“Maybe not, but she didn’t act like someone who had been looking forward to talking to me.”
“Or perhaps she had a plan of how to tell you, and she’s one of these people who likes to stick to a plan.”
“Possibly, although she’s running out of time. They’re checking out tomorrow morning.” And that hurt. “They booked the whole week, but she clearly didn’t like what she saw. Whatever her expectations, I didn’t live up to them.”
“Or it’s something else entirely.”
Standing this close to him was making it difficult to think, so she stepped back. “What else?”
He shrugged. “Maybe she’s afraid.”
“She doesn’t exactly seem like the fearful type.”
“But think about it, Hattie. It’s a big deal for you. Presumably, it’s a big deal for her, too.”
“Maybe.” The antique clock behind her chimed and she turned her head and felt a flash of panic. “Is that the time? I shouldn’t be standing here.I need to take Delphi from Chloe so that she can get on with her work. She’ll be wondering where I am.”
The door opened, but it wasn’t Chloe who stood there; it was Erica.
Anna and Claudia stood on either side of her.
For moral support? The fact that they thought she needed moral support suggested Erica wasn’t as cool about this situation as she seemed. Maybe Noah was right.
Anna with the brown eyes gave Erica’s arm a reassuring squeeze, and Erica took a deep breath and stepped into the room.
Hattie said nothing. After that last encounter, it was better to stay silent.
She felt Noah’s arm brush against hers and realized he was probably waiting for the right moment to make a rapid exit.
She gave him a quick smile. “You probably need to be getting back.”
“I’m in no hurry.” He stood firm, and she felt a rush of gratitude to him for staying by her side in such a difficult moment. She was lucky to have Noah, and also lucky that her momentary lapse of restraint in the barn hadn’t ruined things between them.
Erica gave him a long look, but that wasn’t entirely surprising. Women of all ages had a habit of looking at Noah. Hattie saw it whenever the community got together to celebrate something. He was a favorite with everyone, from teenagers to grandmothers, as well as everyone in between. It could have been because he was tall and solid, with friendly eyes and a smile to match, or maybe it was because of his calm temperament that never seemed to be shaken up no matter how strongly the winds of life blew around him.
Hattie was grateful for that calm now.
“I’m Noah.” He introduced himself. “I’m a friend of Hattie’s.”
“Erica.” Erica introduced her friends and then turned her attention to the bookshelves. “This room is fabulous.” Her gaze tracked along the books, took in the flickering fire and the sparkle of the Christmas tree. “This is the space you mentioned we could use for our book club meeting?”
“Yes.” Hattie held herself stiffly and Erica seemed equally uncomfortable.
“I’m sorry about earlier.”
“You don’t need to apologize.” If she thought of herself as an innkeeper, and not a relative, it would help her create the distance she needed. “It’s important to me that your Christmas break is perfect. If the Maple Sugar Inn isn’t the right place for you, then of course you should leave and find somewhere else. I can make some calls if that would help. There are a couple of other pretty inns close by. One of them has a good restaurant. They may be able to accommodate you.”
Never let it be said that she bore grudges. Or maybe she did. Occasionally, she did curse Brent for leaving her to deal with Stephanie and Chef Tucker. But she hid it well.
Her offer of accommodation was met with silence and she saw the other woman—Claudia with the short, choppy hair—poke Erica sharply in the ribs.
“There’s nothing wrong with the inn,” Erica said. “It’s perfect.”
Which meant that she, Hattie, was the problem. Great.
She stood up straighter.“I was wrong to knock on your door.”
“You weren’t wrong.” Erica glanced at Anna, as if this conversation was something they’d rehearsed. “You took me by surprise, and I’m not great with surprises. Also, this whole situation is complicated.” She cleared her throat. “Emotionally complicated. And I’m not great with that, either.” That hint of vulnerability softened something inside Hattie. She forgot about her earlier resolve to say nothing.
