I look toward the apple fields and feel nostalgic for my summers here as a kid. I don’t remember much—except eating so many apples that my stomach hurt. My aunt and I made apple pie and helped the people who worked here. My cousins often stayed with us, now that I think about it. I guess our parents would drop us off for the summer. It’s beautiful. The entire place looks like something out of a Hallmark movie.
But it’s not like I’m going to uproot my life for this place.
Not that I necessarily have much to go back home to. Today I found out that my ex, Taylor, got the promotion I wanted. Now she’s going to be in charge of me at work—which is the last thing I want. So it’s not like I’m looking forward to going home tomorrow.
“We do have rights as far as kicking us out. None of us have written leases, but I’m sure we could find the paperwork Benny had for us. We’re not leaving without a fight,” Tilly says, breaking the silence.
“I’m not looking to evict anyone. I don’t know what my plan is for this place, but I definitely wouldn’t leave anyone withouta place to work or live. I wanted to see it for myself, meet the people who work here, and do some research,” I explain.
“Oh.” Tilly’s shoulders relax.
“I know we don’t know each other, but since I’m the new owner, that’s going to have to change.”
“Great,” Tilly says sarcastically.
A brunette waves at us, and Tilly waves back.
“Who’s that?” I ask.
“That’s Hattie, the vet,” Tilly says.
That doesn’t answer my real question, but I guess it’s none of my business.
“Can I meet her?” I ask.
“Sure.”
We walk back toward the houses. Hattie is sitting on her front porch and reading a book. A glass of wine rests on the table next to her, along with a baby monitor. I guess her son must still be young if she’s using that. When she sees us walking up, she puts her book down and meets us at the bottom of her steps.
“Hey, how’s it going?” She eyes me suspiciously. Her short, cropped black curls frame her face, freckles scattered across her cheeks and down her thighs. I recognize her from the funeral.
“Hi, I’m Bells—the new owner.” I reach out to shake her hand, and her smile fades.
“I’m Hattie.” She shakes my hand but looks anxiously between Tilly and me.
“She asked to see the place, so I was giving her a quick tour,” Tilly says.
“I just wanted to see the place myself,” I add.
“My son’s sleeping, or I’d accompany y’all. It’s really a beautiful place, especially when the apples are in season and the leaves are changing,” Hattie says with a smile.
“I recall.” I smile.
“Well, we should get going. Your tour is finished, and you should get to packing before you head home tomorrow,” Tilly says, clearly trying to rush me out.
“Why don’t you stop by tomorrow morning? Lina makes the best apple turnovers, and we all usually have breakfast together. Then you can meet a few of the day staff, too,” Hattie suggests.
I ignore how Tilly shoots daggers at her friend for inviting me.
“I’d love that. I want to see all this place has to offer.”
“Perfect. We stop for breakfast around eight a.m. Sound good?” Hattie asks.
“Yes.” I nod.
“Great,” Tilly says through gritted teeth.
It’s honestly a little funny at this point. I know she doesn’t like me, but it’s not like I’ll get the orchard and disappear. I have to make real decisions now—whether I want to sell or what I’m going to do with the place. I can’t leave it in the hands of complete strangers and hope for the best.
