Page 19 of Valentine's in Bayberry

As his phone continued to buzz, he shrugged his shoulders. “I enjoy the work. I don’t enjoy how it intrudes on my private time.”

She nodded. “I can understand that.”

When his phone quieted, he noticed the smile had returned to Carrie’s face.Wow!She was gorgeous. How was it possible she didn’t have a serious guy in her life?

“So, what has you in such a good mood?” he asked.

She glanced over at him, and he noticed that even her eyes were twinkling. “Brittany called this morning...” Carrie paused and looked at him. “You probably don’t know this, but she’s now on the town council. Anyway, she’s organizing Happy Hearts. When I applied, she told me that my business was too new. I don’t know what that had to do with anything. I think it had more to do with all of our animosity in high school. She never liked me. Anyway, I was going to do something special for Valentine’s on my own. I was brainstorming ideas when I got the call. Brittany told me I was on the schedule for Happy Hearts.” The smile returned to Carrie’s face. “Of course, she threatened that if I didn’t turn in information for the event tomorrow that she would drop me.”

“That’s great!” Then clarifying his comment, he said, “That you’re a part of Happy Hearts, not that she threatened to drop you.” He was truly happy for her. He knew how great it felt when something you’ve worked hard on worked out. “I’m sorry she’s still giving you a hard time. High school was a lifetime ago.”

“I totally agree.”

By then they reached the most popular restaurant in Bayberry: Mel’s Grille. One of the things he loved about his hometown was the fact that most everything was within walking distance. It might have been warmer to drive, but then they would havemissed the bright sunshine that warmed their faces, and they wouldn’t have had much time to talk.

He opened the door for her and followed her inside. The warm air rushed up and greeted them. And the air carried with it the aroma of beef stew. Jackson’s stomach rumbled its approval.

Carrie pulled off her gloves and stuffed them into her pockets. “Looks like we missed the lunch crowd.”

He was confused. The dining room was still full. “I think you’re mistaken. This place is packed.”

Carrie nodded in agreement. “But what you probably don’t know is with Bayberry Candles growing, so is our town. There’s usually a line of people waiting to be seated for lunch, which is a problem since most people don’t have long for lunch.”

“I can honestly say that I never thought Bayberry would be such a hopping place.”

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a small town, but every year it grows a bit more. It’s not without its growing pains, but relatively speaking, it’s gone smoothly. But I think we could definitely use another restaurant or two.” She looked around the dining room. “Oh, look. There’s Kate and Abby. Let’s go join them.”

It wasn’t exactly what he’d had in mind when he asked her to lunch, but he didn’t have much choice. Carrie was already rushing toward her friends. He trailed behind her.

He was really hoping this meal would be a chance for them to reconnect. Maybe she’d have some advice for him about how to deal with his mother going forward. He wanted to help his mother, but he didn’t want to smother her with his concern either.

Abby slid over in the booth. “Carrie, join us.”

Carrie didn’t hesitate as she sat down. Jackson hung back. She glanced over at him and waved him over. “Come on, Jackson.”

“I promise we won’t bite.” Kate slid across the bench. “You can sit by me.”

He took a seat, leaving a big gap between himself and Kate.

“How long are you in town?” Abby asked.

He shrugged. “I’m leaving in a couple of weeks.”

“That’s too bad.” Abby lightly elbowed Carrie. “Isn’t it?”

“Um...yeah.” Carrie sent him a little smile that didn’t quite meet her expressive eyes.

He told himself not to take Carrie’s half-hearted response seriously. After all, her friends weren’t exactly being discreet.

“Maybe you’ll change your mind,” Kate said, “and stay longer.”

He hesitated. In the past, he would have quickly dispelled the idea of him sticking around any longer. Not even six months ago, his priority would have been his career. And then he’d gotten a phone call from his mother’s bank, and his priority changed.

“I don’t think so.” Wanting to take the attention off himself, he said, “Carrie has some exciting news.”

All heads turned in Carrie’s direction. He settled back against the seat, finally able to take his first full breath since they’d sat down.

Carrie was practically glowing with happiness when she said, “Totally Chocolate is officially a part of Happy Hearts.”

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