My mouth dropped; Linda was blunt. “Why didn’t you say something to me before?”
She batted her eyelashes. “Sweetie, you haven’t been here long. We were trying to let you get settled in. But now you know.”
In New York, I never had to worry about cutting grass or having loud yard equipment while living in an apartment. Guess Iwasan inconsiderate ass.
“I’m sorry, Linda,” I apologized. “Being in a small town is going to take some getting used to.”
She waved me off. “No worries, darling. I have no doubt you’ll get acclimated in time.”
I glanced over at Ayla’s house and chuckled. “Yeah, if I don’t make enemies in the process. I was kind of a dick to Ayla when she came over.”
Linda shook a finger at me. “And that will not do, young man. Ayla Carington is one of the sweetest young women I’ve ever met. I’ve known her since she was born. The woman is smart, kind, and definitely not afraid to speak her mind.” Linda peered over at Ayla’s house and smiled. “When my George passed away a couple of years ago, Ayla came over every day for months to check on me. I love her so much; she’s like family to me.” When her eyes met mine, they were wet with unshed tears. “The whole town loves her. She’s our dentist.”
That surprised the hell out of me.
“A dentist? I never expectedthat one. I figured she stayed at home while her husband brought in all the money.”
Linda threw her head back and cackled so loud it echoed across the lake. “Heavens no. Ayla’s always been a hard worker. She took over her father’s practice and works on the weekends sometimes if someone in town needs help with their teeth. That’s why Fridays are a big deal with her. Everyone knows it’s her designated day to spend on herself. We all know she deserves it.”
The more she told me about Ayla, the more I felt like a douchebag.
“Maybe I’ll apologize to her one day,” I said.
Linda nodded. “You’ll be happy you did.” Her gaze dropped to the cake carrier in my arms. “Enjoy the cake.”
“I will. Thanks.”
She started to walk off, but then stopped and turned around. “You know what. Why don’t you come over tomorrow night and I’ll cook you dinner. You’ll love my fried chicken.”
My stomach growled at the sound of it. “I don’t want you having to do that, Linda. I appreciate it, though.”
Her stare turned demanding. “Are you saying no?”
I had a feeling not many people said that word to her.
“Of course not. I’ll be there.”
“Good,” she announced triumphantly. “Be at my house at five. I eat early.”
“Will do.”
I watched her walk away and then went inside to set the cake in the kitchen. I could see a part of Ayla’s pool from the sink window, but I couldn’t tell if she was outside. There was still some tree trimming that needed to be done, but it could be finished another day.
For now, I was going to let Ayla have the peace and quiet she’d asked for. One day, I’d go over and apologize.
Chapter 3
Ayla
Kat: What are you still doing at the office? IT’S SATURDAY! Go home! Go on a date! Do something other than think about teeth!
There was a reason why Kat was my best friend. We were similar in so many ways. If the situation were reversed and she was at her office, I would’ve texted the same thing.
I stepped out the front door of Carington Dental and locked it behind me before texting back.
Me: I’m walking out the door! Going by Magnolia Mart to grab my weekendtreats!
Kat: Good! Eat some for me! Jonah and I are on a health kick right now. Can’t eat sweets this week.
