Page 101 of Heartbeats & Highways

I thought we’d get to the front porch and Savage would knock, but he surprised me when he walked into the house without invitation. I was immediately assaulted by the scent of garlic and tomato.

“We’re here!” he called.

A man with dark hair strode out of the kitchen, holding a bottle of beer. He clapped Savage on the back in greeting and then turned to me. “Hi, I’m Duke. Nice to finally meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too,” I said shyly.

“Willa’s in the kitchen and she just put the meatballs in the oven,” Duke said. “Come on, let’s get you guys some drinks.”

Duke turned and we followed him down the hallway. Willa stood at the oven; a dishrag slung over her shoulder.

“Hi!” Willa chirped, a huge smile on her face as she turned to us. She embraced Savage quickly and before I knew it, she was hugging me too.

“What can I get you guys to drink?” Duke asked.

“Beer for me,” Savage said. “Evie?”

“Water’s fine,” I said. “I brought you some things.”

Savage handed Willa the tote bag. She reached into it and pulled out the loaf of bread. “Is this homemade?”

“Yeah, it’s sourdough,” I said. “I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I’ll love it, thank you.” She beamed. “I heard about your breadmaking skills from Brooklyn, actually.”

“Oh.” I felt my cheeks heat. “You did?”

“There’s also homemade pear jam in there,” Savage commented.

“Willa, what can I do to help?” I asked.

“Nothing,” she announced. “The meatballs just went in, I’ll put the noodles on in a bit, and I’m going to have Sailor and Waverly make the salad.”

“Where are the co-conspirators?” Savage took a drink of his beer.

“Out in the shop. They found a dresser on the side of the road, and they were giving it a good cleaning,” Willa said. To me she explained, “Waverly and Sailor are big into furniture flipping. Duke, will you get them?”

“Sure thing.” Duke headed for the back door and disappeared.

“Oh, damn it,” Willa said. “I forgot to get a baguette for garlic bread.”

“Just use the sourdough,” Savage said.

“Good idea.” Willa smiled at me. “Evie, would you slice it?”

“Sure.” I detached from Savage’s side and went to the sink to wash my hands.

“Savage, grab her a cutting board.”

“Yes, Commander,” Savage quipped.

“Did you explain about Sailor?” Willa asked.

“Yes, he told me on the way over,” I said. “I love your house.”

“Thanks. I can give you a tour later if you want.”

“That sounds great.”

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