“No, you’re right. I guess nothing ever really does turn out exactly how we dream and plan. Not really.” She felt slightly deflated now. Maybe the whole B&B plan was just an unrealistic pipe dream. Maybe she was a fool to entertain such expensive fantasies.
“I didn’t mean to rain on your parade.” Miguel’s tone lightened. “You said the new manufactured home will be put in place by next week? That’ll be exciting.”
She brightened a little. “Yes. But I’ll warn you, the house’s exterior paint color is atrocious, and it’ll be clearly visible from your property. But I promise that the first thing I’ll do is paint it.”
He shrugged. “Don’t worry. It can’t be that bad.”
“Oh, yes, it can. It’s this horrible bright yellow, about the same color as the stripes on the highway. For all I know, it might glow in the dark too.”
He laughed.
She smiled. “But that’s one reason I got such a good deal on it.”
“Uh-huh?” His eyes had a knowing look. “And is the other reason Aaron Hanford?”
She felt her cheeks warm. “Well, maybe so. Aaron is an old friend. We went to school together.”
“And you’re on pretty good terms with him.” It was part statement, part question.
“I guess. I mean, he’s been very helpful. And he’s really gotten things moving ... as far as getting the house set up. He delivers what he promises. Very professional.” Okay, “very professional” was a stretch, and she felt the sting of embarrassment for being so defensive of Aaron, especially since she knew Miguel had issues with his estranged brother-in-law. She wished there was a way to help the two men smooth things over. For everyone’s sake. But she had no idea where to start. And now, for some unexplainable reason, she wanted to convince Miguel that Aaron meant nothing to her.
“Well, it’s none of my business, but I thought maybe you and Aaron might be, uh, involved on a personal level.” He toyed with the plastic cup in his hand. “Anna and I noticed you and Aaron in town last week, and she was certain you were on a date.” He held up his hand as if to stop any response. “But, like I said, it’s none of my business. And it’s not Anna’s either.”
She didn’t know what to say now. To deny it had been a date would sound insincere. To claim Aaron meant nothing wouldsound like she was protesting too much. Besides, why should she defend herself? Miguel was right. Itwasnone of his business. Still, sitting there silently felt awkward. Suddenly male voices were calling out for Miguel, insisting their host join the party and come play cornhole with them.
Jewel wasn’t sure if she felt relieved or disappointed as she picked up her plate and stood. “Looks like they need you.”
“Eric’s creaming us,” a lanky guy in a straw cowboy hat told Miguel.
“Miguel’s the champion,” a female voice yelled from where the game was set up. “Let’s make him defend his title.”
Miguel excused himself as Jewel collected their empty plates, as well as a few others, busying herself by scraping the uneaten food into the trash can. She considered joining the lively cornhole crowd but decided to see if Marta needed any help in the kitchen instead.
“No, no.” Marta paused from rinsing a serving dish after Jewel offered her help. “You go out.Enjoy.”
Jewel smiled at her. “What if I enjoy being in here with you?”
Marta tipped her head to one side. “Then you stay.” She handed her a dish towel. “And you dry.”
As they washed and dried, Marta asked about Jewel’s parents, expressing concern that Jewel’s dad might someday become too difficult for them to care for. “Your poor mama. She will wear out. And your papa ... he is a handful.”
“I’ve had the same concern,” Jewel admitted. “But Cooper and I are trying to lighten Mom’s load. And like she keeps saying, we can only live one day at a time.”
“Sí, sí. That is what the good Lord says too. One day is enough.”
More than enough today, Jewel thought. Although tonight hadn’t turned out as badly as it might have, it still felt like a letdown. She wasn’t sure what she’d hoped for exactly, but the way her conversation with Miguel had ended on a sour note was disheartening. She hated to leave him thinking she was romantically involved with Aaron. But it was out of her hands ... at least for now.
“Well, I think I’ll head home to check on my parents,” she told Marta as they finished up. “But thank you for everything. It was a lovely party.” She winced. “Well, except for my dad’s contribution. Sorry about that.”
“Over and done.” Marta kissed Jewel’s cheek. “Forget about it.”
“I’ll try.” Jewel hugged her. But as she walked across the field, now illuminated by the light of a half-moon, as much as she wanted to accept Marta’s advice and simply “forget about it,” like so many other things in life, it was easier said than done.
21
Honey
By the next morning, CT’s ankle injury really did appear to be just a light sprain. Honey had administered Advil, then iced and wrapped his ankle the night before. She’d even suggested he could get it checked at urgent care, since he sometimes got worked up over physical injuries. But she was relieved when he simply waved his hand, assuring her he was okay. She hadn’t really wanted to drive him into town and go through all the inevitable challenges that would follow. And CT seemed content to rest in his chair.
