Page 33 of The Great Maple Mistake

He jogs to the table we’ve been using as our catch-all area and flips through the schedule. “Vega? Finn’s tech, Al?”

“It’s his son. Have you met him yet?”

Charlie shakes his head. “I’ve met Al, of course. But I haven’t met Eric.”

Like he’s been summoned, he appears. “Hey there.”

We turn toward the voice, and it’s all I can do not to laugh as Charlie takes in a shirtless Eric Vega, who is easily the biggest guy on the crew. The man has muscles on his muscles. He holds his hand out to Charlie, who is staring at him like he’s not sure if he wants to lick him or run away. Charlie slowly raises his hand and shakes Eric’s. “Nice to meet you. I’m Charlie.”

Out of nowhere, someone new shoves their way into the mix. He thrusts his hand at Charlie, forcing him to drop Eric’s and shake his. “I’m Tyler Williams.”

“Hi. Charlie.” Even though Tyler is also a good-looking guy, he’s closer to average good-looking than either Cody or Eric, and that seems to put Charlie at ease. “Nice to meet you too.”

Tyler smiles and puts his hands in his pockets, edging himself further between Eric and Charlie until they all take a step back, and Tyler takes a breath, his shoulders relaxing. “So…”

I turn to Cody, raising an eyebrow in an attempt to ask what the antics are all about. Cody grins and shrugs, and I roll my eyes in response. “Thanks. Not helpful.” That makes him laugh. “Okay, Eric, you’re up next. How about we get you one of the shelter dogs and start this photo shoot?”

“Sounds good!” His grin is huge, and he nudges Tyler. “This is gonna be so much fun!”

I put a hand on Charlie’s arm. “Why don’t you go get Rocket for us?”

Charlie nods and takes off toward the area where the animals are being held. Cody pulls me into his arms and I glance towardTyler and Eric, and then around the engine bay. Cody pulls back and catches my gaze. “Is this okay?”

His concern is clear, and I feel like a jerk. “Yes. It’s absolutely fine. I just wasn’t sure if—well, you work with these guys. And I wouldn’t want to make things difficult for you.”

“They all know I’m crazy about you.”

That stops my brain from spiraling. “What?”

“Yup. Don’t you read Maplewood Matters?”

Groaning, I briefly close my eyes. “As a matter of fact, no. I don’t. Intentionally.”

“Well, we went out to Red’s, and ten minutes after we sat down, the entire town knew we were on a date.”

I cover my face. That’s so much pressure to put on him. “And you’re okay with that?”

He leans down and rests his forehead against mine. “I’m more than okay with that, Alex. I’m excited about it. I’m thrilled about it. I want every person in this town to know I think you’re an amazing person, and I’m beyond happy that you want to be with me.” He leans back a little. “You do want that, right?”

I slip my arms around his waist and pull him back against me. “Yes. I do. Very much.” His declaration firms my resolve. It’s time we had a serious talk about taking things to the next step. Because I’m more than ready.

Chapter 14

Alex

August - Two weeks until the cook-off

“Alright, Jason, your forest giant pauses and glances around the clearing. Make a perception check for me.”

Jason picks up his D20 and rolls. “That’s a six plus one.”

“With a seven, you see nothing out of the ordinary.”

Jason adopts the gravelly, deep voice of his giant and addresses the adventuring party. “All clear. No traps. Nothing to see here. We should keep going.”

I try not to let my frustration show. We’ve already been playing for four hours, and though I love playing D&D with this group, and normally I wouldn’t care how long a session goes, Ireallywant them all to leave so I can be alone with Cody. We have important things to discuss. I suppose we’ll get there eventually. I mean, I’m the DM, and this session can’t go on forever. “Your party steps out of the trees, into the clearing, and it seems like just another natural area in the middle of the forest. As the last of your party steps out of the trees, mushrooms begin to appear all around the edge of the glade. They’ve been hiddenbehind an invisibility spell, and you’re all now trapped in a fairy circle.” The players groan.

Jason covers his face. “I should have checked for traps.”

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