging for Justin and me to go to a movie premier?” Justin was his younger brother—twelve. They had twin sisters who were nine.

“I’m waiting for the right one,” Crystal said. “Maybe the next Marvel movie.”

Ryan’s mouth formed an O for a second. “Yes. That would be awesome.”

“No promises, but I’ll try.”

“Deal.”

It was moments like these when Crystal wondered why she stayed away. She kept in touch with everyone, but it wasn’t the same as being here. And yet, she knew she’d never come back. Not permanently. She could forget about all the lousy memories and crippling regret when she was nestled in the arms of her family. But the minute she stepped outside that safety net, she was reminded of how bad things had been. And how a lot of people would never forget it.

After making the rounds and joining in a silly rendition of “Happy Birthday” with several nonsensical verses tacked on by all the kids, Crystal helped her mom and Delia cut and distribute the cake.

A few minutes later, a disturbance cut through the conversation, and Crystal realized someone had arrived. She looked up from her plate of cake to see Alaina coming toward her—slowly, because everyone stopped her along the way for a hug and to chat. Alaina was a celebrity wherever she went, and not just because of her status as a movie star. She was charming and generous, and everyone loved her despite her mother, who was a drug addict, having been the last generation’s town pariah. Alaina had sent her to rehab twice and she now lived an extravagant lifestyle in Texas. Alaina was more than happy to pay to keep her out of trouble—and out of Alaina’s hair.

Mom hugged Alaina. She’d stepped in as Alaina’s surrogate mother from the time she and Crystal had met. While Alaina’s mother had been getting high, Crystal’s mother made sure Alaina had clean clothes and a decent meal. “My goodness, it’s lovely to see you. And look how adorable you are.” She dipped her gaze to Alaina’s belly. “How’s that sweet Alexa?”

“Wonderful, thank you. She’s at home with her daddy.” She darted an uncertain glance toward Crystal. “I just came to, uh, hang out with Crystal.”

“Really?” Mom sent Crystal a dubious look. “She didn’t say you were coming. Must’ve slipped her mind.”

Crystal said nothing, just shoveled a bite of cake into her mouth.

“Gramma!” One of Crystal’s younger nieces bounded onto her grandmother’s lap. “I’m all gooey.” She held up her hands, which were covered in frosting.

Mom chuckled and lifted her up as she stood from the table. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.”

Alaina took the vacated chair next to Crystal. “I thought we should talk.”

“Heard of a phone?”

“In person. Don’t be a Jessie Winthrop.” Jessie Winthrop had been a girl they’d gone to school with. She was always sarcastic and obnoxious, but funny enough that people tolerated her excessive snark.

“You liked her,” Crystal said.

“Most of the time, but you never really knew if she was a friend—her artifice always got in the way.”

That was true. “Are you trying to make a point here?”

Alaina sighed. “No. I’m trying to hold out an olive branch and sucking horribly. I’m so sorry about last night. You had every right to be pissed. You don’t owe me anything. On the contrary, I owe you. More than I can ever repay.”

Crystal forked off another piece of cake, but didn’t eat it. “That’s BS. You’d still be you—movie star extraordinaire—whether I’d worked for you or not.”

“If you really think that, you aren’t as smart as I give you credit for.”

Crystal let out a dark laugh. “Joke’s on you, then, because I’m not that smart.” She gave her an intent look. “You know that.”

“Oh, please. You’ve always been smarter than you think. Someday you’ve got to let all that baggage go—who you were at eighteen is not who you are now. That time in your life doesn’t define you.”

She knew that of course. Years of therapy had drilled it into her head. Why, then, was it still so hard for her to believe in herself? Maybe because when she finally did something successful on her own—this screenplay—it had turned into a disaster. “That really hurt last night—your reaction. I know I should’ve told you about Kim, but I was afraid of what you might say. And I was right.”

Alaina flinched. “Ouch. It sucks to meet someone’s low expectations. But you’re right. I reacted like a total douche. But I was hurt too. We’re more than business associates, we’re friends. No, we’re family. Even if you didn’t want to sell me the screenplay—and yes, I would’ve paid you top dollar for it and given you an amazing production deal—I wish you’d told me your plans. I would’ve supported you.”

“After you were done being pissed.”

Alaina tipped her head from side to side. “Maybe not pissed. Either way, what’s done is done, and I behaved like a jerk. I hope you can forgive me.”

Crystal offered a meager smile. “Of course, I can. And you’re right. I should’ve told you. If I can’t trust my very best friend to support me, who can I trust?”

Maybe the guy you ran away from?

She shushed that voice in the back of her head with the bite of cake.

“I’m so proud of you,” Alaina said, her eyes shining. “And I have to admit when that reporter asked me if I was going to star in the movie, I had such a yearning… I haven’t read your story, of course, but I know it has to be great.”

“Do you want to read it? I can have Kim send it to you.”

“Only if you want.”

Crystal nodded, emotion rising in her throat again. “I do.”

Alaina grinned. “Sean will be thrilled. He was so disappointed—but from a purely professional place, unlike me. Everyone is happy for you and the buzz this is getting.”

Setting her fork down, Crystal scoffed. “I’m sure not everyone.” Certainly not Angie Westcott. Or Stella. Or probably half the damn town of Ribbon Ridge.

“No, you’re probably right.” Alaina’s gaze was sympathetic. “But I learned a long time ago that you can’t please everyone. So I don’t bother. All I care is that I love and support those who love and support me. Which is why I’m so sorry about what happened.”

“Enough already. I get it!” Crystal laughed, and Alaina joined her.

After a moment, Alaina sobered. “Have you talked to Jamie?”

Crystal shook her head.

“You should text him. Or something. He cares a lot about you.”

Crystal rested her elbow on the table. “Yeah, I think he probably does.”

“And how do you feel about him?”

Shit. She didn’t want to go there. Not right now. She still felt raw from last night, and maybe from being here with her overwhelming, but in the best possible way, family. She leaned her head down and placed her forehead on her palm, her hair cascading down around her face, and stared at the table. “Do we have to talk about this right now?”

Alaina tucked Crystal’s hair behind her ear, letting light into the little fortress she’d created. “What did you say?”

Crystal turned her head on her palm to look at Alaina. “I said, ‘do we have to talk about this right now’?”

“Not if you don’t want to. But don’t let that boy hang. He’s too good a catch.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I see the way he looks at you, and I hear the way he talks about you. You’re nuts if you walk away from that. And do not give me any excuses as to why you won’t work. I know you’re older. I can guess you probably think he’s way smarter. And don’t even start with the ‘I hate small towns’ garbage.” She’d raised her voice an octave to mimic Crystal’s voice.

Crystal pouted. “I don’t sound like that. We can talk about this tomorrow. Tonight I’m celebrating Trent’s birthday and then going back to my mom’s for an old-fashioned sleepover with my best friend.”

Alaina’s eyes lit. “Ooh, do you think she’ll make us buttermilk French toast?”

Crystal sat up and swept her hair back from her face. “With sugar bacon? You bet. Mom!” She called out, knowing she’d be delighted to relive their youth.

Yes, there’d be time tomorrow to think and talk about Jamie. The problem was going to be keeping him out of her head tonight.

---

Jamie walked into The Arch and Vine, which was jammed with most of the people who’d been at the exhibit reception the night before. The Archers had invited everyone to come for a complimentary dinner tonight in an effort to smooth any ruffled feathers and to make sure everyone knew that there would be no lawsuit against Crystal.

He hadn’t planned on coming, but then he’d received a surprise package in the mail from his college friend that afternoon—a diary written by Rose Stowe. It was the single best piece of evidence they’d found regarding Dorinda Olsen, and his mother needed to see it.

As did Crystal. But she wasn’t here. Alaina had texted him last night that she’d left town but hadn’t said where she’d gone.

He’d waffled between texting her about it and doing nothing. So far doing nothing had won out, but he knew that wouldn’t last. He didn’t know what to do and hoped one of his brothers might have some advice.

As luck would have it, Luke came over to him almost immediately. “Hey, Jamie. How are you doing?”

“Fine, I guess.”

Luke’s gaze dipped to the booklet he carried. It was the diary—photocopied and bound together by his pal in San Francisco. He’d had another copy made that afternoon. “What’s that?”

“Actually, it’s a diary by Rose Stowe—Turner’s mulatto wife.”

Luke’s eyes flickered with surprise. “Wow. That’s quite a find.”

“I know. This copy’s for Mom.”

“She’s around here somewhere,” Luke said. “You want a beer?”

“Sure, in a minute. Can I talk to you first?”

Luke nodded, and they moved off toward a corner. The pub had regular patrons as well as all the people that were here for the “town meeting,” so it was quite crowded as people waited for tables and milled around the bar area.

Jamie transferred the booklet to his other hand. “I want to give a copy of this to Crystal too. I’m just not sure… Should I text her and ask if I should mail it?”

“You haven’t talked to her yet?”

“No. Like I said last night, I’m giving her space. She left town, so I figure she really wants it.”

“I didn’t realize she’d gone. Sorry, man.” He was quiet a second before adding, “I’d probably do the same thing—give her space, I mean.” He cocked his head to the side, as if reconsidering. “Actually, I don’t know. I definitely would’ve done that with my ex, but with Kelsey? Nah, I would’ve called her. Hell, I might’ve even jumped on a plane to get to her in person. But then love does that.” His lips spread in a goofy smile.

Jamie’s heart twisted. Did he love Crystal? He thought he might. But it was hard. He thought he’d loved Sadie, and look how that had turned out. “So I had this girlfriend in England. We were pretty serious for a while.”

“No shit. You’re a secretive bastard.”

Jamie shrugged. “It’s not hard when you live half a world away. She was out of my league, man. Her father was a knight.” He shifted his weight, moving the booklet to his other hand again. “Crystal’s pretty out of my league too.”

“Why would you say that?”

“Look at her. She’s beautiful, sophisticated, and she’s just at a different place in her life. She owns a multimillion-dollar house, travels all over the world, and doesn’t answer to anyone.”

Luke looked at him intently. “Who do you answer to?”

“You guys, dipshit.”

Luke laughed. “We all answer to each other. That’s the joy of owning a business together. I’d argue you’re doing just fine for a young whippersnapper.”

Jamie snorted. “You’re not much older than me.”

His gaze was superior in a totally teasing way. “Still am.”

“Fine. The point I was trying to make—and failing miserably—is that I’ve tried falling in love once, and it was a disaster. I wasn’t good enough for Sadie or her family.”

“Why the hell not?”

“Geez, where should I start? First off, I was American.” He shuddered.

“Oh, well, then. Say no more. You should slink off to a cave never to be heard from again.”

“Right?” Jamie had to admit Luke was making him feel better. “I was also poor, and horribly messy. Sadie hated that. Her dad thought I was incredibly beneath his daughter. Once he made that known, she dumped me. I think she knew it would happen too. She kept me from meeting them for months. All the while, I wined and dined her, trying to keep up with her ritzy lifestyle.” He shook his head with regret. “Stupid.”

“No wonder you didn’t tell any of us.”

Jamie looked over at him with a caustic glare. “Gee, thanks.”

“No, no. I didn’t mean it like that. You should’ve told us.” He put a hand on Jamie’s shoulder. “We’re always here for each other, aren’t we?”

Jamie pushed the tension from his shoulders. “Yeah. Sorry. I’m a little wound up.”

“Totally understandable. I don’t know that I’m really helping. So, you’re worried Crystal will be a repeat of Sadie? I can’t imagine why. Doesn’t sound like they have a thing in common beyond catching your eye.”

He was right about that.

“But maybe your concern isn’t coming from them but from you. For me, I knew I felt differently about Kelsey than I did about Paige. Once I figured that out, I relaxed. Is what you feel for Crystal the same as what you felt for Sadie?”

Yes and no. He wanted to spend every waking moment with Crystal, and he’d wanted that with Sadie too. He wanted to share things with Crystal, but he’d wanted that with Sadie too. With Sadie, it was maybe that he was trying to impress her, to score points, to keep her interest. Crystal wasn’t like that. He shared things with her to see the light glow in her eyes or hear the music of her laughter. “Yeah, I guess it’s different. I loved Sadie. I think I’m in love with Crystal.”

Luke grinned. “Sounds like you’ve got it figured out. You should go to wherever she is.”

“I agree.” Mom’s voice broke into their conversation. She stood behind Jamie, a few steps away, surprising both Jamie and Luke who exchanged looks.

“I swear I didn’t see her there,” Luke whispered.

She moved closer, a faint smile lifting her lips. “I’m glad you came tonight, Jamie.”

“Did you mean what you said just now?”

“That you should go after Crystal? Yes. Does that surprise you?”

“I was pretty sure she was persona non grata in your opinion.”

Mom took a deep breath. “No. I mean, she was. Which was stupid. None of this is her fault—at least none of what happened in the past and certainly not how I feel about it. The screenplay is another issue, and I do wish she’d maybe shared her vision with the town.”

“She’s not obligated to do that,” Jamie said, his ire pricking.

Mom touched his arm gently. “No, she’s not. I’m only saying what I wish would’ve happened, but then hindsight’s easy, isn’t it?”

Given the conversation he’d just had with Luke about Sadie, Jamie couldn’t argue. “Yes.”

“This has been tough,” Mom said, frowning. “I know it may sound odd, but learning all this about my family sort of makes me question my own identity.”

“That’s not odd,” Jamie said. “I’ve done the same thing.”

Luke nodded. “Me too.”

“I’m starting to get my head around it.” She smiled weakly. “And I’m doing my best to soothe others.”

Jamie handed her the booklet. “I wanted to give you this. It’s from my friend in San Francisco. It’s Rose Stowe’s diary.”

Mom took it from him gingerly, as if she might break it. “Is it…bad?”

“It’s probably not going to make you happy. It describes—quite definitively—what happened that night they burned the Bird’s Nest Ranch, and specifically what happened to Dorinda Olsen.” He knew in that moment he had to get it to Crystal as soon as possible.

Mom pressed her lips together. She lifted her gaze from the book and looked at Jamie. “Thank you. Is this for me to keep or do you need to give it to Crystal for her story?”

His heart swelled. “That’s really nice of you to ask. I have a copy for her. That one’s yours.”

“What are you waiting for?” Luke asked. “You should go.”

A text pinged on Jamie’s phone. He pulled it from his pocket just in case it was Crystal.

And it was—a picture of her with Alaina, but the text had come from Alaina, not Crystal. They were both smiling while a guy stood behind them doing rabbit ears and making an obnoxious face. He looked like he might be one of Crystal’s brothers. Where the hell was she? And Alaina was there too?

He read Alaina’s text. It said, Blueville. There’s a red-eye.

Jamie stuffed the phone back in his pocket. “I gotta go.”

Mom leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll pay for the ticket—and give her my best.”

Luke gave him a thumbs-up, and Jamie tore out of the pub.