Page 14 of There's Pumpkin About You
Clearing my throat, I finally speak to Lori. “You able to do a bulk order for a party at the end of the month?”
Surprise swims behind her glasses. “You want me to provide food for a party?”
“Yeah, on the farm.”
Even more surprise. “You’re having a party on your farm?”
“The party planner is… persuasive.” Even though it’s not set in stone yet. And despite her sexy glares and bitchy personality being an equally persuasive reason as to not do it, I find myself asking, “So do you think it would be a possibility?”
“I’ve never done it before, but you’ve given me enough notice. I’d be more than happy to try. How much would you be needing?”
Internally, I breathe a sigh of relief. One step closer to saying goodbye to Wren Southwick once and for all.
* * *
Since things seem to be working in my favor today, I decide to see what else I can do to ensure that Wren’s time at the farm is cut down to its absolute minimum.
I remember that Jamie knows the ins and outs of this town so he’ll probably be the best person to ask for some advice.
“Gus,” he says as I step into the Sweet Cinnamon Café. “I thought Wren picked up your coffee this morning.”
“I’m not here for coffee.”
“Well, I would ask if you’re here for me, but I know I’m not that lucky.”
“Don’t you think one Finch brother is enough?”
“Good point. You are all a lot of work.” Jamie leans onto the counter so that we are in our own little soundproof bubble. Not that there is any such thing in this town. “What can I do you for?”
“I need some advice. I have a difficult party planner who won’t leave me alone.”
“You’re coming to me for advice on women? Bit of a gay stereotype, don’t you think?”
“That’s not why I’m here,” I say, agitated. “I need the names of people who have done this kind of thing before.”
He’s suspicious, but he asks, “Specifically in Eaglewood?”
“Yeah.” I watch my foot as it scuffs the checkered tiles.
Jamie watches me with uncertainty, and I don’t blame him. The chances of finding me in town on a manhunt for people I can talk to? Well, you’d have a bigger chance of the sun shining out of my ass. It’s so obvious that this is out of the ordinary for me and even though I’ve been considered to be quite a monotone speaker, my lying skills aren’t exactly pristine.
Jamie hums lowly as he watches me with a raised eyebrow. “People drinking at this party that you’re magically allowing on your farm?”
“I don’t fucking know.”
“Alright, alright.” He begins making a coffee the moment he sees Tommy from the hardware store walk in. I would wonder how he manages to remember all these orders, but I know the orders of every local that orders from me as well. “Then you’ll want to talk to Colin, he can supply the booze.”
Noted. “Anyone else?”
He thinks on it as he hands Tommy his coffee. “The only other one I can think of is Mickey at the Thompson. If you need to cater this thing, he’s your man.”
My chest lightens as I make progress with ridding myself of the most annoying of women. I can’t really remember the last time I was this excited since Dad left last year. I feel the rush under my skin from the new sense of determination and inspiration. I’ve kind of missed this feeling. It’s exactly how I used to feel during harvesting season or when it came time to sow the new seeds. The excitement of seeing the progress as the seeds turn to sprouts, knowing that eventually you’ll have made something that can be eaten, decorated or planted all over again. When I sold the first pumpkin that I planted myself, I was on cloud nine and nothing was going to dampen the swell of pride in my chest when I did.
Now, I spend half of my time wondering if that swell of pride was nothing more than a bloom of happiness for the first time because I was needed by something.
“Thanks.”
He shrugs like he’s used to dishing out information. “You feel like telling me why you’re suddenly in the mood to be helpful?”
