What are you saying? Do not go there.
“Really?” Brett’s expression lightened with relief. “That would be great, actually. I think my father wants me to learn to harvest it, but, uh, I’ve never even held a gun.”
I didn’t bother to point out that Archer wouldn’t let him use the gun anyway. I was trying to get out of here. If I stayedany longer, my mother would start telling stories about potty training me.
“That’s perfect.” Mom jumped in. “And since you’re going early, you can get a tree and wreath.”
“Sure,” I agreed readily.
“Wonderful. Well, your father and I will meet you there later tonight,” she said, heading to the door. “Be sure to stop by Hodge Podge and say hi to Connie.”
Confused, I glanced at Brandy.
“It’s the name of the gift shop,” she supplied.
“They named the shop after their secret seasoning?” I asked, thinking of the seasoning Connie Hodge had been selling since I was young. Even after all these years, I had no idea what she put in it. No one did. But the town loved it. People even drove in from neighboring towns to purchase it. I had to admit it was the perfect seasoning for a Thanksgiving turkeyanda Christmas ham. I had no idea how she managed that, but I supposed it was part of the secret.
“Why not?” Brandy replied. “Their shop is a hodge podge just like their seasoning. Full of all kinds of things. Never quite sure what you will find.”
“Don’t forget to wear your boots,” Mom said, leaning in to kiss my cheek. “Say bye to Teacup.”
“Bye, Teacup,” I echoed, giving the dog a pat.
She was halfway out the door when I called, “Didn’t you want to know about my first day?”
“I can see you have it all under control,” she tossed out. “See you tonight!”
When she was gone, the room was a lot quieter. I turned to Brandy. “Why do I feel like she somehow did that on purpose?”
“Because she did?” Brandy answered my question with one of her own. Then she smiled. “But I’m so glad she did because now I can hang out with my bestie at the bonfire!”
I groaned.
“It won’t be so bad,” she promised, patting me on the shoulder. “You already got that awkward first meeting out of the way.”
“It was awful,” I confessed quietly. “Even after all these years, he still hates me.”
“Archer Hodge does not hate you,” she refuted.
“The only reason he even let me treat Marlowe is because Ms. Keystone was here,” I told her.
“Maybe he was just surprised to see you,” she offered. “I mean, no one really knew you were coming home.”
I made a face.
Hers fell. “Was it really that terrible?”
“Honestly? Yes.”
“Maybe you should talk to him. Apologize to each other.”
Incredulous, I felt my eyebrows arch. “You want me to apologize to Archer Hodge for trying to kiss him?”
“Maybe if you do, he will apologize for shoving you away.”
“He didn’t just shove me away, though, Brandy.” I reminded her.
“Maybe he’ll apologize for that too.”
