Total pages in book: 17
Estimated words: 15551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 78(@200wpm)___ 62(@250wpm)___ 52(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 15551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 78(@200wpm)___ 62(@250wpm)___ 52(@300wpm)
Zoe stared at his hand for a moment before shaking it. “Hi. Yes, I’m Zoe,” she said, briefly surprised by how easy his smile made her feel.
“I figured I’d stop by and introduce myself. This is my shop,” Luke gestured across the street to the mechanic’s garage. “If you need anything, or if your car gives you trouble, feel free to stop by anytime.”
Zoe chuckled, half surprised, half skeptical. She glanced at her car, which had been running perfectly fine, and back at him. “I think it’s fine for now, but thanks. That’s really kind of you.”
Luke smiled again, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer than expected. “No problem. Willow Creek’s a small town, but we take care of each other here.”
His words were simple but comforting, and Zoe found herself nodding slowly. “I’m looking forward to experiencing that... a change of pace, I guess.”
“Well, if you need anything at all,” Luke said, giving her one last lingering look, “just let me know.”
Zoe smiled politely. “Thanks, Luke. I’ll keep that in mind.”
He gave her a short wave as he turned and walked back toward his shop, leaving Zoe standing on the porch, watching him go. She shook her head slightly, unsure of what to make of him.
She had no intention of sticking around here for long—but there was something about this town, and something about Luke Harrison, that made her think perhaps this would be the place where she’d find the answers she was looking for.
Chapter 2: A New Beginning
Zoe woke up to the soft light of the early morning sun spilling through the windows of her cottage. The crisp air from the open window carried the scent of pine and fresh earth into the room, and for a moment, she simply lay there, taking it all in.
She had been in Willow Creek for less than 24 hours, but already, the place felt like a world away from Chicago. The constant noise, the honking of cars, the hurried footfalls of pedestrians, none of them existed here. The only sound she could hear was the distant chirp of birds outside and the faint rustle of trees in the breeze.
It was peaceful. Too quiet.
Zoe sighed and stretched, swinging her feet off the side of the bed. The hardwood floor was cold beneath her feet, but she didn’t mind. She needed this. She needed to feel something other than stress, burnout, and the overwhelming pressure of her job.
Her phone was on the nightstand, and she could feel the urge to check her emails, to catch up on what she’d missed in just a day. But instead, she ignored it. She had come here to disconnect, to get some clarity. No more work distractions.
After a quick shower, Zoe decided to take a walk around the town. The weather was beautiful—bright and clear—and the streets of Willow Creek seemed to vibrate with quiet energy. People were out and about, some heading into the local bakery, others walking their dogs or chatting with neighbors. It was the kind of town where everyone knew everyone, and the slow pace of life felt like a balm for her weary soul.
Zoe strolled through the town square, admiring the flowers in the gardens lining the sidewalks and the rustic lure of the old storefronts. It was hard to imagine that a place like this could exist so close to the modern commotion she was used to.
She found herself outside the Diner—Penny’s Place—a small, no-frills restaurant that had a handwritten sign in the window that read, Best Apple Pie in Willow Creek.
Zoe hesitated for a moment, wondering if she was brave enough to go inside. She hadn’t come here to socialize. But the soft buzz of conversation inside drew her in, and she found herself stepping over the threshold without thinking twice.
The bell above the door jingled as she entered, and the inviting, familiar scent of frying bacon and brewing coffee filled her senses. The place was cozy, with mismatched tables and a long counter along the far wall. A few locals were seated in booths, talking in low voices, while an older woman behind the counter smiled kindly at Zoe.
“Well, well, look who’s new to town,” the woman said, her eyes twinkling. “I’m Penny. You’re Zoe, right? I heard you just moved into that little cottage on the edge of town.”
Zoe nodded, her lips curving into a polite smile. “Yes, that’s me. Just arrived yesterday.”
Penny motioned to an empty seat at the counter. “Well, come on in, honey. You need coffee. Everyone does, especially on their first morning in Willow Creek.”
Zoe hesitated for only a second before she sat down. “Sure, why not?”
The woman busied herself behind the counter, pouring coffee from a pot into a mug before setting it in front of Zoe. “The first cup is on me. This town’s full of people who like to take their time. But don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. Might take a little while.”