Page 77 of Pick Your Spot

Addy touched her arm briefly. “But with your help, he was able to skip most of the learning curve. You make a good team.”

She smiled at that, and her eyes wandered to where Knox was chatting with Ford and Sean.

Nina grinned. “I think it’s more than a working partnership. Am I right? Are you and Knox together?”

Addy sighed even as Thea and Elina laughed. Addy hip-bumped her daughter. “Aim for polite, not nosy.”

Nina grinned. “Okay, but you don’t find out as much that way. I like to know things.”

Her mom groaned. “No kidding. You like to knowallthe things.”

Nina nodded and turned her attention to Thea. “I want to learn all about the Worminator and how it works. About the vermicomposting setup, too. We use those in school so I know a little bit but I think there’s more to it that they explained. I don’t get the difference between fungal and bacterial compost. Can you tell me?”

“A girl after my own heart. Why don’t we go over to my compost area, and I’ll show you how it all works.”

Levi and Isla followed them to the compost. For the next hour, the four of them talked about regenerative farming, the joys of good compost and ways to help the planet and feed the hungry. Thea didn’t know if she’d ever had such a stimulating work conversation.

Levi was already implementing a lot of similar practices into his hops farm. “I may have to get my own Worminator, although my farm isn’t as large as the orchard.”

Thea nodded. “It might not be worth the expense. Once I get to the point of having excess compost, I’d love to share. But that’ll be a few years before we’re there.”

A whistle had them all turning to the Worminator. Sean shouted. “Everything is set now. We’re going to lift the kettle into place. Stay clear.”

The four of them moved closer to watch, and Thea could barely contain the excitement as the huge metal piece was lifted and set into its place on the platform. Knox and four of the others stood on the platform, ready to anchor it into position.

When it was secure, Knox gave a thumbs up. The entire group cheered and clapped. Levi gently pushed her forward. “Go, see your machine.”

The group started chanting her name, and her skin flushed deeply. They urged her forward and up the stairs to where Knox handed her a drill with a flourish. “The final bolt needs to be tightened.”

Grinning, she tightened the bolt to the cheers of the group. Laughing, she took a bow and handed back the drill. She patted the kettle and grinned. There was still a ton to do before the Worminator could start working and then producing, but the most difficult task was done.

She turned to the group standing below her and leaned into Knox’s side. “Thanks, everyone. Let’s eat.”

Chapter23

Pick Up Artist

Clouds moved in as they sat on the ground and on the truck beds to eat. Thea hoped it wouldn’t rain until everyone was gone. The orchard and compost would love the rainfall, but she didn’t want her friends to get drenched after they’d spent their evening helping.

She spotted Fox sitting beside one of the trees, a little away from the group. The crowd and the noise might be a little much for him. He was used to the quiet farm with only her and Knox.

Beside her, Nina pointed. “Is that your dog? He’s gorgeous.”

Thea shrugged. “He lives on the farm. Always has. Jay said Fox was here when he arrived. He’s friendly. Would you like to meet him?”

After a quick check with her mom, Nina bounced along with Thea as they approached the dog. Without prompting, the teen slowed her pace as she neared. She held her hands out to her sides. “Hello, Fox. I’m Nina. I’m a friend of Thea’s, and I’m not going to hurt you.”

Thea moved close to Fox, who rubbed against her legs. She knelt to give him his rubdown. “This is Nina, Fox. She’s a friend who wants to meet you. Is that okay?”

Fox stepped to where Nina held out her hand for him to sniff. The girl spoke softly and maintained eye contact. “You’re a beautiful dog, Fox. I like your name. We live next door to Kimi and Garrett’s petting farm and animal therapy center. Our animals have lots of fun names, as well. I think you’d get along with them.”

Fox batted Nina’s hand, and soon the girl was sitting on the ground with Thea and rubbing Fox’s belly.

Nina laughed and kept talking to the dog in an easy manner that proved she knew a lot about animals and was comfortable with them.

She smiled at Thea. “I’ve read about Great Pyrenees dogs before, but I’ve never met one. Fox’s fur is so thick. Is it true they spend most of their time outside?”

Thea nodded. “I don’t know about all of them, but that’s true for Fox here. Sometimes, he’ll come into my cabin for a treat, but he always goes right back out. He’s never stayed inside for more than a minute.”

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