Page 25 of The Magical Tea Shop

“I’m having my doubts about this said garden of men. This next Sunday is a paintball party with thirteen-year-olds.”

“True, but boys grow into men.”

“I’m not waiting that long,” Ivy singsonged. “Remember, I have a bet to win by the end of this month.”

Lydia continued as if she hadn’t heard her. “And the next generation will patronize the Ivy Way Tea Shop.”

Which wouldn’t be so bad. Besides, Ivy was excited to play paintball. So what if they were all kids? She was a kid at heart.

Lydia began stabbing flowers into the dampened green foam she’d placed in the bottom of a clear-cut, crystal bowl. “Tell me about your date with Roman. He’s really something, that one, a real tall drink of water.”

Ivy laughed and leaned on the counter to watch her aunt work. “What does that even mean? I don’t think I’m allthatthirsty.”

Lydia grinned. “Tell me about the date with Joel. He’s a wily one, that Joel. Doesn’t he own Griffin Auto Repair? I bet he could get your motor humming right along.”

“Aunt Lydia!”

“What?” She flashed her niece an innocent look. “Didn’t he have something fun planned?”

“Oh, he did. We watched the melodrama at the Town Hall Theater. I adored the play. The set design was super clever.”Not to mention the set designer, she thought, but her aunt didn’t want to hear that. Ivy scrunched her lips in a pout. “But, on the dates, Roman and Joel mostly talked about themselves. Even after the play when I wanted to relive the best parts, Joel talked about his large family and the skits they put on as children.”

“Of course they talked about themselves. You’re a fantastic listener. That way you get to learn all about them.”

“That and number 47 screws,” muttered Ivy under her breath.

“What was that?” Lydia asked from behind the now towering flower arrangement.

“Nothing. Tonight I’m going out with Rob, and Tuesday with Kyle. It would be nice if just once they were interested in me and what I have to say.”

“The right one will be. He’ll want to know all about you. You’ll find your one true love.” Lydia sighed and added Ivy’s selections to the arrangement. With practiced ease, she designed three large bows out of indigo, celadon, and silver ribbon.

“You sound like a fairy-tale kid’s movie.”

“Oh, I love those movies and you do, too.” Lydia gave a decisive nod. Ivy wasn’t sure if it was in approval of the flower arrangement or her statement. “Trust me, your true love is out there, and you’ll find your way to him. I promise.” Lydia placed the arrangement on a shelf behind her for pickup and narrowed her eyes. She waggled that long finger at her niece again. “So, do not bake another batch of magic cookies!”

Chapter Ten

When Jaxon crossedSawyer Bridge and spotted Hazel Bestwick at the side of the road peering under the hood of her car, he immediately pulled over. He crossed the narrow road and sauntered up behind her. “What seems to be the trouble, ma’am?” He tried to keep the laugh from his voice and failed.

She jumped and turned, then tugged her coat tighter against the cool breeze kicking up. “It’s not funny, Mr. Langford. Don’t think that I can’t figure out what’s wrong with my Lexus. I used to help my older brother with his classic Thunderbird back when I was just a girl.”

“I’m positive there is nothing you cannot accomplish once you set your mind to it.” He gave a nod toward the flaming-red car. “So, what’s wrong?”

Hazel gave a soft harrumph. “I don’t know.” She pursed her lips and shook her head. “I guess it really does take a computer nowadays to diagnose car trouble.”

“Let me give you a lift.” He gestured toward his truck. “The sun’s about to set, and you know I won’t leave you alone on a country road. We can get Joel out here to tow your car to his shop tomorrow. He owes me a favor.” A big one, thought Jaxon, since he’d high-graded his cookies and started taking Ivy out.

“Hmm, well, only if you take me to dinner. I was all set to enjoy a night on the town when my baby coughed and stalled.”

Jaxon narrowed his eyes. “Is there really something wrong with your Lexus or are you out of gas?”

Hazel’s expression was all innocent affront.

“Or are you just on the prowl to pick up a man?” Jaxon waggled his brows.

Hazel laughed out loud. “Oh dear, Mr. Langford, you are on to me, aren’t you?”

With a flourish, Jaxon offered his arm. Hazel tucked hers neatly into it. He grinned down at her. “Where would milady like to go for dinner?”

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