Page 49 of Middle Ground
I nod, forcing myself to let go of these thoughts. “Yeah, I’m good. Let’s go eat.”
As we head back to the table, I can’t help looking over my shoulder, but the man is already gone.
CHAPTER 18
JACKSON
When I makeit downstairs to start working this morning, I find a small Tupperware container on the desk. On top of it, there’s a hot pink sticky note.
Thanks for your help, it reads.Here’s your pie.
I open the lid, and I laugh when I see the strawberry tart sitting inside. She fulfilled Pippa’s promise—technically.
I would like to say that things between me and Meyer have improved, but it’s hard to read her a lot of the time. Though I suppose she never would have made a tart for me when I showed up in April.
I know whatever progress I make with her will be slow. She’s stubborn by nature, especially when she feels like she needs to protect herself. I just wish she would see that she doesn’t need protection from me.
Leaning back in my chair, I devour the tart. The sugary flavour melts on my tongue, made even sweeter by the knowledge that Meyer was the one to make it. After I’m done, I pull out my phone.
I think Pippa was envisioning a larger pie when she made me that promise.
Meyer
A loophole is a loophole, hotshot.
That bubble appears, indicating she’s typing, and then:
Meyer
Did you like it?
I tried a new recipe and I needed to test it out before I gave food poisoning to someone I actually like.
A laugh escapes me. Meyer shows up to every conversation armed with sharp words and biting remarks. She always seem to be on the offensive, never letting anyone close enough to take a shot at her. But that doesn’t deter me.
It was perfect. Feel free to test out recipes on me more often.
Meyer
Flattery won’t get you free baked goods, Mr. Vaughan.
Fine. Name your price.
Meyer
Anything?
Anything.
Meyer
That’s rather dangerous. And a little foolish.
I’m not worried.
Meyer
You should be.
