Page 28 of Hot Chicken

“Oh, Matt, I don’t want to put you out like that.”

“You aren’t. I might not be able to stay long tonight, but I need the day off tomorrow. I’m exhausted and have a few things I need to do anyway. We’ll have you all moved in by tomorrow evening.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing you, Ellie. I’ve missed you.”

My hand flies to my chest. He has no idea how much I needed to hear that. “Me too.”

It’s been a long day juggling the delivery of our new home, visiting Pops, trying to put in at least a short shift at Salty Jo’s, and now beginning the moving process. But I’m buzzing with energy I didn’t think I’d have. I’m jittery at the thought of seeing Matthew again.

I pull up the drive and see Matt standing next to our new digs. I pull around his truck so he can easily leave whenever he needs to return to his mother and hop out of my truck to join him.

“Hi. Thanks for coming.”

“I’m happy to do it. This is great, El.”

“I know. I’m so excited.” I walk over and give him a hug, and I’m surprised when it feels strained on his part. He said he’d missed me. Was he just trying to throw me a bone after not seeing each other since our one and only date?

“So, let’s get started. I don’t have much time. I could only convince the nurse to stay an extra hour.”

“Oh.” I can’t mask my disappointment. But he didn’t have to come at all.

“I’ll be back tomorrow. I’m sure I’ll get everything knocked out before you’re off work.”

“Are you sure? That’s an awful lot to ask.”

He reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I’m sure.” He’s smiling at me, but it doesn’t meet his eyes. Is this a pity move? Something feels off.

“Well, we were blessed with new furniture, so the old stuff will need to be pulled out so I can take it to Goodwill. Or the dump.” I laugh. There’s no sense in letting embarrassment get the best of me. It is what it is. And he’s fully aware of the state of my place. Matt follows me inside, and I point out the things that need to be moved next door and those I’ve labeled for donation or disposal.

We continue to work quickly over the next hour until Matt looks at his watch.

“I’m sorry, Ellie. I’m going to have to head out. I’ll be back tomorrow. Just leave the key under that rock or something. Okay?”

“Okay.” My heart clenches. God, I really don’t want him to go. Walking beside him to his truck, I think of something. “Hey, what are you doing this weekend? I get to bring Pops home on Sunday. But I’d love to cook you dinner in the new place Saturday evening. To say thank you.” My stomach is in my throat but drops as I see the frown develop on his face.

“Trust me. I’d love nothing more. You and your cooking in your new place?” He runs his palm down his face in frustration, and my heart feels the blow almost before it’s out of his mouth.

“But I can’t. I’m leaving to head back home to Sycamore Mountain on Saturday.”

Chapter 26

Ellie

“How’s the new place?” Jo asks.

I can’t help but jump at the intrusion into my thoughts.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sneak up on you, Ellie.”

“It’s okay.” I slide the cornbread into the oven and turn to face him. “I’ve just had a lot on my mind and didn’t hear you.”

“Come sit and have a cup of coffee with me. Will ya? It looks like you’ve got all of your regular menu items sorted for the lunch rush.”

I follow Jo over to the additional stool he keeps by the register. He’s got my cup of coffee from The Gingerbread Man waiting for me. “When did you have time to run and grab that?” Normally, he begins the day with a visit to the bakery on his way in.

“I wanted to slide by and see your Pops on the way in. Ms. Fletcher stopped by with a couple of cups for us.”

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