While the actual weather pattern had proven to be less dramatic than originally forecasted, the resulting story with the sailors—and now Jim’s situation—certainly deserved that headline. The unwelcome news had definitely stormed its way into Camille’s life.
“The Inn rode it out like a champ.” She smiled at her friend. “Which is why I’m here. We’re back up and running and a few new guests will be joining us later today. I was hoping I might beable to place an order for pastries for tomorrow morning, if it’s not too late to do so.”
“The usual?”
“Yep. Sounds perfect, unless you have anything you’d like to add?”
Morgan dipped back to pull something from the glass case. She passed a small puff pastry over the top toward Camille. “This is a new recipe I’m working on for the gala. It’s my take on a Nutella hand pie. Go head.” She nudged her chin. “Give it a try and let me know what you think.”
Morgan didn’t need to ask Camille twice to taste a treat. She bit into the flaky dough, suppressing the groan of satisfaction that wanted to come out when the pastry met her tongue. It was delicious, bordering on heavenly. Morgan sure had a way with sugar and sweets.
“Morgan, this is the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”
Morgan grinned, obviously pleased. “You don’t need to flatter me, Camille. You know you’re one of my favorite customers.”
“One?” She feigned insult, clutching her chest dramatically. But her theatrical show went unnoticed, Morgan’s attention fixated on the door and the man now passing through it.
“Oh, hey there, Camille.” Josh looked at his sister, apparently surprised to see her even though they’d passed one another in the Inn’s hallway just thirty minutes earlier. “Didn’t know you were headed this way.”
“Just placing an order for pastries for tomorrow.”
“Shoot.” He came up to the register where Camille stood. “If I’d have known, I could have done that for you.”
“I wasn’t aware you were headed this way.”
“Josh is one of my faithful regulars.” Morgan was busy putting together a box of cinnamon rolls, croissants, and chocolate chip muffins. “He’s here almost every day.”
“Is that so?” Camille cocked her head. She was aware that Josh had been working with Morgan to finalize the menu for the gala, but this felt like more than that.
“I’m just picking up some pastries to take down to the rec center. Meeting Cal there to talk about possible charities we can donate proceeds from the gala to.”
“You and Cal are still getting along?”
“Yes, Camille. We’re getting along.”
“And what about you and Edie?” She cut a look over toward Morgan to see if there was any reaction, but the baker had occupied herself with another task as she folded the lid on the pink box and sealed it with a beautiful Sugar Blossom Bakery sticker.
“What about me and Edie?” Josh’s voice was a murmur.
“You two are getting along?” Camille wanted to add the little bit about them sharing a kiss, but this was not the time, nor the place.
“We’re getting along great.”
He moved in front of her to hand Morgan his credit card, and while the baker rang up his order, Camille studied her brother. Watched the exchange taking place. Was there something more going on here? She honestly couldn’t tell. Josh didn’t interact with Morgan the way he did with Edie. There was less intensity, more friendly smiles. Where it was obvious that Josh had feelings for Edie, here things felt more lighthearted. But she still didn’t think she was wrong to believe there was more to their interaction than met the eye.
Josh left promptly after that, hurrying out with his purchase.
But even after he was fully gone with the door closed behind him, Morgan’s gaze still lingered.
Even if Josh wasn’t interested, Morgan no doubt was.
“I take it he’s your other favorite customer?”
The woman’s stunned eyes slid to hers. “I…” She swallowed to clear her throat softly. “He’s a good customer. And a nice friend.”
“But you want something more?” This was bold, but Camille was curious, and Morgan seemed willing to answer.
“I’d like to get to know him better, if that’s what you’re asking,” Morgan admitted, shrugging. “But I think he has his eyes elsewhere.”
