Patient Pines (The Pines Book Two): The Pines, #2

By Crystal Harper

Timing is Everything

It's the start of the tourist season in the Pines, and the quaint little town is busier than ever. Vacationers abandon the hustle of the big city to catch a glimpse into a slower way of life, some secretly hoping there's a chance at a holiday romance. Meanwhile, Summer and Jake are busy with their own ventures, and they continue to grow closer, finding there's much to learn about love.

Summer hires Luca, a handsome new yoga instructor, to help her out with the studio as it continues to flourish. They work closely together, and it's clear he wants to be more than just her eager employee. Jake is working constantly, running his thriving hardware store during the day and building the town's newest resort at night. What he fails to tell Summer is that his amazing new coworker Jessie is a woman.

If things weren't hectic enough, Summer's apartment above her studio floods, forcing her to move in with Jake during the renovations. Jake wants to get to know Summer on a deeper level, but living together so soon may prove to be more than they're ready for. Is there really such a thing as happily ever after? Will the temptations of other people drive them apart, or bring them closer together?

Find out in the anticipated sequel to Peaceful Pines.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Woodbridge Press
• Release date: Nov 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393558026

Book preview

Chapter One

Summer swept her soft blonde hair from her face as the early June breeze drifted across the Pines’ festival square. She held her phone as still as she could, trying to keep parents’ heads from blocking her view – not an easy task in the crowded area.

The bandstand supported most of the high school graduates, with more coming up the stairs as the principal announced each name. They’d nervously walk the distance between the set of steps and their awaiting diploma before turning to have their picture taken shaking Mrs. Thompson’s hand.

Jake cleared his throat beside her and pointed to the right side of the bandstand, where Summer spotted Haley. She was fidgeting with her cap, shifting from foot to foot while she waited for her name to echo from the speaker system.

Haley Miller, Mrs. Thompson said, and the young girl started up the steps.

Summer crouched into the middle of the aisle of chairs lining the square, where far more people than usual sat. The graduation class was much larger than the one she’d been part of, and because of the football team’s success, support for the senior players was at an all-time high.

She zoomed in on Haley, getting a good shot of her approaching her diploma, one step closer to her dreams. Had it really been twelve years since Summer’s own graduation? She still saw a lot of herself in the younger girl and wondered how life had moved so quickly.

Haley turned to the crowd, who cheered for her as the school photographer snapped a few pictures. Her smile was wide, innocent, and wonderful. She was such a good kid.

Summer kept filming, following Haley as she went to stand beside Chuck, who kissed her quickly and grabbed hold of her hand.

She ended the recording and slipped back to her seat, careful to stay out of other proud parents’ camera shots.

They’re the best, Summer whispered in Jake’s ear.

They sure are. Jake smiled at her, and she leaned her head onto his warm shoulder. She felt a kiss on her head, and all was right in the world.

With school nearly ending, the town was in the calm before the storm. Very soon, thousands of families would flock to the resorts, campgrounds, and lakes to spend their holidays at one of the state’s most idyllic settings. Summer felt blessed to be able to call the Pines home. When she was Haley’s age, all she’d wanted to do was leave it behind and forge her own path. Now she saw the comfort and wonder that made their town so special.

Having the man of her dreams sitting beside her helped the cause. Summer glanced behind them, where her Peaceful Pines sign hung unlit. Jake’s hardware store stood a couple of bays over. She felt proud of all they’d done.

As if to remind Summer of what was coming, two RVs drove down Main Street, slowing to see what was going on in the town square.

Is the store ready? Summer asked Jake as they watched the last few names being called.

Just about. I think with your suggestions, we’re going to have the best summer season at Pines Hardware ever, Jake said.

I just hope we get some yoga-loving tourists this year.

I think you’ll be surprised by how busy you’re going to be.

A gowned student took the stage and gave an insightful, motivational speech about living in the moment and doing what you love for the rest of your life. The young woman had a good head on her shoulders, and her speech resonated with Summer. By the end of it, she was wiping away a tear.

The class took their hats, throwing them toward the cloudless blue sky, and everyone stood, cheering for their loved ones.

Summer looked at the beaming man beside her and could imagine him a little older, gray in his beard and peppering his hair. They’d be side by side at their own child’s graduation, maybe even at the same town square. Jake seemed to hear her thoughts, and he turned toward her, giving her one of his trademark winks.

*

"I’m glad we made this reservation when we did," Jake said, noting how packed their favorite date restaurant was. Countless families sat with their newly graduated kids, family from all over the country visiting for the happy occasion.

Their table was more of a non-traditional mixture than most. Jake and Summer were there as friends of Haley and Chuck. Chuck’s mother Alison sat beside Summer, constantly gushing about her son. She kept touching Summer’s arm with motherly practice.

Jake, thanks for setting this all up. Bobby’s really happy we could make it, Hank said from the seat beside Jake.

Sorry to hear he didn’t get a scholarship, Jake said quietly.

Hank shook his head and took a drink from his pint. He didn’t expect to. He’s still going to a nice school, and if that doesn’t pan out, I can always add ‘and son’ to my plumbing company name, right? He nudged Jake in the arm with an elbow.

You bet. How’s our timeline on the project going? Jake asked, looking at Summer to make sure she didn’t catch him in shop talk. She’d asked him to leave the resort construction behind for the night. Summer knew the work was important to him and to their future, but it kept him away most evenings and weekends, so he could understand why she had a certain disdain for the job.

Good. Jessie coming on board has really helped us out.

Jake sipped his wine and caught Summer looking at him out of the corner of her eye as she chatted with Haley and Alison.

Yeah, I agree.

She really knows what she’s doing, that one. Hank waved to get the waitress’ attention and ordered another beer.

Jake felt the temperature rise in the room as Summer eyed him suspiciously. She turned away from him, and he suddenly felt guilty, even though he knew he’d done nothing wrong. He had the urge to change the subject and felt relief when Chuck’s mom stood at the table, holding her glass high.

Thanks for coming, everyone. She smiled sweetly as she looked around the table, eyes lingering on Haley for a moment longer than on anyone else. Chuck’s worked so hard to get where he is, and a lot of it’s due to the people at this table.

Chuck slunk in his chair, a look of extreme embarrassment mixed with pride etched over his young face.

Jake, thanks for giving him a job when he was just sixteen. It’s been great having him spend time around such a hard-working man.

Jake smiled back, wondering where all of this was going. The pleasure was all mine.

Alison dug into the purse hanging on the back of her chair and pulled out a letter, which appeared to be open already. Chuck looked at it with skepticism, and Jake couldn’t help but note a hint of sadness cross Haley’s face.

Here’s your future, son. She handed the letter to Chuck, and Jake made out the lettering on the front of the envelope.

He’d been there for the meeting between Chuck and Columbia. It was Chuck’s dream school, but the odds of making the team and being accepted into the Ivy League college were low.

Chuck held the envelope with shaky hands and sat there speechless. Haley looked over his shoulder as he slipped the letter out and read it silently. The whole table sat with bated breath, and Jake locked eyes with Summer, who was also entranced.

Tears fell down Haley’s face and she kissed Chuck’s cheek. I’m going to be a Lion! he shouted, standing up and hugging his girlfriend.

Everyone cheered for him, each getting up and forgetting their dinners in front of them as they took turns hugging and congratulating Chuck.

When it was Jake’s turn, he shook the boy’s hand, then pulled him in for an embrace. I’m proud of you, Chuck.

I couldn’t have done it without you, Jake, Chuck said, but Jake noted Haley’s slumped posture. Where did she fit into all of this, now that Chuck was leaving for an out-of-state school?

Now, who’s ready for dessert? Alison asked.

*

Summer couldn’t believe Jake hadn’t told her Jessie was a woman. All the stories she’d endured over the last couple months about the silly things Jessie had done on the job site, and now she’d found out Jessie was female. She racked her brain, trying to remember if he’d ever once made a reference that Jessie wasn’t a man, but she couldn’t.

Still, she did zone out quite often when he talked about work. It was possible she’d just not been paying attention.

We’ll talk later, she whispered to him as they left the restaurant. She was driving Alison and Chuck home, then dropping Haley off, and would deal with Jake when she was done.

He looked at her with a raised eyebrow but didn’t say anything. He just leaned in and kissed her lips softly before heading off toward his truck.

Thanks for the ride home, Haley said as they made their way to the parking lot where Summer’s SUV was parked. Summer searched for her keys in her purse and tried to contain her emotions.

Anytime. It was great to celebrate with you guys, Summer said, breathing in the cool night air. Temperatures were warming up, and the end of spring was upon them in the Pines.

The ride was quick, Alison chatting about how much she needed to get for Chuck before he headed off to college in the fall, and Summer listened, nodding and smiling. She peered into the rear-view mirror and saw the look on Haley’s face. The girl was heartbroken, but Chuck didn’t seem to notice. Of course he wouldn’t. He was a teenage boy, going to play college football on a full scholarship.

Chuck’s house came up on the left, and Summer pulled into the driveway, their garage motion sensors flicking on as she approached. The kids got out of the back, and Alison waited quietly while the two talked outside. A minute later, Chuck knocked on the passenger window, letting his mom know they were done, and Haley took her place in the front seat.

Chuck looked back from the front door and gave a small wave directed at Haley. As soon as he was out of sight, she broke down and started to cry. Summer had been predicting the reaction and passed her a tissue. Oh, Haley, everything will work out.

Haley took a moment to compose herself before replying. It’s just… I don’t want to feel this way, but he’s going away to New York while I’m stuck behind in the Pines, taking care of my dad. She looked at Summer through puffy red eyes and started to cry again. It’s not that I don’t want to take care of him either… it’s… I want to go to college too.

Summer grabbed the girl’s left hand and held it tight. It’s not your fault your dad had a heart attack recently, and it’s not Chuck’s fault that he’s going away. You’re an amazing young woman, and I know you’ll be off to school before you know it. Let Chuck have his adventure, and maybe next year, you can join him there. I know your grades are good enough.

Haley smiled through glistening eyes as the tears spilled down her cheeks and onto her wavy brown hair. You think so? she sniffed.

Summer nodded. I do.

What am I going to do? I can’t earn enough at the coffee shop to take care of my tuition and my dad. I’ll need to get another job.

Summer pulled out of the driveway and headed toward Haley’s house. I think I have an idea.

They began to make a plan, and before they knew it, Haley was leaving the SUV with a renewed optimism that Summer was grateful to have helped her achieve.

The clock read eleven, and she sent Jake a text before driving the few minutes back to her apartment above the studio. Let’s talk tomorrow. I’m exhausted.

She was, but leaving her concern over his co-worker until tomorrow still felt like a bad idea. She let out a deep sigh and drove home.

Chapter Two

"Breathe out any residual frustrations you brought before the start of your class." Summer lay on her back, facing the ceiling in shavasana. She took a deep breath, filling her lungs, and pushed out any resentment toward Jake she had from the night before. As she went through the exercise, the sounds of exhaling students filled the large open space. Her black bodysuit felt even more constricting today, like the weight of the world was built into the soft bamboo fabric.

Good, she said, about to end the class, when a splash of water hit her face: not much more than a drip at first before becoming an almost nonstop stream of liquid. Namaste. She heard the word echoed back to her from the class, and soon they were departing to their respective change rooms. A few people lingered to chat, and Summer wiped her damp face, looking up at the ceiling. From her vantage point, she couldn’t see any damage, but water was still dripping on her mat.

Luca, can you get everyone out of here quickly? Summer asked, getting a questioning look in return from her newly-hired instructor. He nodded and whispered to a few lingering students. Summer left him to it, running to the back stairs that led to her apartment.

The suite was unlocked, and she entered the small space, hearing trickling water from her laundry room.

No…no…no, she whispered to herself as she stepped barefoot past her living room and down the hall, where her laundry sat opposite her bedroom and bathroom. Cinnamon followed her but stopped a few feet from the door, as if he knew water was his enemy.

The hall was already wet, and when she opened the door, she saw how bad it was. Water filled the room, now running further down her hall. She screamed in panic as it rushed to her bedroom.

Summer? Everything okay? Luca’s voice called from the doorway.

No. I’m flooding here!

Luca arrived in a few quick steps, his jaw dropping at the damage. Without saying a word, he ran past her and into the laundry room. Moments later, the water sound stopped and he came out, his white tank top stuck to his firm chest, his blond dreads soaked and dripping everywhere. She pried her gaze away from his clinging outfit and surveyed the damage.

I got the valves off. We have to get this water down a drain. He moved toward the kitchen and came back with two mid-sized bowls, passing her one.

How did this happen? Summer asked as they worked at filling their bowls before the water ran all down through her apartment. It was inevitable, though, and they only had a few down the bathtub drain before her bedroom carpet was soaked, along with her living room’s wood floors.

I’d guess whoever installed the washing machine didn’t hook up the supply line properly.

Summer thought about how much work Jake had put into making her place a home, and remembered the appliance delivery guy hooking up the water line. If it had been Jake’s fault, he would have been devastated.

Thanks for helping. Why don’t you go home? Good thing it was our last class for the night. Summer walked Luca back to her entrance.

It doesn’t look too bad downstairs. I’ll mop the floors before I go and see you tomorrow, he said, standing there as if waiting for something. He rested his hand on her shoulder and let it linger.

Summer just smiled and nodded at him, moving to close her door. Thanks again, Luca.

Anything you need, let me know. And he was off. The way he said anything made her stomach flutter just a little. She shut the door and shook it off. Luca was the last thing she needed to think about. He was a good instructor, and she was lucky to have him, but he was nothing more than a co-worker and friend.

With the door closed and her cat circling her feet, Summer stared at the water-soaked floors and began to cry.

*

"Thanks for staying late, Chuck. I appreciate it, especially after your news last night." Jake passed him a merchandiser header for the display they’d just finished. For the first year ever, Pines Hardware was carrying summer sporting equipment. Inflatable dinghies, wake boards, and sunscreen lined his shelves, and he couldn’t be happier with Summer’s suggestions. She’d hit the nail on the head with her ideas, and he’d already seen a solid uptick in his business, even before the tourist season began.

Happy to help. This place means a lot to me, and I’m going to miss it. Good thing I still have a summer here with you, hey? Chuck asked as he lightly punched Jake on the arm.

Customers were still coming into the store, as Jake had elected to stay open later two nights a week. The front door opened, followed by a chime, revealing two young women in crop tops and cut-off jean shorts. Chuck came to the rescue, helping them as they looked for some campfire utensils: skewers and a lighter.

Jake overheard them flirting with Chuck, and he spotted red spots on his employee’s cheeks for a second as he politely declined an invitation to go to a grad party with the attractive teens. The door chimes rang softly as they