Page 44 of Her Movie Star's Secret Plan

“I don’t know. I guess so.”

“That’s not how happiness works,” Owen said. “Believe me. I’ve met a lot of wealthy people on my journey through Hollywood. Most of them aren’t happy people. They’re miserable, clawing for more wealth they don’t know what to do with. Money doesn’t magically bring happiness. You have to find that in the moment.”

“I don’t think I know how to do that. I’m too busy being stressed about my bakery.”

“Meditating helps. I focus a lot on how to be happy today, in the present.”

“I haven’t tried that before,” Alexis admitted.

“It would probably do you some good.”

“I don’t think I even know how to meditate.”

“I have an app that teaches you how. I’ll text you a link.”

“Okay. I think I can try that.”

The waitress came back with their drinks and a tray full of desserts. She placed the plates on the table and then added a loaf of bread with a big knife and a small dish of butter.

“Would you like to order any lunch today?” Trisha asked.

“I’d like the baked chicken with peas and mashed potatoes.”

“I’ll have the trout and asparagus,” Owen said.

Trisha left, and Owen turned to Alexis. “Did you know they catch that trout locally?”

“Really?”

“Yes. Everything at Hadley’s comes from local providers. If we can help it.”

“That’s wonderful that you’re supporting the local economy like that,” Alexis said.

“I love Maple Creek, and I wanted a way to give back. A lot of people in town influenced who I am today.”

“That’s beautiful. I love Maple Creek too. It will always be home for me.”

“Would you ever consider living somewhere else?”

Alexis studied him. What exactly was he asking? “I might,” she said slowly. “It would depend on the place. I’d have to have a good reason to leave Maple Creek. Why do you ask?”

“No reason. I was just wondering.”

“Should we see if these desserts are as good as mine?” Alexis asked.

Owen reached for his fork. “I seriously doubt it.”

“And even if you like Hadley’s better, you would never tell me.” Alexis took a bite of the pink lemonade cake. It lacked the kick that hers had, and the pastry chef had used too much sugar.

“I don’t like it as much,” Owen said.

“Have you even tried my pink lemonade cupcake?”

“Yep. And yours is much better.”

“I agree, actually. I think this cake is bland.” She tried a bite of the cherry pie cupcake. She chewed thoughtfully for a moment and then shook her head. “I don’t like it. It’s too rich.”

“Do you sell this kind of cupcake at your bakery?”

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