Merry Misunderstandings

Returning to Cedar Hollow

Vivienne POV

Vivienne stepped out of the airport into the crisp autumn air, pulling her jacket closer as the cool breeze messed up her hair. Her Uber was waiting at the curb, and Vivienne looked around, taking in the Vermont airport sight before sliding into the car.

“Cedar Hollow?” the driver asked, his eyes narrowing when he got a better look at her face. Great. He’s probably going to ask about that stupid video. She huffed internally.

She nodded, forcing a small smile. “Yeah. Cedar Hollow.”

As they pulled onto the highway, Vivienne let her gaze drift to the passing trees, their leaves turning golden brown. She hadn't set foot in Cedar Hollow since the day she graduated from high school ten years ago. She’d sworn she’d get out of the small New England town. That’s how she’d made it through high school—thinking of ways to escape. But here she was, riding back through the open countryside, closer to the place she’d vowed to leave behind.

“Stupid Hayden,” Vivienne grumbled under her breath, noticing the driver’s curious look in the rear view mirror.

“Hey,” he said, eyebrows raised. Great, here we go.

“Wait—aren’t you—”

“Yes, I’m that girl,” she cut him off. “The one from the video—you know, where the guy’s pants were down, and I… let’s say, handled things. Or more specifically, him.”

The driver’s eyes went wide. “Right. Got it.”

After a few awkward moments, the driver started talking again, making Vivienne wish they’d perfected robot drivers by now.

“I was actually referring to you being William Woods’ granddaughter, right? You look just like him,” he said, eyeing her in the mirror.

“Oh. Yeah, I am.” She always felt a mix of pride and irritation when people compared her looks to a man. Her face must have betrayed her feelings because the driver started rambling again.

“Hey, don’t worry. I’m sure they’re proud of you, even if you’re making adult videos.”

“What?!” she snapped, a shocked look on her face. “I’m not making adult—what are you talking about?”

“Oh, I thought you said something about pants being down and you—you know—handling his thing.”

She groaned, running a hand over her face. “Could you just forget we talked about that, please?”

“Um, sure—”

“I haven’t been to Cedar Hollow in years,” Vivienne admitted, hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere.

“Well, small towns don’t change much,” the driver said. “The Hollow’s still full of gossip, though. People are probably going to talk about you being back. Are you back for the B&B?”

“Yes, I am,” Vivienne said stiffly, dreading where this was going.

“Figured, since Blackwood’s grandson came back a few months ago too. Heard there’s still bad blood between your side and the Blackwoods over that place. Big feud, right? Something about—”

“Family drama,” Vivienne interrupted, forcing a polite tone. “Nothing interesting.” But her pulse quickened. Which of the Blackwood grandsons would it be? Please be Jack, she thought.

As they passed the faded “Welcome to Cedar Hollow” sign, Vivienne shifted in her seat, tension creeping into her shoulders. What would it be like now? Had the town changed at all? Did any of her old friends still live here, or had they all moved on, as she’d tried to do?

Finally, the Uber turned down a winding road, and she caught her first glimpse of Cedar Hollow nestled in the valley, just like she remembered.

The car turned onto a gravel drive, the looming silhouette of Woodland Manor B&B coming into view. It looked exactly the same—like time had skipped over this one corner of the world. Her chest tightened with the weight of returning, and she drew a deep breath.

Ready or not, she was home.

It was already dusk when she got out of the car. Though she would have loved to see the B&B in all its glory, it still looked magnificent in the twilight. The lights outside gave it an almost magical glow. She noticed the large Victorian-style manor only had one entrance, even though it was split in two. She hadn’t given it much thought as a child, only just now noticing the curiosity.

“Wow,” She said, still staring at the building.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” A deep smooth voice next to her asked. Vivienne turned around to notice a man—a very handsome man—behind her. Though his scarf hid part of his face.

“Yes, it sure is. Are you a guest here?” She asked, eyeing him with curiosity.

“You could say that,” he smirked, with a twinkle in his eyes. It was as if she’d seen him before, but she couldn’t quite put her finger onto it.

“And you? Staying here for the night?” The way he said it caused a shiver to run down her spine.

“Hmm, I wish,” She sighed. “I’m the new owner. Well, part owner, since the other side is run by…someone else,” She paused. Please be Jack! She thought yet again. Jack she could handle.

"Ah, so I’ll be seeing more of you than," he said, his voice low and amused, a faint challenge in his gaze.

“That depends on how you play your cards,” She laughed, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.

“I’ve got a good hand, so I think I’ll play my cards right,” he said, his voice thick with confidence as he took a step closer. “But I’ll need to see what you’re holding first.”

“Well, you’ll have to stick around to find out,” Vivienne said with a sly smile, her fingers still absently twirling her hair. “But I’m sure I’ve kept you long enough—this place isn’t going to explore itself.”

She gave him a last, lingering look before turning toward the B&B, her stomach fluttering despite herself. The familiarity of the manor, coupled with the weight of the change she was about to embrace, was enough to send a shiver down her spine.

Vivienne entered the B&B and scanned the lobby. She would have a closer look tomorrow, making notes for any upgrades that needed to be made. But for now, her grandfather was waiting for her in the restaurant. She couldn’t wait to see him again. He and her grandmother, who had passed away a few years ago, had always been the only constants in her life, the only family members who’d ever shown her kindness. They were so unlike her parents…

Vivienne’s thoughts stopped short when she entered the restaurant. Her stomach dropped as she took in the sight of her father, mother, and brother sitting at a table, waiting for her.

Her heart sank as she scanned the room, still hoping to find her grandfather at the bar or in the back. What was going on? Maybe she could slip away before they noticed her. But just as she turned to find a way out, her father’s sharp voice broke through her thoughts. “Vivienne,” he waved at her, irritation clear on his face.

With a feeling of dread, she approached the table already preparing herself for her parents scrutiny.