Maybe Harry was Amy’s The One?
* * *
As expected, the town was packed with all the locals and many tourists out in force to show their respect to the troops of yore. In fact, Emily was certain she’d never seen Sunset Harbor this busy. It felt as if the place had changed quite a bit in the time she’d lived here. It wasn’t as sleepy anymore.
“Is it me, or are there more people here than usual?” Daniel asked her, as they strolled along together hand in hand.
“I was just thinking the same thing,” Emily said, looking about her to see if she could spot Amy and Harry anywhere in the crowd.
Just then, they saw Karen from the convenience store up ahead. They walked toward her and she turned as they drew up to her side. She hugged them all, thrilled to see them as always.
“It’s so busy, isn’t it?” she exclaimed, echoing their sentiments.
“More so than usual,” Emily agreed.
“It’s because of Roman Westbrook,” Karen said, and she pointed to the other side of the road where the famous singer was waiting to watch the parade. Her eyes sparkled with excitement at the presence of the pop star on their humble streets.
Roman was standing with an entourage, something that he hadn’t needed before. Emily realized that someone must have blabbed to the papers about him moving here, and she couldn’t help but feel disappointed to know that word had gotten to the press so quickly. He’d been trying to keep his move here a secret to keep his privacy for as long as possible.
Emily, Chantelle, and Daniel all waved at him warmly when he looked over and saw them. Karen’s eyes widened.
“You’re friends?” she asked.
Emily nodded. “Even famous people chat with their neighbors, you know.” Then she added, “I do hope these people aren’t just here to catch a glimpse of Roman. It feels a bit… I don’t know… disrespectful… to come to a memorial parade just to catch a glimpse of your favorite singer.”
“It’s nothing to do with Roman,” Cynthia said, turning around from where she stood in front of them. Somehow, despite her neon orange hair, Emily had failed to notice her standing there with her son, Jeremy.
“What’s it to do with then?” Emily asked.
“The inn!” Cynthia exclaimed. “Obviously.”
Emily shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
But Cynthia was hearing none of it. “Believe me. After Colin Magnus wrote his article on the inn people have been buzzing about it on all the travel forums. Someone suggested Memorial weekend was a good time to visit because the parade is always so amazing. And, ba-da-boom, this is what you get.”