SIX
Tilly
“Why the hell would you invite her back tomorrow?” I glare at Hattie after Bells is gone.
“Because she seems reasonable and maybe if we show her the place and all it has to offer, she won’t make us homeless.” Hattie frowns.
“Or she could see it’s not doing as well as it should be and kick us out even faster.” I groan.
“You don’t know that.”
“You don’t know she’s reasonable, you met her for two minutes.” I sigh.
“So you know her better because you had your tongue inside her?” She raises an eyebrow, and I blush.
“I’m just saying. I’ve seen plenty of business types come through here that look harmless and then try to screw us over in the long run.”
“But not everyone is like that, Tills. You have to give people the benefit of the doubt sometimes.” She sighs.
“Fine. But I’m not being nice to her. I’m keeping my guard up because I’m telling you—I do not have a good feeling about this.”
“That’s okay, you aren’t much of a Suzy sunshine anyway.” She laughs.
“Are you coming over soon?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Yes, let me get the bottle of wine, and I’ll be right over. Did you eat?” She has a tendency to mother me, even if she doesn’t mean to.
“I was making mac and cheese, but it’s probably shit by now,” I grumble.
“I’ll bring over some leftovers. I made meatloaf tonight.”
“Thank you.”
I head back to my place, kicking my boots aside and heading for the kitchen. I dump the overcooked and cold noodles into the garbage and grab a beer from the fridge. Tossing the cap in the trash, I take a large chug. My hand grips the edge of the counter, and I clench my jaw. Why does she have to be so freaking nice? I had hoped she’d be as bitchy as I made her out to be in my head. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about liking her when she was the one person standing in the way of what I want. Of course she’s gorgeous. It isn’t going to be easy to hold my stance.
“Damn, you look more angry than you did before,” Hattie says as she walks into my kitchen.
She places the wrapped plate on the counter and offers me her arms. I want to say yes, but I know that I shouldn’t, so I shake my head and take another sip of the beer. Hattie told me, not too long ago, that she has feelings for me, and although I don’t feel the same, I’ve been trying not to make it weird. The truth is, I just don’t see her that way, and I’m definitely not in any place to want to be a parent to a child. I had let her down gently, and things mostly went back to normal—except times like this, when I’m not sure if I should let her just hug me or not. I just don’t want to give her any false hope when there’s nothing here.
“Maybe I’m not up to company tonight,” I mumble between sips.
“That’s fine, but you at least need to eat. And promise you’ll meet us in the morning,” she insists.
“Fine.” I roll my eyes.
Hattie squeezes my arm gently before leaving, and I sigh. I don’t want to kick her out, but I can’t handle anyone else’s feelings right now. Finishing the beer, I pull off the plastic wrap on the plate and put it in the microwave. Two minutes later, I’m sitting on the couch, fresh beer on the table, and a hot plate of food in my hands. I toss on an old re-run ofFriends—just something to take my mind off things.
I know I’m angry, but I haven’t beenthisangry in a long time. Not since…nope, not going there. I did my time working through that and going over it again won’t do me any good. Maybe this is just my way of grieving Benny. I’m angry and upset about her dying, and now I’m losing my last piece of her. I don’t care what Bells said, it’s clear she will have to make some changes to this place. I’m definitely not as optimistic as Hattie.
If it wouldn’t give her the wrong idea, I’d just tell Hattie to pack up her and Ollie’s things so we could find a place together. But everything is complicated now, and I don’t want to further complicate everything by suggesting we leave together. She’s my best friend, but I’m attempting to maintain boundaries.
Angrily, I turn off the TV and decide to head to bed. I’m two beers in, and I should probably get some sleep instead of stewing in my feelings. Plus, I have to get up early tomorrow to meet everyone for coffee. I like our little group getting together, but this is not exactly what I had in mind. I don’t want to drink coffee and eat muffins with my enemy.
In the morning, I grab a shower and get dressed, hoping to get this meet and greet over with. But as soon as I walk into Lina’s bakery, it’s clear that’s not going to happen. Bells is here, smiling and chatting with Lina and Hattie as if they’re old friends. They all laugh about something, and I feel like I’m left out of a secret joke. Ollie is sitting at the table coloring and eating the end of a chocolate chip muffin, so he doesn’t notice me. The morning crew for the orchard is here, just like every Monday, when we have a weekly meeting before starting our day. Usually, Benny says any updates and then tells everyone to get to work after they eat. I guess it’s my job to step up and take over today. I feel a bit of pride swelling in my chest.
“Good morning, everyone,” I say loudly. Everyone turns toward me and rushes to find a seat.
Bells stands in the back of the room with Lina and Hattie, who whisper something quietly to her.
