Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 38962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 195(@200wpm)___ 156(@250wpm)___ 130(@300wpm)
“You talk to Lawson?” I ask, lifting my head from my task for a minute. The plus and minus of a big family. The plus is they’re always there. Any problem, any celebration, they’re right there with you. The downside is they’re in your business faster than a pig in shit.
“Yes, but he evaded me, only giving me small blips. The girls don’t know what’s going on, and you weren’t at breakfast this morning. Trey mentioned he didn’t see you sitting on the back deck last night. Two and two equals four. Everyone knows you’ve had your eye on Maeve. I figure you spent the night there. About damn time.” Mom isn’t done. Barely a breath in between words, and she keeps on talking as I finish my work. I nod in response. “I drove by the bakery this morning. It was closed. Went online, and her website said her store is closed. I knew that couldn’t be right, so I went to her social media pages and it seems she changed her hours. Lawson saw me get back, and he knew something had me in a tizzy. Now, don’t look at me that way. He told me the basics, and now here we are.”
I let go of JoJo, watching as she regains her balance. She nuzzles into my chest, demanding attention when I move away, or try to. My hand moves up to her muzzle to scratch her. JoJo is a palomino. Docile and happy, she’s also more of a pet than a working horse. Well into her twenties, retirement age if you ask Mom. I’d say she could still be ridden by my nieces and nephews to keep her body in shape.
“Not sure what all is going on. Some dickhead”—she clears her throat—“Sorry. Someone is leaving scathing reviews and business has come to a halt for her, outside her regulars. Mae is worried she’ll lose Whisked Away or at least have to rent out her store and go back to basics. I called Fletch, which I need to do again because like you said, her website states she’s closed, and when I left her this morning, she mentioned only changing hours.”
Mom’s eyes are lighting up. She’s got wedding bells in her eyes. And while it will eventually happen between Mae and me, I’d like to at least be more settled in our relationship before she starts planning it all out.
“When will she be over?”
“Not sure. We’re playing it by ear. Right now, she’s closer to Whisked Away staying at her house. I’m going to be there when Mae is. I’d rather not leave her alone with all this shit up in the air.” This time, Mom only arches an eyebrow, and I’m sure she’ll have me paying for it later. “Lawson is going to pick up at night if something comes up, and I’ll take his shift the next time we rotate.”
“Alright, well, you know we’re all here for you and Maeve. I’d suggest picking up dinner for you two. Except Mae is not only an exceptional baker, she’s also a great cook.” Well, that’s news to me. I never expected her to work all day, come home, and head right back into a kitchen. Last night, I didn’t head over til after I ate. Being a single man with a home, cooking consists of meat, a starch, and on the rare occurrence, a salad. If not, I’ll throw some vegetables on the side while calling it a day.
“Good to know. I’m about to head inside to make another call to Fletch and give him a few updates. I’ll finish working on what’s on the schedule today, then I’m packing a bag and staying in town,” I reiterate where I’ll be, so she doesn’t worry and to spread the word to the family. Lawson isn’t one to spill the tea, as Mom calls it. Trey, fuck yeah, that prick can’t keep his mouth shut, which is why I threatened him myself. Dean and Lane are easygoing and busy with their own lives and busy-as-hell wives. Lawson and Juniper work within walking distance of each other, and if she so much as leaves his sight, he’s right there behind her. For a while there, I didn’t understand the concept or the reason. Now it’s a whole different story.
“Alright, you let us know what’s going on and if you need anything. I’ll stop by Whisked Away since you’re working, maybe sit there a bit. Will that help you from brooding all day?”
I shake my head. I’m not admitting it’s been on my mind Mae would be on her own in the shop, and yesterday, she didn’t even realize I’d walked through the door. My goal today was to work as much as I could, including working through lunch in order to get to her faster.