Page 62 of Lovewell Lane

“I’m not seeing anyone,” Jack said, quickly putting the conversation to a close. “What about you, Andy? I haven’t seen you with anyone in years.”

My best friend rolled his eyes and found something very interesting in his plate of food. “All of our love lives suck,” Calli said. “I think that’s clear to see.”

“Speak for yourself,” Slick muttered.

“Gross, Dad!” Calli exclaimed. A few groans sounded around the table.

“I love Daddy,” added Tessa, helpfully. I leaned over and gave her a side hug in her seat.

“Thanks, honey,” I muttered. “At least the town is doing better. There are a lot more tourists in town so far this spring. Bodes well for the Festival.”

Calli nodded happily. “Aren’t you so glad you decided to have a little faith and agreed to participate?”

“I said it was doing better. Not a sure-fire success. Jury’s still out on that one, kid.”

I wasn’t sure Margo’s secret recipe for bringing in newcomers could even make a dent there. Last year the Honey Festival brought in a whopping one hundred people. Which, safe to say, was not enough to cover all of our expenses for putting the damn thing on.

The closer the Festival got, the more unsettled I felt. Usually, the mayor would give us numbers by now estimating how many people would show. His radio silence on that front could only be seen as a bad omen.

21

Margo

The diner was in full swing, like usual. I was at a point where I felt like I was constantly running on fumes. Before the grand opening, I’d been worried about having enough people show up to make ends meet. Boy, was I worrying about the wrong thing.

I expected to have time to figure out things like payroll and finances after we got things rolling. There was no time. For anything. I was in constant survival mode. Despite running around like a chicken with my head cut off, I was having the time of my life.

It felt like a major win every time I recognized one of my customers or remembered their regular order. Not to brag or anything, but I kind of kicked ass at this. I loved being in charge, and more than anything, I loved being great at what I do.

“Hey, Slick,” I greeted. “I didn’t know you were back in town. How was the trip?”

“Exquisite. I have a photo album to show you at home. Nothing like being out in nature.”

I wanted to ask him why nature across the country was better than the nature in his own backyard with his family surrounding him. But I held my tongue. I’d spent most of my adult life running away, so I was the last person who should be judging.

“Can’t wait,” I said. “What can I get for you? It’s on the house since you’re a first-timer.”

“I’m paying full price. I have a proposal for you, too.”

“Oh? Do tell.”

“When do you get out of this joint tonight?”

I looked around the full dining room. “Probably after dark. We’ve been pretty busy, as I’m sure you can see.”

“Any way you can get out earlier?”

“Um,” I mumbled.

Sarah stopped by the table to interject, “Take her early. She hasn’t had a day off in months.”

I laughed at the seriousness in her voice. “I’m doing just fine.”

“Everyone needs a day off. Trust me, you don’t want to get burnt out. Breaks are important, kid.”

“How early are we talking?” I asked.

“Six o’clock,” Slick offered.

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