Page 11 of The Magical Tea Shop

“It’s the first play,” said Holly, lips pinched. “We all know the Roadies will win.”

Affronted, Ivy sat straighter. “They might not.”

“Wanna bet?” Holly challenged.

“Yes,” said Ivy. “Yes, I do.”

“Confidence, dear, is very becoming,” said Hazel, leaning in from her left, “but perhaps not the wisest move in this case. My money’s on the Roadies. Those tough gals are total badasses.”

“Goodness, Hazel, language,” said Lydia, face tight in disapproval. “I’m rooting for the Rebels.”

Holly raised her brow. “Ten bucks?”

“You’re on.” Ivy shook with her sister, cinching the deal. Holly smirked when the bottom of the first inning finished with the Roadies getting double the runs of the Rebels.

Ivy watched, cheering for Jaxon and eating her way through chili cheese nachos, a tri-tip sandwich which she shared with her sister, followed by a mini hot fudge sundae from the Community Projects ice cream cart that showed up at every game. She cheered each time Jaxon caught the ball, threw the ball, or swung a bat. It was very stressful, wanting so badly for him to win. Eating helped. Comfort food was like that. She made a mental note to add more comfort food to her new menu. As she took another bite, she could swear Jaxon could hear her cheering. His eyes always found hers when he looked toward the stands.

But the question she was dying to know the answer to was: Had he eaten any of the cookies?

“Bummer, little sis,” said Holly, sounding smug, when the game ended.

“Wait, what? They lost? But they were doing so well.”

“Sure, until Tylene Baxter hit a homer with the bases loaded. Told you the Roadies would crush it.” She gathered up all their trash. “I love making bets with you.” She raised her eyebrows. “I especially can’t wait until the end of this month.”

“Yes, well, that is one bet you will most certainly lose,” said Ivy. Beside them, money was changing hands among the Hazard Historical Society board members amidst annoyed grumbles and smug smiles. Ivy primly handed her sister a ten-dollar bill. “I’m expanding my menu.”

“When did you decide this?” Holly narrowed her eyes and snatched the ten from her fingers.

“Don’t squint at me like that. I’m not infringing on your turf. I’m addinglunchitems. I went through my recipes last night, and I have some awesome ideas.”

“Have you done any market research?”

Ivy mentally kicked herself. Talking business with Holly took so much effort. “Yes,” she lied. “I’m starting first thing tomorrow with a soup, and a quiche du jour. You’ll see. I know it’ll be successful.”

“Better be, to up your business by 30% by the end of the month.”

Ivy grimaced when Holly couldn’t see. Her and her big mouth bragging about something she’d barely given any thought. Now she’d be up half the night, figuring out what she would make. Anxious to escape her sister before she asked more questions Ivy had absolutely no answers to, she slid out of the bleachers and ran right into Jaxon at the bottom. “Hi.”

“Hi.” He beamed.

“Great start to the game.” She beamed back.

“Dude.” Joel slapped Jaxon on the back and jerked him away. “Come on.” He halted when he saw Ivy. His mouth dropped open. “Ivy.” He spoke her name with reverence.

“Hi, Joel.” She threw him a puzzled glance and turned to Jaxon. “Come by the shop tomorrow and try my new menu additions. I’m adding lunch items. They’ll be amazing.”

Jaxon hesitated. “I’d love to.” Joel tugged on his sleeve. At his urgency, Jaxon shrugged and gave her a smile. “I’ll be there.”

Joel was nodding. “Me too.” They stepped away, and he kept glancing back. She overheard him say to Jaxon, “Did she say lunch items? I’ll definitely check that out.”

Ivy gave a little bounce. Her plan was working—already. She knew her luck would change. She just needed to put herself out there. The world rewarded the doers, just like her aunt always told her.

Their conversation floated back at her as she started to turn way.

“Those cookies were the bomb.”

“How many did you eat?”

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