“I know this is a bit of a change, and I know we’re all still grieving. Benny wasn’t just our boss; she was like family to us. So if anyone needs any extra time off or needs someone to talk to, please find me after. We’re open to the public today, so if you can work, please do. I’ll be?—”
Bells makes her way to the front of the room, smiling. “Excuse me.”
I try not to glare at her in front of everyone, but she’s literally interrupting me mid-sentence.
“Yes?”
“I just wanted to introduce myself. I’m Bells Kennedy. My aunt Benny left me this orchard, so as the new owner I’ll bearound a bit today and then popping up in the future. I’m really trying to get a feel for the vibe of this place, so don’t mind me. But if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.” She purses her bright red lips that match the red top she’s wearing. It’s buttoned all the way except for one at the top, leaving enough cleavage to tease me. I remember all too well what she looks like undressed.
“Thanks,” I say plainly. “Now, back to?—”
Bells interrupts me again. “And for the record, I will not be getting rid of any jobs or asking anyone to move. I’m simply trying to evaluate the property as a whole and how it works.”
I stare at her until she nods at me, like I’m allowed to speak again. The nerve of this woman. “Lina asks that you keep the kids away from the greenhouse out back. It is locked, but we’d like to keep the general public away from it as well.”
Lina is legally growing weed to make a variety of edibles for her bakery, something Benny was quite excited to start the process of. We’re taking every precaution when it comes to visitors on the orchard, especially kids. But it doesn’t hurt to have the reminder. Bells gives me a weird look, but I go on. It’s mainly a few old memos, and then I dismiss everyone to finish breakfast. No one comes to talk to me, so I guess they’re all grieving on their own time.
“Your friends are so nice,” Bells says to me when I don’t say anything.
“They are.” I nod. She opens her mouth to speak, but I walk toward the bakery counter before she can. I’m not in the mood to make small talk with her right now. Maybe after a cup of coffee it won’t be so bad.
“Your usual?” Lina asks from behind the counter.
“Yes. With an extra espresso shot, please.” Lina raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything while she makes the drink. Breakfast is something that the orchard covers for everyone, so Idon’t have to pay, but I do put a five-dollar bill in the decorated tip jar.
“You okay?” Lina asks as she passes me the cup of iced coffee.
“Just a bit on edge,” I say quietly.
“She’s nervous about all the changes,” Hattie adds.
“I’m fine. I just don’t believe everything is going to be fine like she’s saying. Her family is notorious for wanting money. I don’t trust her.”
It didn’t click who she is until she said her last name is Kennedy. They own a chain of hotels across the states as well as a large part of the buildings in town. Benny changed her last name to Blake at some point before I moved here. I know she was connected to the Kennedys, but she didn’t like to broadcast that. The only times she spoke of them was to condemn their business practices and complain about how all they cared about was money. Which makes absolutely no sense why she left the orchard to one of them. Wasn’t that exactly the opposite of what she wanted?
“Just because she’s related to them doesn’t mean they have the same values,” Hattie points out.
“I’ll believe that when I see it.” I scoff. I take a sip of my coffee just as Ollie runs over.
“Mama, can I have some water?” He looks up at Hattie with a face full of chocolate.
“Of course, but let’s wipe that face of yours.” Hattie grabs a wipe from her purse and cleans him off in seconds.
“Who’s this little one?” Bells joins the group before I can escape.
“This is my son, Ollie. Ollie, say hi to Bells,” Hattie smiles.
“Hi.” He has a tendency to be shy at first.
“Very nice to meet you, Ollie, and what do you do on the orchard?” Bells kneels to talk to him.
“I help my mama,” he says, smiling proudly.
“That’s the best kind of help,” Bells winks at him. I can feel myself starting to smile, and I stop it. I’m not going to fall for her tricks and be blindsided at the last second. I won’t let that happen.
“Tilly, would you be able to help me? I was hoping you might know how to get into Benny’s house.” Bells stands and turns to me.
“What? Why?”
