Meet Me at the Lake

1

Now

I make it as far as the front desk without anyone noticing me. It s a striking piece, carved from a large tree trunk ­rustic but not shabby, the epitome of Mom s aesthetic ­and there s no one behind it. I hurry past, to the office, then shut myself inside and lock the door.

The room is more fishing hut than work space. Pine walls, two ancient desks, a small window trimmed with a flimsy plaid curtain. I doubt it s changed much since the lodge was built in the 1800s. There s nothing to suggest how much time Mom spent here, except for a photo of me as a baby pinned to the timber and a faint whiff of Clinique perfume.

Dropping into one of the worn leather chairs, I switch on the plastic tabletop fan. I m already sticky, but it s stifling in here, one of the few spots in the building without air-­conditioning. I raise my elbows like a scarecrow and swing my hands back and forth. Pit stains are the last thing I need.

While I wait to cool off before changing into heels, I stare at a stack of our brochures. Brookbanks Resort ­Your Muskoka Getaway Awaits, declares a chipper font above a photo of the beach at sunset, the lodge looming in the background like a country cottage castle. It almost makes me laugh ­it s Brookbanks Resort I ve failed to get away from.

Maybe Jamie will forget I agreed to do this tonight, and I can sneak back to the house, slither into stretchy pants, and douse myself with a bucket of cold white wine.

The door handle rattles.

No such luck.

Fernie? Jamie calls. What s with the lock? You decent in there?

I need five minutes, I reply, voice pinched.

You re not gonna bail, right? You swore you d do this, he says. But the reminder is unnecessary. I ve been dreading it all day. All my life maybe.

I know, I know. I m finishing up some paperwork. I clamp my eyes shut at the mistake. I m almost done.

What paperwork? Is it the linen order? We have a system for that.

My mom had a system for everything, and

Carley Fortune

"Fortune explores the aftermath of losing a beloved parent and reclaiming a relationship in this unputdownable, witty, soulful and stirring novel."
GMA

This novel, set in Toronto and on a nearby lake, is beautiful, charming, witty, poignant, and all the things you could want in a spring read.
Katie Couric Media

"Meet Me at The Lake is a beautiful, heart-tugging, love story about secrets, lies, missed connections and second chances. Set against the idyllic backdrop of a family hotel on a rural lake, this novel brims with the warmth of summertime and the feeling of home. An exquisite, emotional read."
Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of Stars in an Italian Sky

A breathtaking tale of star-crossed lovers that gripped me from page one. Meet Me At The Lake is nostalgia, summer breeze, second chances and pure heart.
Elena Armas, New York Times bestselling author of The Spanish Love Deception

A perfect summery blend of sexy romance and second chances, Meet Me at the Lake is a poignant waltz between evergreen pines and poplars and heartache. I fell in love with Will and Fern over and over and over again.
Ashley Poston, New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics

Meet Me at the Lake is a tender, sweet story that captures the joy and sorrow of growing up. Carley Fortune's latest is a love letter to moms and daughters, as well as second chances.
Elissa Sussman, bestselling author of Funny You Should Ask

Carley Fortune is the master of the love story, tapping into our most primal needs to be valued and seen for who we really are. Meet Me At The Lake is story telling perfection."
Annabel Monaghan, author of Nora Goes Off Script

A completely addicting love story about the ways we find who we are and what we want amidst changing dreams and chances missed. Carley Fortune gives us another perfect summer read