“Good.”
“Well, I’m happy you found your way here.”
I chuckle lightly. “The GPS didn’t need to do much. Pure cornfields once I left the suburbs.I only nearly made a wrong turn when there was a detour once I crossed the Lake Spark county line.”
“It’s duck season. We stop traffic in all directions when a family of ducks decides to sit in the middle of the road.” It should scare me that she isn’t joking, but the fact is simple and light.
We continue our stroll, and I notice a man walking out of a store, carrying a box, with a little girl holding his hand, and people almost swarm him.
“Poor guy. That’s our mayor. He used to be the sheriff. Everyone bothers him for something. Never fear, it isn’t the city, no crazy under-the-table deals. Mostly, it’s about town support for farming initiatives or cultural activities. Well, thatwas until now…” Savannah pauses, and her lips pinch for a second. “Anyway, he actually ended up remarrying his ex-wife, Rosie, when she got pregnant. That’s their little girl. If you’re into yoga, Rosie teaches a Saturday class at the gazebo in the park if the weather permits.”
“I think you know my answer on that one.”
She laughs. “I do.” She tips her nose up. “I guess that’s the new donut shop. Apparently, they have bagels at lunch. Foxy Rox is not happy about that. Loyalty is being tested in this town. Maybe tomorrow we can try them.”
“If you feel like we won’t have a target on our backs,” I joke.
“Nah. They need me for the summer festival.”
I continue drinking my coffee as I take in my surroundings. “Why is that?”
She touches my arm, and we stop our stroll, forcing me to look at her. There’s a humorous smile fighting to break out in full force on her face. “Promise you won’t tease me about something?”
“By the sounds of this? No can do.” She shoots me a warning scowl. “Fine,” I agree.
She looks away bashfully and swings her gaze back. “I kind of have to be at the festival. Remember how I said I was Miss Everhope once?”
“Yeah. I enjoy picturing you with a crown. Never knew it could lead to certain scenarios in my head.” I lift my shoulder. That comment earns me a playful shove from Savannah.
“Well, this year I’ve been chosen to help choose the pie competition winner. I found out today.”
I don’t say anything, nor blink. First, I’m trying to figure out what exactly that entails. Secondly, I’m not sure if I should laugh. I stand there complexed, and she can see it, which causes her to grin.
“It’s been ten years since I was crowned Miss Everhope, and it’s tradition that one returns to help taste pie, wear the crown, and give the trophy to the winner.”
“Math right now is reminding me that ten years ago you were in high school, and that makes me feel slightly old. I forget about our age difference.”
She lifts her shoulders, then drops them. “Because your heart is young and cold.”
“Hasn’t bothered us. Anyways, I didn’t really have the whole queen with tiara as the plot twist of our conversation. But it’s cute.”
She brings her hand to her hip. “Cute?”
Maybe I didn’t use the right word.
“Yeah. What am I supposed to say?I already feel like I’m in a different world here.”
We begin to move again. “Because it is. I mean, have you even been on your phone in the last ten minutes?”
“No.”
“Exactly. I’ve heard your phone vibrate three times, and you didn’t even notice. You’ve escaped and got quiet in your head.”
Huh, I guess she’s right. I didn’t notice. Nor have I even thought of anything work-related. “So it seems.”
“Listen, about my Aunt Bea. She is graceful and sweet and accepts that times are what they are today. But as I’ve mentioned, I booked you a room at the inn in town. Her house is lovely, and she redid the basement to make it a guest area. I… haven’t exactly… told her.” Her voice drawls out.
I stop us instantly because I wasn’t expecting this. “Why not?” For some reason, I’m slightly offended, and I can’t pinpoint exactly the reason.
