Page 15 of Gabriel & Skye

Great. I’m free the day after tomorrow at my office? How is 10 am?

I panic.

Do I really want to do this?

I mean, do I really want to spend the rest of summer making coffee and annoying people in the good town of Stoney Creek? I don’t think so.

Me

Sounds good.

I breathe in and out as I ask the very obvious question that I already know the answer to.

Me

Where is your office?

Mr. CEO

At the Bassett Brothers Distillery. I can send you directions, but it’s pretty easy to find.

Me

Sounds good, I’ll be able to find it. See you then

I click my phone shut so I don’t have to think about it anymore. There is nothing to fear here. It was one lousy mistake, and if Gabriel Bassett can’t see me for who I am and my skills in childcare, then he can go take a running leap.

The next day, I keep busy by helping Gran bake up a storm for the annual Bake’ n’ Shake fundraiser on the weekend. Gran is starting off with her famous moon pies, lemon meringue cupcakes, and rocky road. The woman is a machine.

I’m in charge of the marshmallow. Lord help us.

I didn’t get to see her much after I finished work yesterday. I went home to the caseta in the back of their cottage, where I’ve been staying

I caught up on some Netflix and some much needed sleep. I haven’t had a break since finishing my placement in North Carolina.

I’ve been looking forward to this for months; taking some time off and spending it with my grandparents. Mom and Dad said they will come down one weekend so we can all spend some time together. Travis hasn’t started his new job yet, but something tells me he’s going to be busy learning the ropes from Hank before he retires. People in this town tend to be set in their ways.

“I almost forgot. How were things at the cafe yesterday?” Gran asks me.

Oh dear. I supposed that question was always coming.

“It went okay,” I squeak. “May and Mike are really nice, obviously. I just don’t know if my coffee making skills leave much to be desired for.”

“Oh, honey.” Gran looks at me kindly, giving me a sympathetic smile. “You’re trying something new, that’s what it’s all about after all. Don’t beat yourself up.”

Gran is like the epitome of positivity, and won’t hear a bad word about anyone or anything. I love her to bits.

“I’m just not sure I’m cut out for it, Gran. I didn’t exactly gel with the coffee machine yesterday. But I’m pleased to say the breakup is mutual and I don’t even think we can be friends.” Urgh. Thinking back to the whole incident with Gabriel Bassett makes me want to go hide somewhere for all eternity.

Kill me now.

Now I’ve agreed to meet with the man for a job. I must be insane. Still, money is money and I can’t afford to take the summer off.

Gran laughs.

“I’m sure you’ll pick it up, Skye. Just don’t give up. You do well at everything you set out to do. Some skills take a little longer, honey.”

I laugh while I tackle the marshmallow filling for the moon pies. “You sure you’re not just saying that to make me feel better?”

---