“This isn’t a cross-examination, counselor.”
“We’re having a friendly conversation.” He emphasized the second to last word.
“Well.” She glanced around the café before lowering her voice. “Have you seen the single men in town?”
Leave it to Margot. His grin spread. “No.”
“Most of the available ones are widowers of my friends who passed. Lovely women, but I didn’t know why they married the men or stayed with them.”
He laughed. “You don’t have to limit yourself to Silver Falls. There are dating apps.”
She shook her head. “I needed Brandt to explain the new remote for my TV. Knowing me, I’d swipe left when I wanted to swipe right and mess up everything.” She reached across the table and patted his hand. “That’s sweet of you to think of me, but I’ll stick to what I’m good at: living alone, quilting, and fixing up other people.”
“As long as I’m not one of the other people, I can live with that.”
She wagged her finger. “When you see who I have in mind for Keaton, you’ll want me to find you someone, too.”
“As long as you wait until I ask.”
With a harrumph, she stood. “Let’s go, so we’re not late.”
They stepped outside, and a wave of heat hit. The bakery was only a few storefronts away, but sweat dotted his hairline and the back of his neck. He should have worn shorts instead of khakis.
As Garrett opened the bakery door for Margot, the electronic ping brought memories of his last visit to mind. He hoped this one went better. If he were the superstitious type, which he wasn’t, he would cross his fingers.
“We’re here for the dessert tasting.” She waved at Jayden, who stood behind the counter.
A weight lifted from Garrett. Maybe Taryn wasn’t here. He didn’t think his presence would upset her, or he’d never agree to come, but keeping distance between them until the wedding seemed like a smart idea.
The baker smiled at Margot and ignored Garrett. That was fine by him.
Jayden motioned to the eating area. “Take a seat, and we’ll be right with you.”
Did “we” include Taryn?
Garrett couldn’t see into the kitchen, so he followed Margot to a table. Not that she had to worry about finding one. “The items here are better than any bakery I’ve visited in L.A. I can’t believe it’s so empty.”
She sat, shaking her head. “It’s such a shame. This place has the best desserts around, but blame that no-good Nick Baxter, who convinced investors to open a bakery in Summit Ridge. That’s the closest town and has a university.”
He took the seat next to her. “Keaton toured the college in December, but the name sounds familiar.”
Margot’s expression soured. “He’s Brandt’s former best friend and business partner.”
“The one who sold the company out from under him?”
“One and the same.”
That must be the issue Jayden meant last night. “The guy sounds slimy.”
“He is. He was a sweet boy, but he’s nothing like the kid I used to know.” Margot came closer. “Let me tell you, the other is a pale comparison to this one, but they’re drawing in customers with the rock-bottom prices and destroying this place.”
Taryn must be freaking out. “Can Lawson’s hang on?”
“I hope so.” Margot’s voice didn’t have the usual confidence. “The bakery’s had no competition until now. Her father believes the newness will blow over.”
“I hope he’s correct.”
“Me, too, but Taryn’s doing what she can in the meantime.”
