At that moment, her initial reaction was to lead her mother outside where they could have a private conversation, but a glance toward the window let her know that it had begun to snow.
Instead, she led her mother over to a table for two next to the window.Once they were both seated, she lowered her voice and said, “What did you have to go and say that for?”
“But isn’t it true?I should have known this was going to happen when you said you were flying to Chicago to go see that guy.”
“Mom, I didn’t fly out to see Brad.I went to help Sadie with some wedding stuff.”
Her mother’s gaze narrowed in on her.“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
“No.Of course not.”Her words were rushed and running into each other.Even though her heart was now racing and her palms were sweaty, she slowed her words and tried to sound nonchalant when she said, “I think you’ve been reading one too many romance novels.”
Her mother stared at her.The look on her face said that she didn’t believe her.“And I suppose you’re sticking to your story that he didn’t gift you that expensive espresso machine?The whole town is talking about it.”
She inwardly groaned.“I told you that it’s a loan.Nothing more.”
Her mother nodded.“And when is Brad coming to visit again?”
Abby shrugged.“He doesn’t consult me on his plans.But I would suspect that the next time he’ll be here is for the wedding shower.”And now it was time to change the subject.“Speaking of the shower, can you make some of the food?”
Her mother loved to cook and was always complaining that it was no fun cooking for one.So, any time her mother got to cook for a group, she was all over it.
Her mother’s eyes lit up.“Sure.What were you thinking?Maybe some rigatoni?”
Abby nodded.“And how about some pierogies?”
“I’ll have to get the big pans from the community hall’s kitchen.”
“Sounds good.I’ll mark you down for bringing two side dishes.Thanks, Mom.”
Even after her mother took her coffee and left, Abby was left with her mother’s observation.Had she been smiling?She supposed that was possible.After all, she’d had a good weekend—a really good weekend now that she knew who Linda was.
But smiling didn’t equate to love—not even close.She enjoyed Brad’s company, nothing more.After all, she enjoyed a lot of people’s company, and she wasn’t in love with them.
And the fact that she looked forward to their verbal sparring via text message didn’t mean anything either.He was just a friend.Although, it was getting harder and harder to believe the stories she kept telling herself about him.Someday soon she might have to admit that he was more than a friend.But how much more?
Chapter Seventeen
Valentine’s Day
Itwasnotoneof her favorite holidays.
Abby didn’t hate Valentine’s Day.That was definitely too strong of a word.But she didn’t particularly love it either.
Maybe it had something to do with her last boyfriend forgetting about the day altogether.I mean, who forgets Valentine’s Day when they’ve dated someone forover two years?
But she wasn’t going to waste her time dwelling on the past.Instead, she would focus on the day’s brisk and steady business.She noticed people who normally ordered one coffee were instead ordering two coffees.It appeared a great number of Bayberry’s population were getting coffee for Valentine’s Day.
Abby certainly wouldn’t complain about their choice in Valentine’s treats.It would help pay for the expensive espresso machine that she would be making payments on for a long time.
Abby turned from filling two large caramel lattes when she spotted Carrie walking in.A smile lifted her lips, and she nodded, since her hands weren’t free to wave.It was always nice to see a good friend.Although she was a little surprised to see Carrie that morning, since next to Christmas and Easter, this was Carrie’s biggest day of the year.She wondered what reason had dragged her away from her candy making.
Carrie got in line.Even though there were three of them working the line that morning, they still couldn’t keep up.Abby was filling orders with Mia while Jimmy was working the checkout.
When Carrie reached the counter, she said, “Can I get a caramel latte?”
“I’ll get it.”Mia walked away.
Abby arched a brow as she looked at Carrie.“What are you doing here?”
