Page 15 of Autumn Skies & Pumpkin Pies

I can’t imagine anyone not seeing how truly amazing she is. Yes, she’s different but that’s what draws me to her. “But that’s what makes you amazing. Who wants to be like everyone else?”

“I gave up on that a long time ago,” she admits quietly.

The silence falls between us once more. “Hey, you never told me, do you like to bake?”

Warbee stops and grabs some apples. “These apples are great.” She brings one to her nose and takes a deep breath. “Get as many as you can.” I start to pull apples and place them softly in the baskets. “Also, to answer your question. I love to bake. I want to own a bakery of my own someday.”

“Really?”

She nods her head. “Yes, hopefully, my granny’s.”

“I could see that.” By the time our two baskets are full, I’ve learned so much about Warbee. If it’s possible I’ve fallen even harder for her. “We should hang out more often. I like being around you.”

Warbee blushes. “I like being around you, too.” Her voice is quiet and if I hadn’t been as close to her as I am, I wouldn't have heard her reply.

That memory is one I visit often, especially this time of year. Being back in Blue Ridge and around Warbee is either going to be the best thing, or the most difficult. I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.

SIXTEEN

Warbee

My first week as a teacher has been interesting, to say the least. Luckily, we only had one minor fire and one knife cut. It’s amazing though considering that some of the students could give the worst cooks in America a run for their money. Despite some of the craziness, I actually really enjoy teaching. I didn’t expect that. Balancing both the bakery and teaching has been the biggest task, but luckily Capri makes it easier. I know I can trust her to take care of things on the home front, and let’s face it that bakery is my home front.

It’s my one day off, so I fix myself an omelet and a glass of spiced hot tea and take it outside to sit on my back porch with my cat, Sassy, to watch the morning sun rise. Even on my day off I’m up before the sun. The moment I step outside, the chilly morning air whips around my face, waking me up further. Sassy dashes by me and jumps into one of the chairs sitting at the table. My backyard is small, but kept up. My vegetable garden is officially becoming a thing of the past as well as the colorful flowers that normally line my fence. As the sun rises and the birds begin to chatter, I notice some of the leaves are already beginning to change. This time of the year is still my favorite, but it makes me miss Teaganne even more. Everyone was destined for a life outside of Blue Ridge, except me. I’m fine with that most days but right now I miss my best friend.

I check the time and try to calculate what time it would be in New York. Teaganne got accepted and graduated from one of the top fashion design schools in the country. After graduation, she interned with a top fashion designer before making a name for herself. Now, she’s one of the most sought-after fashion designers with multiple lines, but her most successful being her children’s line. She’s married now to some hot shot executive who to be honest, I don’t care for. Teaganne does have two kids now which are her pride and joy. They’re adorable and she’s a great mother. I decide to go ahead and try to give her a call. I could really use one of the girls talks with my best friend. Lucky for me she picks up on the third ring. “Well hello, beautiful,” she answers.

I laugh. “Hey, stranger.”

“Oh, I know! I’m the worst. I’m horrible at keeping in touch.” I hear rustling on her end.

I feel a pang of guilt for interrupting her. I know she’s usually busy. “Don’t apologize. I know you’re busy. I was just missing you.”

Teaganne sighs and even though I’m miles away I can tell she’s exhausted. “I miss you, too, and I’m never too busy for you.”

“How’s life?” I ask her.

Teaganne tells me all about Silas and Seraphina and what they’ve been up to as well as her clothing lines. It doesn’t go unnoticed that Joe, her husband, is never mentioned. I can feel the strain from here, but I don’t bring it up because Teaganne won’t talk about it until she wants to. “So, how’s teaching school instead of being at the bakery all day?”

“It’s interesting in a good way. I didn’t expect to like it so much, but it’s fun to see how excited some of the students get when the recipe turns out right.” I continue to tell her about some of the funny times in class.

Teaganne hums on the other end of the line. “That’s all super interesting, but I was more curious about your extracurricular activities.”

“What?” I ask with a laugh.

She scoffs. “Oh, come on! Rocker Gordon is back in Blue Ridge and coaching the high school football team. The same place that you are currently teaching cooking. Blue Ridge is small, that high school is even smaller, so don’t tell me you’ve managed to avoid him.”

“I haven’t avoided him. We actually ran into each other the very first day.” I hear Teaganne squeal on the other end. “Oh goodness, this is why I didn’t mention it. You just deafened every dog in a twenty-mile radius.”

“Girl you better spill those details like yesterday!”

I laugh. “Well, we talk and what not. He’s brought me lunch every day this past week. Rocker is still the same in a lot of ways. It’s nice to see that the spotlight of adoring fans and being an NFL heartthrob didn’t change him. I mean, he’s grown up a lot but he’s still Rocker.”

“I’m swooning over here. I can just picture the two of you sitting there having lunch together. It’s just like old times.”

“Hardly. We aren’t together Teaganne. Life is different now.” My mind goes back to the past eleven years and everything I've been through. I know Rocker has had to go through obstacles, too. We’ve changed even though we haven’t shown it yet.

“I know life is different. I don’t think any of us ended up exactly how we thought we would. I know that year of your life was the most difficult, but look at you now. You’re a rockstar, Warbee Carter. I love you and Rocker Gordon will, too.” Her voice is so determined that I can’t help but laugh even though tears are pooling in my eyes.

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