“Yeah, talking about selling the orchard,” I say.
“Oh.” Her eyes widen.
“She wants you to get married? Us to get married?” I felt the urge to run. I liked Bells but I was nowhere near ready for marriage.
“No, she wants me to think about it. She doesn’t know anything about you or us. It’s just something she pushes on me, and I usually ignore her,” Bells explains.
“But you’re selling the orchard?” My voice cracks as I ask because I’m too afraid to hear if that’s true or not.
“No.” Bells takes my hands in hers, but I don’t relax. “My mother thinks I am, it’s complicated family drama which I’m sure is why Aunt Blake left the place to me. But no, I’m not selling it.”
“Really?” I feel the anxiety seeping back inside.
“When I first got here, I thought maybe I’d sell it. I didn’t know what to do or how to run anything. I took a look at the books, and this place was in danger of being foreclosed. So I’ve done everything I can to keep that from happening,” she explains.
“Wait, it wasn’t making a profit?” This confuses me. I always thought we were doing well.
“The maintenance on this place, as well as other factors, were hemorrhaging this place. I just got it out of the red and back to making money. Before I got to know this place, I thought maybe I’d fix it up to sell—to someone who would keep everyone’s jobs and keep the place as is. But now I know I don’t want to sell it at all.” She smiles.
“How come?” I ask.
“Because this place is like a home to me now. I love the city, and I’m sure I’ll visit, but something about this found family we have here—everyone working together, all the opportunities to try new things and use my business degree for something new—it’s really lifted my spirits and made me feel good again.”
I can’t describe the relief I feel. My stomach goes from panicking to relaxing in a matter of minutes. Bells thinks this place feels like family? I know that’s how I feel, but I didn’t realize this place was growing on her as much as it has.
“I really like you, City Girl.” I smile.
“We’re bringing back the nicknames?! I really like you too, Mac.” She laughs. “Wait! Is that a reference to McIntosh apples?!”
“Yes.” I chuckle. “I was wondering when you might realize that.”
“You gave me a hint to who you were all along. I didn’t even realize it.” She laughs.
“I don’t want you to feel any pressure here, but if you want to talk about things with your mom, you can. It seemed pretty intense from what I heard,” I admit.
“It’s just how she is. Lately it’s getting harder and harder to defend. I’m starting to realize why Aunt Blake moved out here and never looked back. It’s a lot easier than dealing with the family all the time.” She sighs.
“I’m not telling you what to do, but is that something you ever consider? Maybe it would give you some peace, cutting ties.”
“Is that what you did? With your family?” she asks.
“It’s a little different. I told them who I was—that I like women—and they kicked me out. All ties severed for life. I don’t even know where they are or how they’ve been. I’m not saying it’s easy. But I do know it’s better than the alternative of living the rest of my life hiding who I am.”
“That makes sense. I mean, my mother ironically approves of me being with women—it’s just anything else I possibly do that’s the problem.”
“I see. I’m sorry. I know family issues aren’t easy.”
Bells takes a deep breath and then looks at me. “I just feel like whatever I do, it won’t be enough. And not in the typical my-parents-will-never-be-proud-of-me way, but in the sense that there’s always something they’re going to complain about. I managed to turn this whole place around without any of their money or help, but they still treat me like I don’t know anything. They want to take this place and probably charge twenty bucks an apple and make it more of an amusement park to bring in revenue. I don’t want any of that. I just don’t know how to show them this place is so much more.”
“Why do you have to show them?” I ask. “I mean, I understand why you’d want to. But what if it’s just something they won’t understand?”
“You have a point. I don’t know. I guess it’s because they’re my parents. But it’s also because they’re my parents that I know they won’t change.” She sighs.
“You’re very similar to Benny, just so you know,” I say quietly. I don’t know how she might take this.
“Really?” She perks up next to me.
“She always wanted to make peace with your family. Talked about how one day she hoped they’d come around and see this place for more than a quick buck. She had the same drive you have about this place. It’s really amazing to get to witness.”
