Walking around the living room one more time, Emily tried to imagine her furniture in the large space. Her sofa was definitely not large enough to fill the space and she would need to buy more things if this was the house she wanted to buy. She wasn't sure if she was ready to move into a house, but it seemed to be the next logical step in her life.
Now 25 years old, it was the next adult thing to do. Her apartment, in the city, was not cutting it anymore. It was too cramped for her comfort. The apartment complex was in a shady part of the neighborhood and Emily was tired of living in paranoia, as she got older. It was not a way Emily wanted to live. However, it worked for her for a while. Now out of school and into her career, she felt like she could afford to have a little bit more space and move away from the city.
Emily never thought that she would return to the town where she swore she would never live in again. However, the older Emily got, the harder it was to deny that this will always be her home, regardless how she felt about it in her high school years.
When she returned home from Haiti, Emily attended Danby for all 4 years of college and she graduated with a degree in business management. After college, Emily immediately found a job as a bartender at an up-scale restaurant in New York City, the Monarch. It wasn't ideal, but paid the bills. She has been there for three years and she has gained a lot of experience with running a bar at a full-scale establishment. It gave her a lot of insights on hostility. Sometimes, she daydreams about her small cafe, but the dream drifts further and further way from her as she faces reality everyday with the restaurant. Sometimes she wonders if owning her own business is still her dream.
"How do you like the space?"
"I love it!" Emily exclaimed, looking around one more time. "It's perfect."
"It's definitely an ideal house to start a family in."
Emily nodded. She could see how the realtor can see that. "The rent, alone, is already pushing my limit. I can't imagine what the mortgage is like, on a house like this."
"Well, rent is already at $2,500. I would say just $1,000 to $1,500 more and you could own the entire property."
Emily chuckled, liking the idea. It was a wonderful thought, but it was also a thought Emily didn't want to think about right now. She felt like she wasn't ready for that step yet. It was already overwhelming to move into a rental that cost a little bit more than what she could afford right now.
Emily replied. "Maybe one day."
"One day." The realtor shrugged. "Do you think your fiancée would like the house too?"
Emily smiled at the word, fiancée. It sounded so foreign to her ears, but it has been a couple of months since the proposal has happened and Emily is still not used to it.
"My fiancée is pretty open to what I like." Emily answered, wondering if that was a confident assumption on her part.
"That's great so it's up to you then." The realtor said, hopeful. "So what are your thoughts?"
"I think this will be perfect for us!" Emily exclaimed, excited for the next chapter of her life. "Where do I sign?"
Paige looked down at her Rolex watch as she secured it on her wrist.
6:15 a.m.
Shit, Paige thought. It was almost time for her flight and she was cutting it close as she bended down to grab her black button-down shirt off of the floor.
"Are you sure you can't stay a little bit longer?"
Paige smiled as the question ended with a purr.
Slipping her arms through the shirt, Paige turned and shrugged, smiling apologetically.
"I would love too..."
The blonde female, lying on the bed, interjected. "But?"
"I have a business trip I really need to attend to."
"I'll make it worth wild for ya." The blonde girl smiled deviously and winked at Paige.
Paige let her eyes rank over the female's naked body, tangled in the sheets of the king size bed. Nothing was really separating her beside that thin white sheet the female was slowly pulled off of her body. Paige would definitely love to stay, but she knew that she couldn't chicken out of the trip this time.
Paige sighed as she buttoned her shirt together. "I wished I could, but I really have to run or else I'm going miss it."
"I didn't say you have to miss the entire trip." The blonde said. "I'm saying, go later."
"You're a persist one, aren't you?" Paige said, amused with the flirtation.
"Well, I know what I want."
Paige searched the room, trying to find her shoes. They were the only items left she needed to grab before she could make her grand escape. This one was becoming a little too clingy for Paige's liking. She needed to get out of there quickly without being too obvious. This was just another fun night for Paige McCullers, the Monopoly Heir. That was what the tabloids called her. At first, Paige hated it. She hated being followed and harassed by paparazzi. She hated being questioned as she walked down the streets. She hated that the entire city was interested in her life when she was trying hard her best to move forward with her life.
Paige learned, quickly, that there were loopholes and perks. She learned how to used them to gain leverage in her favor. Just as she learned that Paige McCullers was a face that people in the city would recognize and it was not hard for Paige to get what she wanted like spotting an attractive blonde female at the restaurant she was having a meeting at earlier in the evening. All Paige had to do was smile at the girl and she waited for Paige at the bar all night. Once her meeting was over, Paige coolly walked up to the female and here they were, in a hotel room somewhere on Park Ave.
"Where are my shoes?" Paige muttered, before spotting them.
She quickly scooped them up and walked briskly to the door. Opening it, Paige turned around and said. "I had a nice time...um..."
Paige froze.
What was her name? Shit. Now she really looked like an ass.
The blonde girl waited. Her smile slowly diminished as Paige recognized her disappointment displayed on her face. "Mary."
Paige nodded, knowing that the least she could have done was remember the girl's name. "Mary, I had a lovely time. Stay as long you like and Samuel will give you a ride back to your place when you're ready."
Paige closed the door and dashed to the elevator. Once outside she spotted Samuel, waiting for her near the car.
He nodded and opened the car door.
"Samuel." Paige nodded, greeting. "Thank you."
"Where to, Miss McCullers?"
"To the private jet, please." Paige answered, reaching for the folders that were lying in the seat right next to her. "My flight is in an hour and half so take your time getting there, Samuel."
"Certainly, Miss McCullers." The male nodded. "Going to Los Angeles this weekend, Miss?"
"I wish." Paige made a face, rethinking her decision. "I will actually be close by, just a state over."
"Oh? Anywhere fun that I might know of?"
"Unfortunately, I don't think so Samuel." Paige fidgeted in her seat, anxious. "Not many people have heard of Rosewood before."
"Ah...you're going home?"
Paige chuckled low and looked out of the window. "I guess you can call it that."
It has been seven years since she last set foot in that town. Her last time was not very pleasant and Paige will never forget that moment when she was hauled off. She was seventeen years old, in handcuffs, and sobbing as police officers dragged her out of court. She remembered seeing some of her classmates in the crowd. She remembered seeing Mona, Lucas, and Jenna there. They won't look at her in the eye. She remembered seeing Patrick as he walked with her, telling the officers to not hurt her as they continued to tug at her handcuffs. She remembered seeing her father shaking his head, upset, as he turned the opposite and walked away from her. Paige remembered pleading for help. She remembered screaming that she didn't do anything that they convicted her for. She remembered muttered Emily's name as the officers guided her in the car and slammed the door closed. That was her last memory in Rosewood, her hometown.
"Going home is always exciting, you know? You will run into people from your past and get a chance to catch up. It sounds like a good break from your daily schedule, miss." Samuel turned his head and smiled. "I'm happy for you. You're the hardest working person I've ever met so this is great. I can't wait to hear all your stories when you return, Miss."
Paige forced a smile. She knew that Samuel only meant well for her. "Thank you, Samuel. I'll, for sure, tell you all about it when I get back."
"I can't believe you're moving back to Rosewood!" Hanna squealed while shaking her head in disappointment.
Emily chuckled as she sipped her glass of wine. It was like old times when Emily needed some girl time with her best friends. The first couple of years of college, in the city, were the loneliest, but when Hanna told Emily that she got accepted into a design school in New York City, Emily was beyond relieved. Finally, there was someone she knew who would live near her, making the rest of her experience so much better.
The years that followed just concrete their relationship even more. Emily was a lot closer to Hanna than Spencer or Aria, but that was because they were going to school in the same city. They were inseparable and developed many traditions together just like Wine Wednesday for example. They also had Taco Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays. Basically, any day they could get together, they would.
"Crazy, right?" Emily replied. "Who would have thought that I would be the first one to move back?"
"I know! I couldn't wait to get the hell out of there."
"Don't you miss it though? Being home?"
"Maybe just a little. I mostly miss my mom, but that's the only thing that connects me to it. But talking about moving back? I don't miss it that much." Hanna laughed. "What does that fiancée of yours think about the idea?"
"Kelly is Kelly." Emily answered. "Always very cool about everything."
Hanna nodded, pouring another glass of wine. "I would say that Kelly loves you very much therefore you always get your way. Always."
"Hey now." Emily acted offended. "I don't always get my way. Plus, this move was Kelly's idea. I don't know why, but she really wanted to start a family in a town like Rosewood. It's such a cute gesture. So of course, I couldn't tell her no."
"Starting a family in Rosewood is beyond me." Hanna rolled her eyes. "Caleb and I once discussed it, but every time, we would end up getting into horrible arguments so we dropped the entire topic. We never really talked about it ever again."
"No, I get it. I think its safe to say that we all have a love-hate relationship with Rosewood. But with Kelly pushing for it, I have to be supportive and try it. If it doesn't work out, then we'll move. " Emily said. "Speaking of Caleb, where is he anyways?"
Hanna's mood dimmed. It didn't go unnoticed by Emily as she observed her blonde friend.
"He's working." Hanna said, sadly.
"Still? It's kind of late."
"I know, but you know his line of work. Whenever they need him, he has to be there. He has no choice. Sometimes, I wish he could take off a couple of weeks and we can go somewhere no one can really bother us because we can't seem to find time for ourselves."
Emily nodded. She understood very well how Hanna was feeling. Kelly was the same way. She has an unusual schedule so spending time together was a rare treat. At first it did bother Emily, but as time when on, Emily understood that this was Kelly's career, being a value member of their community and being the best law officer she could be. Emily decided that be supportive was much more important than being selfish by wanting Kelly around. So Emily bit the bullet when it came to Kelly's career.
"How about you guys come home with us?" Emily suggested. "For a month?"
Hanna almost choked on her wine before letting out a loud laugh. "You're joking."
"No. Think about it." Emily paused. "We live in the city, New York City. How many people here know where our hometown is? I guarantee you that no one would remember where we are going if we told them. No one would bother us because we would be too remote from the city and we need that space."
Hanna made a face as she mulled over the idea. "You do have a point."
"Come on." Emily pleaded. "You and Caleb could help with the move. I will cook you dinner and of course, you guys have a place to stay. We could also visit my parents and your mother. We could have breakfast at the Brew and catch a movie at the movie theater. How about boutique shopping in downtown? It would be like old times. Tell me the idea is not appealing."
Emily looked pointedly at Hanna, waiting for an answer she hoped for.
"I do love the boutiques in downtown." Hanna said, defeated. "Okay. Fine. But only if you invite Aria and Spencer to join us."
Emily gasped. "How about you guys help me with planning the wedding?! Come on. It would be the perfect time to do so. We'll all have the month off, doing nothing but the things we want. All couples here in Rosewood? Imagine how much fun we could have?"
"Yes! Okay! I'm in." Hanna said, containing her excitement as much as she could. After all she was in public. "You had me at wedding planning."
Emily smiled brightly, loving her idea even more now as Hanna agreed to accompany her with the move. "I knew I would! This is going to be so great. The gang is back again and all in the same place. I love it!"
The flight was mostly smooth as it touched down outside of Rosewood early in the evening. Paige grabbed her bags and walked over to her Lexus RC as it sat at the end of the turf. The car purred to life and Paige punched it into gear. There was one place she wanted to visit first before she checked into her room at the Radley.
Downtown was still quaint as she remembered it. There were so many trees and fields of green grass, surrounded by small businesses. The light lamps illuminated the street as people strolled casual up and down the block. There was a sense of home here that Paige would not be able to find anywhere else. She was definitely not in the city anymore.
Paige tucked her hands into the pockets of her pants and breathed in the crisp
Evening air. She strolled down the pavement and reached her destination as she stood in front of the door, looking up at the sign: The Brew. The door swung open as people were leaving the establishment and Paige picked up the scent of fresh roasted coffee beans in the air.
Oh man. I've missed this coffee.
Paige breathed in deeply again, accepting her denial.
I really miss being home.
Paige cleared her throat and entered. She wondered if Zach still own the place or he has sold it and got out of there like everyone else in town. Or that was how Paige saw it. There was not much that Rosewood offered, but knowing the market, Paige knew that Rosewood was becoming one of the emerging cities in the Philadelphia area due to the expensive cost of city living. Families and young adults were all looking for something more affordable, away from the dense living of city life. In Paige's eye, Rosewood could become the next hot spot in the housing market.
"Hi. Can I get a red-eye please?"
Some things never change, like Paige's coffee order. Seven years later and Paige's order is still a red-eye. Some time she would get it two to three times a day. The taste of coffee almost is a comforting thing for Paige as she grabbed the cup the young male put down for her. After thanking the barista, Paige moved over to the sitting area. The place still looked like the way she remembered it, but Paige also did notice the new addition space.
Paige walked over to the longest wall, on the other side of the room, and studied the books that were placed on display. Paige nodded, noticing that there was traffic on both side of the establishment. There were people joining coffee and there were people perusing the bookcases. The large window that gave the Brew its signature look was still there. The bookcase was built in around it, and Paige thought it was a unique idea. She stared outside, admiring the familiar street. She was feeling conflicted. She didn't want to like Rosewood, but at the same time, if she said that she hated the town, then she would be lying. That was a part of her that truly missed this place, especially when it came to one person Paige still hasn't gotten over.
Seven years later and her feelings haven't dwindled one bit. No matter how many girls that came after Emily, Paige was still tormented by the memories of the raven hair beauty. She often wondered if the other girl thought about her, even if it was once over the last seven years. Or relish in the happy moments they had together. Or even remembered who she was and not forgotten about her, Paige would be satisfied with that.
Paige sighed, continuing to watch the people passing the window. A young female walked passed, making Paige do a double take. Her backside sparked a familiarity, one that Paige will never forgot. Paige took one last sip of her coffee before throwing it away and leaving the establishment. It crossed her mind to follow the girl and see if it was the person Paige hoped it was. What if it wasn't? Would Paige be disappointed? Why should Paige even care about this person? It has been 7 years.
7 years!
It was enough time to forget everything during the high school years. Maybe that person won't remember her. Maybe Paige should save the embarrassment and not even bothered. She turned to the opposite direction and started walking. Just walk away. Just keep on walking. There's nothing for you here. She reminded her self. You're here to do business so finish the task and get out of there. Go back to the city where life is good.
However, Paige couldn't keep walking in the opposite direction. In the back of her mind, she didn't want the 'what if' question to linger. What if that person was Emily? Then what? Would Paige ask all the questions she had buried in the back of her mind? Would it give her real closure? What if it was the only thing that could push Paige to finally move on? Move on and accept that whatever she had in Rosewood was over.
Paige wanted to know.
She needed to know.
"Fuck." Paige muttered as she turned and marched towards the direction of the other girl.
Paige walked back the Brew and stood in front of the establishment, hesitated to walk over to the other girl. The girl lingered in the street, looking up at the empty vendor space in the building behind the Brew. Her long dark hair reached the small of her back. It's Emily, Paige thought. She was as tanned as Paige remembered. Her muscular arms flexed as she tucked her hands in her front pocket. It was definitely Emily, Paige concluded.
What was Emily doing out this late at night, Paige thought.
Do it before you chicken out, Paige!
Paige breathed in and mustarded up her courage. She walked, determined to say hello to the other girl. She was determined to do it confidently, like she's a different person now. Emily, standing in front of her, was not going to break her. Paige was going to stand tall, unraveled by the presence of Emily near her. Although Paige wasn't sure if that her case or not, but she was committed to saying hi since she was an arm length away by now.
Paige swallowed as she reached out, gently placing her hand on the girl's shoulder and said.
"Hey..."
The other girl turned away and Paige stopped in her tracks.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else." Paige said quickly, apologetically.
"That's okay." The girl smiled.
Paige smiled back and chuckled with embarrassment. "Maybe I'm seeing things."
"Hey, don't worry about it." The other girl said. "People mistaken other people all the time so don't sweat it. It's a pretty common mistake."
"Yeah, in a big city. Not one like Rosewood." Paige muttered, feeling her face turning red.
The girl shrugged. "True. In New York City, it happens pretty often. Trust me. I know."
Paige burrowed her eyebrows. "You're from New York City?"
"Yup, just got here today."
"Me too." Paige said. "I'm also from the New York City and I also got into town."
"Small world."
"Yeah, weird." Paige frowned at the chances of this encounter. "What's bring you to Rosewood? If you don't mind me asking."
"Checking out some property for business and such."
"Good town to invest in. I know a thing or two about the housing market here. It is a pretty popular area for young family."
"That's what I've read. I think it would be a great place to start a family. That's why I'm looking at this empty space here. I want to surprise my fiancée. I think it would be a great start for us to invest in our future together, starting with a restaurant."
"You do know that there are tons of café up and down this street. That's a lot of competition around."
"I know, but let me tell you something. My fiancée is the best cook I know. Cookies, pasta dishes, salads, soups, or whatever you want, I'm telling you. Our restaurant will blow the competition away. I'm very confident in that."
"I like your spirit. That is what makes the differences between competitors. I wish you the best."
"Thanks. I wish there was a number I could call. I was serious about renting this space, but it looks like there is no contact information posted anywhere in this vacant space." The other girl made a face. "Maybe it's not my day."
Paige ticked her head to the side. "Here's what I'll do. Since it doesn't seem like it was an accident that I'm here and you're here. I think it's safe to say that it is your lucky day."
The other female smiled, amused with the turn of the conversation. "I don't follow."
"I actually own this space. In a matter of fact, I own this entire building. So since you're serious about renting and you were looking for the contact information, that must means...you're looking for me." Paige smiled. "I'm Paige McCullers."
Paige extended a hand and the other girl took it, still in awe.
"I'm Kelly. Kelly Waltz. It is a pleasure to meet you."
