Page 60 of Holly versus Mr. Ivy
“Get out of here so I can get ready.”
I saluted her. “Yes, ma’am.”
Heading back to the kitchen, I prepped our breakfast. Mom and I ate quickly, devouring the homemade apple pie and vanilla ice cream. I took my last bite just as my phone pinged with a text.
Rhett’s name popped up. My stomach flipped.
Rhett:Remember me talking about my friend Jack? Watch this clip from yesterday.
I tapped the link to a segment fromMornings with Melissa, a local talk show. Angling my phone to allow Mom to view the video as well, I clicked play. Melissa announced their guest, a woman who had competed onBaking Spirits Bright.
Wait, wasn’t Rhett’s friend the one who had competed?
A beautiful woman with long wavy hair, clear-framed glasses, and a gorgeous green wrap dress joined Melissa on set. The woman—Meg—talked briefly about her experience on the reality baking show. The next scene showed Meg judging three different desserts. She picked a brownie that looked divine as the winner. A blond, muscular man stepped onto the set. Meg’s face revealed her shock at seeing him.
The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place when Melissa announced the man was Jack Ackleman, another competitor onBaking Spirits Bright. My jaw dropped. That was Rhett’s best friend?
Dang, he was hot. I fanned my cheeks as I stared at him. Seriously, how did Rhett and Jack not have women falling all over them constantly?
The three spoke more about the competition, and Melissa announced the premier would air tonight.
Putting up our Christmas tree could wait. Wehadto watch the first episode after dinner.
Mom pointed to my phone. “That was cute. We should watchBaking Spirits Brighttogether.”
“For sure.” It would be like old times, except a baking competition instead of cooking.
I texted Rhett.
Holly:What a fun way to promote the show! I’d love to meet him sometime.
Rhett responded right away.
Rhett:We’ll set up a time to hang out. Anyway…I showed you this because it’s what gave me the courage to talk to you on Saturday.
Why would Jack being on a talk show help Rhett talk to me?
Holly:I’m more intrigued than ever. Whatever is happening on Saturday had better be major. Again, I ask, why can’t it be tonight? [thinking face emoji]
Rhett:Because.
Holly:WHY?? [annoyed face emoji]
Rhett:Are you impatient? [wink emoji]
Holly:That’s it. No pie for you.
Rhett:[angry emoji] That’s just mean.
Yeah, well, so was hinting at a major revelation and then expecting me to just be okay with waiting. Hadn’t he met me? Didn’t he know patience wasn’t my thing?
Holly:Should have thought about that before [shrug emoji]
Rhett:Holly…
Holly:Fight me for it if you must. But you are not getting pie from me tonight.
Rhett:Game. On.
