Page 47 of Hometown Girl

You should move to Chicago. You’re not getting any younger. It’s now or never.

The unwanted thoughts raced through her mind, but none of them seemed to stick. The only thing that did wasthis could be my second chance.

Monday morning, Beth awoke at dawn, showered, dressed and made her way to Butler’s to pick up coffee and scones before heading out to the farm.

“That was something on Saturday,” Callie said while she made Beth’s much-needed latte. “It even made me want to be a part of your big Fairwind Farm project.”

Beth felt her shoulders straighten as an idea hit her. “You should, Callie. You can run the bakery.”

Callie’s eyes brightened. “Really?”

“Would you ever want to do that?”

She laughed. “I’ve kind of been waiting for you to ask me.”

“Sorry. I’ve been preoccupied.”

“With anyone in particular?” Callie’s eyes twinkled.

Beth groaned. “Not you too.”

“Your sister told me you have a meeting with Drew Barlow this morning.” She waggled her eyebrows.

“A meeting, Cal. Not a date.”

“So this other cup of coffee—it’s for him?” She held it as if it were a sacred treasure.

Beth only stared.

“Okay, then you need pastries.” She shuffled around behind the counter for a few quick seconds. “Drew ate the cheese Danishes on Saturday, and I know you like my cinnamon scones.”

“You noticed what kind of Danishes he ate?”

Callie shrugged. “I keep track of what people like, what can I say?”

Beth took a quick drink of her latte as Callie handed her the bag. “Thanks.”

“So, it’s just going to be the two of you out there, huh?” Callie grinned.

“This is strictly professional.”

Callie pouted. “Well, that’s boring.”

“Boring is my middle name.”

“True.” She gave a soft sigh. “Is Ben going to help you guys out?”

Beth shrugged. “If Drew agrees, Ben said he’s in. We need his money.”

“What about his muscles?” Callie propped her elbow on the counter and her chin on her fist. “I could definitely use his muscles.”

Beth rolled her eyes. “Why don’t you say something to him already? Ask him to dinner?”

Callie groaned. “No, that would ruin the fantasy. At least this way there is still hope. If he turns me down, the sliver of hope is gone. Besides, I’m content to stare at him when he’s not looking and imagine what our children would look like.”

Beth covered Callie’s hands with her own. “Do you think you’ll ever get over him?”

“I was over him. Then I saw him Saturday.”

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