Page 8 of Worth the Want
“Here you go! Pick any place you want, and I’ll be over in just a few.” she tells me with a smile, and I nod, grabbing my cup and pastry before walking to a table by one of the windows.
Once I sit down, I take a look out at the town. I’ve seen plenty of small towns—mostly on the Travel Channel—but there’s something about this place. It has a very wholesome feel to it. I watch men and women walk in and out of the shops on the square, imagining what they’re up to, what their story is. I’ve always liked telling stories.
A smile makes its way to my face, thinking about the last one I told. Han begged me for a bedtime story, and even if we’re not kids anymore, she’s still the baby, and I can’t say no to her. The golden mermaid, whose magic scales were coveted, so she was forced to hide away so no one would discover her secret. Taking a bite of my croissant, I groan at the taste of the flaky pastry and chocolate melting on my tongue. I’m going to need five more of these immediately.
A hum comes from my mouth as I take mynext bite of buttery goodness, admiring the cascading mountains in the distance. When I stumbled across the job post, I spent a lot of time googling the area. With each new link I clicked on I was shown waterfall trails and rock climbing and mountain lakes the color of turquoise. I’ve been daydreaming of hiking here, of what it might be like, and if I’ll enjoy it. I made a vision board and everything. I’ve never really been hiking—beyond the occasional walk in a park—but it’s one of the things I’m most excited about. Maybe I’ve seen too many outdoor posters for Colorado, but being able to see the views I’ve been admiring in person sounds like a dream.
“Sorry about that,” Winnie says at my side, stirring me from my daydreams.
“No problem at all. I’m the one who had to change things around in the first place.”
“Your flight being canceled is a pretty decent excuse.” She gives me a reassuring smile. “So, as we talked about before, along with working from home three days a week on the website, you’ll be expected to work here two days as manager.”
I nod. “Absolutely. I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been checking out the website and have some ideas already. I may not know much about the inner workings of a bakery,” I tell her. “But Iama very quick learner,” I rush to add.
“I have no doubt you’ll pick it up in no time,” she reassures me, then her expression turns worried—nervous, maybe? “So, um…I have one small thing that I need to make you aware of.”
“Okay…should I be worried? Is the bakery actually a front for illegal activity? Because I could be into that.”
She laughs, but there’s still an edge to it. “No. No, it’s nothing like that. The job is legit, although it’s good to hear you’d be down if it wasn’t. It’s your living arrangements.”
“My living arrangements?” That wasn’t something I expected her to say.
“Yes. So originally I had planned to have you rent my cottage, and thatisstill the plan long term, but, well…it flooded last night, due to a clogged pipe or something ridiculous, and we just caught it this morning.”
“Oh. Okay.” Well, that’s disappointing. I had really been looking forward to settling into my own place tonight.
“I’m so sorry, Indiana. I don’t know how this could have happened. I swear everything has been fine for months…yearseven.”
“You mean you didn’tplanto offer me a job and a place to live, and then clog a pipe and flood it as soon as I settled in?” I tease, trying to make light of a bad situation.
“Rhett, that’s my fiancé, called his sister, and we have a room at the hotel in town for you tonight, but it’s full after tonight for at least the next month.”
“Oh. Okay. Well, I’ll just get on one of my apps and see if I can find something else more long-term,” I tell her. Inwardly, I want to have a little cry sesh, but the eldest daughter in me won’t make Winnie feel worse than she already does.
“There isn’t really anything for rent around here, but don’t worry, we found you another place to stay.” This conversation is starting to feel like a roller coaster.
“Hey, honeybee!” I glance up just in time to catch a bright smile and a flash of dark hair before a man bends in front of Winnie, kissing her thoroughly.Damn.
When he stands back up, Winnie’s face is comically flustered, cheeks flushed red. She clears her throat. “Rhett, this is Indiana, my new manager. Indiana, this is Rhett,my fiancé.”
“Nice to meet you, Indiana.” He holds his hand out to me.Holy fucking shit. This man can get it. Go, Winnie.
“Nice to meet you too.” I give his hand a shake.
“I was just about to tell Indiana about the place we found for her to stay,” Winnie tells him.
Rhett blows out a breath. “In that case, I think I’ll take off. Just wanted to say hi on my way home.” He leans in to plant another kiss to her lips. “Bye, darlin’,” he says against her lips. I grin.So they’re likereallyin love then.
He nods at me. “See you around, Indiana,” he tells me, then, under his breath, but also in a very distinct singsong voice adds, “if there’s anything left of you.”What?
“He’s being silly. There will be plenty left of you.”Again…what?
“I’m starting to feel like I’m missing something.”
“The place we found for you is on Rhett’s brother’s property.” That doesn’t sound so bad.
“Brother, huh? Blood related?” I ask, teasing but also not.
