Finding Hope's Ridge Read online

  Finding Hope’s Ridge

  Silver McKenzie

  Hope’s Ridge Book #1

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

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  Once you choose hope, anything is possible.

  Christopher Reeve

  1

  Asha drew in a lungful of early morning mountain air as she walked the half mile from her two-bedroom cottage to her pride and joy, Irresistables. Her stomach fluttered as her thoughts raced ahead. As much as she loved the small food truck she ran her business from, on Wednesday, she'd be signing the lease on new premises. Irresistables would continue in name but as a cafe in a prime location on the corner of Main Street and Lake Drive with uninterrupted views of the lake.

  As she rounded the corner of Lake Drive, the rising sun shone a light on the rippling waters of Lake Hopeful. A smile formed on her lips as a wisp of vapor rose from the town's main attraction. Its treelined shores and sandy beaches made it the perfect summer vacation destination, which thousands of people attested to each year. This year Asha wouldn't be running out of coffee and cakes as the line wound its way from the food truck to the lake; this year, people would be sitting at chairs and tables, being waited on and hopefully loving her expanded menu and new premises.

  Asha rubbed her hands together, her gloves not quite cutting out the morning chill, and ran through her to-do list in her head. She’d prepared her muffin mixes the day before, so they were ready to bake. She'd received a new order of coffee yesterday, and the coffee machine was ready to switch on and start brewing. She glanced at her watch. It was a little after six, which, based on her customers’ usual Saturday routine, gave her an hour before she needed to be ready to serve.

  Asha reached the food truck, her earlier excitement over her impending move fading as she admired the colorful van. She realized she would miss it. Jenna, her best friend, had done a fantastic job with the signage and painting, and the four tables out the front were attractive and inviting. Four tables. She'd have thirty tables to fill soon.

  She unlocked the door and, humming to herself, began her morning preparations. She knew there were people in town, including her parents, who thought she should do more with her life than serve coffee and cake from a food truck, but at twenty-eight, she was happy and content. She interacted with many of the townsfolk daily, and she constantly experimented with the muffins and brownies she made available to her customers. Her dream had been to expand the business and the menu, and that was precisely what she'd be doing the minute she signed the lease on Wednesday.

  “Ash?”

  Asha's thoughts were interrupted as she deposited a tray of raspberry and white chocolate muffins into the oven. Not expecting anyone this early, she was yet to open the service window. She unlatched it and grinned as it rolled upwards, and she locked eyes with her sister.

  “You're early. Taking the first class?”

  Steph nodded. “Bohdi's asked me to open the studio and take the hot yoga. I was hoping to grab a cup of coffee before I go.”

  Asha raised an eyebrow. “Coffee? I thought that was against all your yogi ideals. That you had to,” she did her best to imitate Steph's voice, “stay clean and cleansed on the inside and out.”

  Steph shrugged. “I've hardly slept, and I need something if I'm to get through the morning.” She handed Asha a mug she'd brought from home.

  “At least you're looking after the environment, even if you're not looking after yourself.”

  Steph laughed. “Says the town's dealer. Coffee is an addictive substance, you know.”

  Asha grinned as she used a tamper to pack the portafilter full of the beans she'd ground earlier. “How come you couldn't sleep?”

  Her sister's face clouded over. “The nightmares have returned.”

  Asha stopped what she was doing and stared at Steph. “Since when?”

  “A few days. Don't worry; it happens from time to time. I think anytime I'm stressed, my subconscious takes me back there.”

  “Okay, so what are you stressed about? If we can work that out, then the nightmares might go away.”

  “Possibly. It's Mary. She was offered a job in San Francisco. She accepted it yesterday and is moving on Monday.”

  “Monday? But surely she has to give you more notice than that?”

  Steph nodded. “She does, and she’ll pay her share of the rent until the end of the month unless I can get someone in earlier.”

  “That's not so bad then.”

  “Ash, it took me four months to find Mary. I was eating soup for two meals a day to make ends meet. I can't afford the rent on my own. You know that.”

  “You can always move in with me. There's room for both of us in the cottage.”

  Steph shook her head. “No, it's your space. I love you to bits, but I don't want to share with you. We both like our independence and living together changes our dynamic.”

  “Well, it's an option if you decide you can't afford to stay in your house, okay.”

  “Thanks.”

  Asha continued making Steph's coffee. “But in the meantime, with the nightmares, can you make an appointment with Dan?”

  “Probably, but I want to see if I can deal with it myself this time. I should be able to move on.”

  Asha gave her sister a sympathetic smile. “You suffered a trauma, Steph. Dealing with it will take time, and asking for help is completely normal. Speaking to a psychologist isn't a sign of weakness.”

  “I know, but I don't want to be offered medication either. I'll be fine. Now, when do you sign the lease on the cafe?”

  Asha knew Steph well enough to know that the topic was closed. She'd make sure she checked in on her over the next few days. “Wednesday. Are you free for a drink afterward? I'll need to celebrate.”

  “Should be. Jenna might be free too.”

  Asha looked up as she finished pouring the coffee into Steph's cup. “Jenna? She's in town?”

  “Will be. I bumped into her mom yesterday.”

  Asha frowned as she finished making Steph's coffee. It was unusual for Jenna to come back to town without contacting her first. They usually spoke at least once a week and exchanged messages daily. But Asha had been so caught up in her dealings with the bank and other suppliers for Irresistables’ new premises she realized it had been close to two weeks since they’d spoken. Her phone pinged with a message as she passed the coffee through the window to Steph. She smiled as she glanced at the screen.

  Arriving midmorning. Make sure you have your party shoes ready for tonight. Time to celebrate Irresistables’ big move. Love u, can't wait to see u. xxx

  “Jenna?”

  Asha nodded. “Sounds like we're going out tonight. Come with us if you're free.”

  Steph shook her head. “No, tonight I plan to meditate, then have a long hot bath before hopefully having a proper night's sleep. Now, I'd better run. Tell Jenna I said hi, and if she's still here, I'll see her on Wednesday for that celebratory drink.”

  Asha's smile faded as she watched Steph place her coffee in the cup holder she'd designed especially for her bike, before pedaling in the direction of Heat Wave, her workplace. It was close to a year since the accident, yet Steph's nightmares continued to plague her. She said yoga calmed her mind and helped her find peace with what happened, but the fact she was still using her bike as transport suggested she had not healed.

  Zane was aware of his twin stealing glances at him as he stared out of the passenger window, o
blivious to the scenery that zipped past as the white Jeep wound its way around the narrow mountain road, signaling they were halfway to Hope's Ridge. He didn't want to deal with any more of Jenna's questions, but he knew that was asking far too much of his outspoken sister.

  “You haven't said anything for close to an hour,” Jenna said.

  “So?”

  “So, talk to me. Tell me something.”

  Zane sighed and turned to look at her. He knew Jenna well enough to know she wasn’t asking him to talk about just anything. “I think I've told you everything there is to know already. It's why I'm in the car with you now, remember? It's why a truck will be turning up next week with all my belongings, proving what Dad said all along, that I'd never make it in the city, that they'd eat me alive.”

  “You don't believe that, do you?”

  Zane shrugged. “It's pretty much the truth. I couldn't handle the pace, and now I'm returning home with my tail between my legs.”

  “That's so not true,” Jenna objected.

  But it was. The last three months had unraveled Zane. Sure, he'd survived ten years in the city, not giving his father's words much thought, but now they were as clear in his head as the day they'd been said. You don't have the strength of character, son. You should stay here, become involved in the business. One day it'll be yours to take over.

  Zane had pushed his father's lack of confidence in him aside and pursued his dream. He'd loved his job, was in a relationship with a girl he'd seriously thought was the one, and spent plenty of time with friends. Life had changed overnight, and he wasn't sure he'd ever fully recover. He'd never work in finance or banking again. He hoped that at some stage, he'd be able to close his eyes and relax, rather than close his eyes and re-live that day.

  “How about we talk about you instead of me.” Zane grinned. “After all, I'm pretty sure that's your favorite topic.”

  Jenna raised an eyebrow. “Should I be offended?”

  “Only if you choose to be. Distract me. Tell me about this new guy you've been seeing.”

  Zane only half listened as Jenna launched into a detailed account of Brad, a realtor she'd met two weeks earlier and had decided she was in love with. He'd give it to her, his sister lived life with a passion and never did anything by halves. His phone pinged with a text as Jenna continued her monologue. He glanced at the screen.

  Heard you'll be back in town this weekend. Let's grab a beer. I have a business opportunity you might be interested in. Will be good to see you. Matt.

  “How would Matt Law know I'll be back in town?” Zane looked at Jenna. He'd made her swear not to tell anyone. He wanted to slip back into Hope's Ridge, ideally unnoticed, and surface when he was ready.

  “Not from me,” Jenna said. “I haven't told anyone what you're doing. Probably Mom or Dad. They’re pretty excited about you returning. Dad, in particular.”

  Zane groaned. “I know. He’ll hassle me to work at the mill. I've already told him it's not part of my plan, but he's assured me he can change my mind. That it's my inheritance, so I should learn the business now.”

  “What did Matt want?”

  “A drink. Said he had a business opportunity I might be interested in.”

  “Mm.”

  “What's the mm, for?”

  “Nothing, but be a bit wary. He has a reputation for being arrogant and out for himself.”

  Zane laughed. “He's always been arrogant, but underneath he's a good guy. Well, he was in high school. He gets his business mind and entrepreneurial spirit from his dad. Do you remember him?”

  “Everyone remembers Walt Law,” Jenna said. “I'd hardly forget all of those protests we had to attend every time Walt decided the town needed modernizing and tried to build something new. I'm not surprised he moved out of Hope's Ridge. He rarely got any of his projects through.”

  “It's interesting isn't it,” Zane said. “The things he did achieve have made a huge difference to the town. Made it more attractive to visitors, which it needs. The mill's one big employer, but it does need tourism to be sustainable. Think of how tired the main street was before Walt coordinated the upgrade of the sidewalks and roads and then convinced the shop owners to spend money on their store frontage, signage, and fit outs. At the time, he modernized the place.”

  “That was fifteen years ago,” Jenna said. “Last time I was here, I thought that the whole town looked pretty tired. It probably needs another overhaul to make it modern and appealing.”

  Zane laughed. “Without Walt around, I can't see that happening.”

  “Will you catch up with Matt?”

  Zane hesitated for a moment. He had planned to slip back into Hope's Ridge, fish, run and keep to himself as best he could. A drink with Matt, no doubt at Traders, would immediately let everyone know he was back in town. But then again, if Matt knew he was coming then, many others would too. The town grapevine worked quickly. And really, what did it matter anyway? He didn't have to talk about what had happened in the city. It was no one's business but his. “I guess it wouldn't hurt. Be interesting to see what his business idea is. He knows I work, I mean worked, in finance, so if it’s anything to do with that, then I won't be interested.”

  Jenna laughed as the Jeep sped past the fading Welcome to Hope's Ridge sign. “A finance position in Hope's Ridge? I doubt it. Now,” she turned toward the lake. “Let's grab a coffee and some fresh air before we see the folks. I'm not sure I can face them without either.”

  “Sounds good.” Zane smiled. He and Jenna were complete opposites on most things, but when it came to their parents, they were definitely on the same page. As kindhearted as their parents were, they were also hard work.

  Asha saw the white Jeep pull into a parking space seconds before Jenna honked to get her attention. She smiled and waved as her friend climbed out of the driver's seat. It was great to see her. While they usually made their plans ahead of time, this surprise visit was welcome. She'd hoped to celebrate Irresistables’ new beginnings, and to be able to do that with Jenna would be perfect.

  Asha pushed open the door of the food truck and stepped down so that she could hug Jenna. She strode toward her friend, stopping abruptly as the passenger door of Jenna's car opened. The smile slipped from her face. What was he doing here? She had no time for further thought as Jenna reached her and threw her arms around her.

  “Hey, hon! Surprise.”

  Asha hugged her friend back, her eyes on Zane as he walked toward them. His dark hair was tousled as if he’d just got out of bed, and his eyes were fixed firmly on the ground. In the ten years since graduation, she'd managed to avoid Zane Larsen on most occasions. She'd bumped into him a handful of times when he was home from the city to visit his parents. Other than saying hello, she never engaged in conversation with him. She had no interest in knowing anything about him.

  “Hey, Ash.” He chewed on his bottom lip as he met her gaze, his smile not reaching his eyes.

  Asha stared at him for a moment before forcing a smile to her lips. “Hi, Zane. Back to see your parents?” That was the most she'd said to him in ten years.

  “Kind of.”

  Asha nodded. She didn't need him to elaborate; she didn't need or want to know anything more about him.

  “We thought we’d stop for coffee before we see them. Maybe a muffin, too,” Jenna said.

  “You've come to the right place.” Asha moved into the food truck to prepare the coffee. Without asking, she knew Jenna would have a latte, but had no idea what Zane would want. “How do you take yours, Zane?”

  “Cappuccino, thanks. I'll be back in a minute. Just going to check out the lake.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned to walk toward the lake edge. Asha looked away, cursing herself that she'd noticed the snug fit of his jeans and how good he looked.

  She lowered her eyes and, with a slight tremor in her hands, began preparing their drinks. She'd been on edge the moment he'd stepped from the car. Why did he still have this effect on her? Why, ten years l
ater, was she still so angry with him that she'd have a physical reaction?

  “How long are you here for?” She focused on Jenna.

  “I'll head home tomorrow.”

  Asha raised an eyebrow. “You've always said it isn't worth coming this far for one night.”

  Jenna glanced toward Zane, who had reached the lake's edge and was skimming a rock. “It's not usually, but I'm the one who suggested Zane come home, and it turned out the only way of getting him here was for me to drive him.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  Jenna sighed. “No, but Zane will kill me if I talk about his business. Now, more importantly, what time are you free? I heard a rumor there's a bottle or two with our names on them at Traders.”

  Asha laughed. “Sounds good. I usually close up at about two on a Saturday. I have a few errands to run and can meet you anytime from four.”

  “Four it is.” Jenna reached for the two coffee cups Asha held out to her. “Can you put a couple of muffins in a bag for me too.” She glanced over to where Zane was skimming rocks into the lake. “I think we'll both need some sustenance before we see the folks. Anything with chocolate is good.”

  Asha used the tongs to take two chocolate-orange muffins from the tray and placed them in a bag. Normally she'd be curious about what was going on with Jenna, especially turning up for twenty-four hours and needing sustenance before facing her parents. It wasn't like her, but it was related to Zane, which was why she had no interest in finding out more. Hopefully, he'd been dumped and was nursing a broken heart. He deserved to know the pain of rejection.

  Jenna pulled a twenty from her pocket and held it out to Asha.

  “Don't be silly. Save that for drinks tonight. This can be on me. It's great to see you, Jen.”