Colton

"Colton! I'm so happy you're here," Hannah said with a big smile. She called me this morning and asked if I could join the committees' meeting for the potato festival in the afternoon. I went and join in on the fun. I thought it was a great way to connect with people in our town, just like she did.

The meeting took place in the town hall, where the town's mayor and the council's office were. When I got there at four, everyone was already huddled around a round table inside a conference room. There were ten of them, including Hannah.

"Hey everyone, we're so honored to have Colton Treble with us this afternoon. I figured everyone knows him. Well, who wouldn't? You've seen how much he's done for Dansville. Despite being busy, he's here to make our potato festival more memorable and fun," Hannah said.

They all acknowledged me with a friendly hello. After exchanging pleasantries, Hannah said to me.

"While waiting for the others to arrive, I'd like to show you the town's painting and antique collection."

"Sure." I agreed and went with her.

Being the stepdaughter of the mayor, she seemed to have full access of every room. She showed me every department briefly and met the employees. Then we went to the little museum where the paintings and rare pieces were hidden.

"Are you planning to move her in Dansville soon?" She asked suddenly.

I looked at her, then smiled. "Maybe. It depends on the situation."

"I wonder, what kind of situation?" She smiled back, very sweetly. "Maybe when you find someone to spend the rest of your life with?"

I shrugged my shoulders, my smile widened. "Who knows? We can never tell what the future holds."

"Tell me. What kind of woman are you into." She glanced at me, then focused her eyes on the painting of flowers.

"I don't have any particular type, but I admire a woman who is strong, career-oriented, kind and family-oriented. She must know what she wants and go after her dreams."

"Well, that's good." She nodded. "How about on looks? Do you prefer blond or brunette."

"Preferably brunette." I answered thinking of Luna.

"Hmm...seems like you were describing me." She chuckled, then took back what she said. "I'm just kidding, don't take me seriously. Come on, let's go back. I'm sure everyone is there already."

My eyebrows rose, then chuckled lightly. "Okay."

We went back to the group and the meeting started. It was presided over by one of the councilors. The meeting went smoothly and wrapped up at 5:45. Then, Hannah happily asked everyone to come over for dinner at her place.

"We'll be having a feast tonight, courtesy of the mayor. We'll be having wagyu steak, lobsters, roast chicken, beef wellington, and a seafood platter. For dessert, there are gelato, chocolate cake and crème Brulé for dessert."

I was tempted to accept the invitation. It would be a good start to connect with the people on Dansville. And they prepared most of my favorite dishes.

"Wow, just the mention of those dishes made me starving already." one man said, rubbing his tummy.

"Me too." One woman chuckled, then asked Hannah. "I heard you're practicing how to cook. Are we going to try one of your dishes?"

"Ah, someday Margo. I got so busy today." She smiled shyly. "Our Italian chef will do all the cooking."

"It's good that you're learning how to cook, Hannah." The other woman said. "Because the saying that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, is true." She turned to her husband. "Right, babe?"

"I totally agree. You kept on feeding me burgers whenever I visited you."

"Silly. They might believe you. I worked in a burger joint when we were dating!" She exclaimed and we all laughed.

We were about to leave the town hall when my phone rang. My heart skipped a beat when I saw who it was.

Luna.

"Sorry for the interruption, but I have to take this call." I told everyone, got up, answered the phone, and headed to the door. "Luna?"

"Hi, Colton. Sorry for disturbing you. It just hit me. I should've texted you beforehand. Are you busy?"

"Nope, I'm not busy. Just wrapped up a meeting." I turned towards the group and caught Hannah looking at me. I stepped outside the hall. "No worries, seriously. I'm glad you called."

It was totally true. The sound of her voice was like a breath of fresh air, rejuvenating my senses. I missed her so much that it felt like I was transported back to my teenage years, nervously talking to my crush.

"How are you?" I asked.

"Well, not so good."

"Sorry about the information I sent you. I was just trying to help."

"You shouldn't feel guilty. I asked for it. I admit, it made me so upset. But it's good that I know about it before it's too late." She said, and I agreed with her. "By the way, I called to ask when you're coming back."

I still had things to do in Dansville, assisting with the hospital's operations and witnessing the incredible progress being made. I had intended to extend my stay until the engineers started the construction of the pediatrics annex.

Another reason I stayed away from the city was because of Luna. The more time I spent with her, the stronger my feelings for her grew. It was unlike anything I had experienced before, and it both excited and frightened me.

I was afraid that I would end up confessing my feelings to her. It might complicate our working relationship and put us both in an uncomfortable position. Plus, Luna had been through so much already, and the last thing she needed was added emotional turmoil. So, I made a conscious decision to keep my feelings to myself and focus on supporting her and the hospital project. But as each day passed, it became increasingly challenging to suppress these intense emotions.

Besides, I was positive that I had achieved my goal in breaking her engagement with Cox. I had no reason to stay close to her.

Just tell her you're not coming back yet. You have tons to do at Dansville. Also, Hannah invited you over for dinner and their chef prepared all your favorite dishes. It would be great to hang out with her, the mayor, and others. They're there to help you connect with people, so take the chance. Don't miss out!

Okay, I'll do that.

I meant to tell Luna I wouldn't be coming back sooner, but then – I totally said the opposite.

"I'll be there right now. We can have dinner together tonight."

"No, please, don't do it on my account. It's not a big deal, though. I just want to catch up with you about the company and Barry. Everything happened so fast, you know? I don't even know how to feel anymore. I just need someone to vent out my feelings with..." she paused, then said, "sorry to bother you. I'll just reach out to my best friends."

The last thing I ever wanted was for her to turn to anyone else but me.

"No. I'll be there, promise. I have to go back, anyway. There are a lot of things I need to do in the office."

Crazy. With no hesitation, I dropped everything that I needed to do in Dansville and followed what my heart and mind dictated. God, I missed her so much, and all I longed for at that moment was to be with her.

"Where are you?"

"Home." She said, I heard her sigh deeply, then continued. "I went home early. I couldn't stand being in the office anymore. I felt so drained."

"Okay, stay where you are. I'll see you at seven."

"Oh, you really don't need to, Colton. We can set another time when you're not too busy."

"I want to, Luna. Unless you have other plans. I mean, you have your usual family dinner?" I suddenly remembered that it was Wednesday.

"Mom already knows I won't be there. She's aware of my situation right now and she has my back."

"Okay. So, I'll see you later. Want me to pick up some food? How about pizza, Japanese food, and red wine?" I was super excited to see her again. I didn't even give a damn that it showed in my voice.

"No need to trouble yourself. Cooking is my go-to stress reliever. I'll probably make rib eye steak, mac and cheese, and vegetable salad. Does that sound good to you?"

"That's more than perfect! I can't wait." I chuckled.

I would've said a peanut butter sandwich was alright as long as we were together.

After we hung up, I couldn't stop smiling. I went back to the hall where everyone was just waiting around.

Hannah's eyes sparkled when she saw me. "Let's go?"

Oops! I pressed my lips together, thinking for a moment about what to say.

"Apologies, guys. I can't join you. I'm heading back to the city right now."

Hannah's lips pouted, she looked really disappointed.

"Aw, my parents are expecting you. I'm sure that's not an emergency. You can leave tomorrow morning."

"Sorry, I can't, Hannah. The mayor knows I'm a very busy man. I'm sure he'll understand. But anyway, can you do me a favor and say I'm sorry to them?"

"Of course. Now worries." She smiled sweetly, nodding her head. "We'll see you at the potato festival, though. Have a safe trip."

"Thanks."

I left immediately and called my pilot. "We're going back to the city right now."