“I thought we closed at nine.” I walked toward them, squinting. With the lights behind them, it was difficult to make out their faces.
I was about ten feet away when I realized who they were. The Maple Street Mafia. Bundled up and in high spirits, probably after hitting the maple whiskey.
They piled into the hayride like they owned it, Bitsyclaiming the bench directly behind me immediately. Olive Foster followed, giving me a saucy wink. Mavis came next, along with Gail, Lorna, and finally Marigold, with her walker, which was decorated with colorful fall foliage.
“Do you mind if I ride too?” Celine asked them. “Since we’re done for the night?”
She sat near the front of the wagon with the ladies, near the small space heater. When the music started, Bitsy fussed, saying she couldn’t keep up with the conversation, so Celine clicked it off.
“Now Celine, dear,” the woman said as I pulled out onto Main Street. The tractor was loud, but I could make out most of her words. “We’ve all been talking, and we want to help you.”
My spine went rigid. Favors from the Maple Street Mafia always came with strings.
“Help with what?” Celine asked, her tone friendly but guarded.
I glanced over my shoulder and caught her eye.
“Why, with your romantic prospects,” Olive shrieked.
Okay, she had definitely been hitting the maple whiskey.
When her words registered, I missed the clutch. And the tractor lurched, stalling out.
Shit.
Everyone bounced.
“Joshua Lawrence,” Bitsy hissed. “Do you mind?”
“Sorry,” I said, my muscles locking up. “Big stick in the road.”
There was no stick, but it was the best I could come up with.
I started the engine again and got back to my route.
“We thought we’d set you up with Tom Walters.”
“No,” Celine said firmly.
My jaw clenched.
“Why not?” Mavis prodded. “He’s got a boat.”
“I don’t want a boat,” Celine said.
I peeked back, noting the pink in her cheeks. God, their meddling was out of control. This was why I stayed away.
“He’s emotionally available too,” Olive said. “And has all his hair.”
I hit the brake too hard, and we all jolted forward.
“Joshua,” Bitsy barked. “I’m too old to be rattled like this.”
“Bumpy road,” I muttered.
“It’s paved,” Mavis groused.
“You okay up there, Tractor One?” Celine asked.
