‘That’s a pretty big claim. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my, admittedly, relatively short time here, it’s that Mainers tend to take their blueberry pancakes pretty seriously.’
He clicked his tongue. ‘Sure do. Almost as seriously as their whoopie pies.’
‘Haven’t tried one of those before.’
He clutched his chest and reeled back in horror. ‘You’re joking, right?’
‘No.’
‘Never?’
‘Not that I can remember. Maybe when I was a kid. I’m more of a chocolate dessert kind of girl now. Or fresh fruit.’
‘We must rectify this as soon as possible. Otherwise they might run you out of town.’
‘That’s a tad dramatic, don’t you think?’
‘I told you, they take these things pretty seriously around here.’
‘Fine. Why don’t we go there for lunch today?’
He shook his head. ‘I have other plans for today.’
‘What plans?’
He shrugged, his expression vague. ‘Just stuff and things.’
‘What sort of “stuff and things”?’
‘Why do you insist on asking?’
I put my hands on my hips. ‘Why doyouinsist on keeping everything a secret?’
‘Call me selfish, but I liked seeing the look of surprise on your face when I took you to the frozen waterfall. I want to see you look like that again.’
I smiled. ‘That is a little bit selfish. But it’s also kind of sweet, so I’ll forgive you.’
‘Good, because I think you’re going to like what I have planned.’ He checked the large black watch on his tanned wrist. ‘Are you ready to get going?’
‘Ah, about that.’ I pulled an apologetic face. ‘I have some good news and some bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?’
‘Neither.’
‘That’s not how this works.’
He sighed. ‘Fine. I’ll take the good then, I guess.’
‘Are you sure?’ I asked, enjoying being the one who had him in the dark for once.
‘No, but hit me with it.’
‘OK, well the good news is that we still get to spendmostof the day together.’
His eyes narrowed. ‘Most?’
‘I have to make a quick stop first.’
‘What sort of stop?’
