Page 54 of The Summer We Started Over

At those words, all color drained out of William’s face.Good grief,Eddie thought,is he having a heart attack?

“I-I-I don’t think it’s ready for anyone else to read.” He stood up. “Um, nice talking to you.” Without looking at Dinah again, he stalked toward the house.

After he entered the house, Eddie said, “Dinah, I don’t think he meant to insult you.”

Dinah smiled. “I didn’t take it as an insult at all.”

Before Eddie could reply, a car pulled into the driveway and four women got out. They hurried toward Dinah. Dinah returned to her signing table and chatted with the women.

Eddie took out her phone and called Barrett.

—

When Eddie called, Barrett was laughing with Janny about a TikTok of a cat stealing a dog’s food bowl.

“I’d better take this,” Barrett told Janny.

She slipped into the back room and answered. “What’s up?”

“I think Dad has a crush on Dinah,” Eddie whispered.

Barrett laughed. “Why do you sound worried?” She heard her shop door open as someone entered.

“Because, Barrett, Dad isDadand Dinah isDinah.”

“Right. Dinah is gorgeous and Dad is handsome. What’s the problem?”

“Dad was nervous in the barn today. Dinah plays with men like a cat with a mouse. She’s going to seduce and abandon him and break Dad’s heart.”

Barrett heard voices and peeked around the corner to see if Janny was helping the customer. To her surprise, the man who walked in was Paul. He’d changed out of his sweaty work clothes into a classy striped button-down shirt and chinos.

“Barrett?” Eddie asked. “Are you there?”

“Give me a moment,” Barrett said into her phone. She leaned against the wall, listening, wondering why Paul had come in. She heard Janny’s sweet welcoming voice.

“Hi! I’m Janny. Barrett’s new assistant.”

“Hi, Janny. I’m a friend of Barrett’s. I brought some of my mom’s chocolate pecan cookies. I thought Barrett might enjoy them.”

“Oooh,” Janny cooed. “Those look delicious.”

“Help yourself,” Paul said. “I’m Paul Folger. I helped Jeff build a bookstore out in the family’s barn.”

“I know. Barrett’s told me all about it. I hope it works out for them. Mmmm, these cookies are mouthwatering.”

“Barrett?” Eddie called.

With effort, Barrett pulled her attention away from Paul and Janny. “Still here. But listen, I’ve got a customer. Let’s talk about it when I get home. Don’t worry so much.”

Barrett ended the call and stepped into the front room. “Paul! Hi, sweetie.” She went around the counter and kissed his cheek. Paul was surprised by the kiss. Actually, so was Barrett.

“Paul’s mother made these delicious cookies,” Janny said, holding out the plate as if it belonged to her.

“Wow. Thanks.” Barrett nibbled a bite. “So good. Paul, I should be bringingyoucookies. I can’t thank you enough for the quarterboard.”

“It looks great. Listen, I was wondering—”

Barrett’s phone buzzed. “Sorry, I have to take this. Crisis at home.”

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