He knew she wasn’t any more pleased about this arrangement than he was.They’d figure out a way to keep their time together as brief as possible.
But they didn’t have time to figure it out now as their group grew even larger.He was introduced to Kate’s boyfriend, Wesley Adams, and Carrie’s husband, Jackson Wright.After the initial introductions, Brad was quiet, taking in the various dynamics.He noticed how Reed seemed to fit right in with this group.Interesting.
Was it possible he’d misjudged Bayberry?Probably not.He was certain it had its share of busybodies and matchmakers.It would be just like Barch all over again.
Kate approached him.Her shoulder-length brown hair was tucked behind both ears.She wore a friendly smile.“It’s really good to finally put a face to the name.Reed has been looking forward to your visit.”
“I know.”He felt guilty for not coming sooner.“It’s just hard to get away from the business.”
“I totally understand.I’m one of the owners of the Bayberry Candle Co.Stop by tomorrow, and I’ll give you the royal tour.”
She said it like he was supposed to know all about the candle place, but he wasn’t into candles.Still, she seemed nice enough.
Searching for something to say, he said, “Do you sell many candles?”
She nodded.“In fact, the business is expanding.It’s the biggest employer in the area.”
“Interesting.”
“There’s probably a lot around Bayberry that will interest you.”
He highly doubted it.In his experience, all small towns were the same.He didn’t expect Bayberry to be any different.
Just then Sadie’s other friend, Carrie, joined them.“Hi.Make sure you stop by Totally Chocolate when you take the tour tomorrow.I will set you up with a bunch of samples.”
“Good idea,” Kate said.“I already offered him a tour of the candle factory.”
“Who’s doing what?”Jackson joined them and put his arm around Carrie.
“I’ve been invited to visit the candle shop and the chocolate shop.”Brad had a feeling his tour was about to be extended.“Do you have a place I should add to the list?”
Jackson shook his head.“It won’t be necessary.We’re going there now to grab some dinner.”
“You own a restaurant?”He didn’t know why that surprised him.
“It’s a café with a small stage for music.Nothing fancy.”
Carrie lightly elbowed Jackson.“That’s not true.Wrights’ Eatery is very nice.”
Brad noticed how Jackson’s chest puffed up just a bit at her compliment.“You have to say that.You’re my wife.”
Then the other two friends chimed in with compliments.Brad had to admit that his first impression of Reed’s new friends was a positive one.
When it was time to go to dinner, they were going as a group.Again, they were walking.Apparently, it was the main way of getting around this town.
Dinner was pretty good.He had a pastrami panini and a cup of potato soup.The conversation wasn’t so bad…until they got to the wedding planning portion of it.They attempted to include him, even though most of the time, he didn’t have a clue who they were talking about or where they were talking about.
However, when they got around to the karaoke portion of the evening, he politely refused.Everyone but Abby attempted to talk him into singing.He crossed his arms and shook his head.However, he noticed that Abby didn’t go up there and sing either.No one said a word to her about it.Interesting.
After the singing was done, Abby said, “Well, I need to get going.I have an early start tomorrow.”
“You always have an early start,” Sadie said.
“True.Still, my alarm goes off at six whether I make it to bed on time or not.”Abby yawned.
Brad couldn’t decide if the yawn was legit or if it was just to shore up her excuse for leaving the get-together before anyone else.But seeing as she was leaving and he really wanted to have a word alone with her, it was time for him to bid his farewell as well.
Brad pushed his chair back.“I need to be going too.”
