Page 4 of Rumors in Bayberry
As the worries about the future pressed in on the edges of her mind, she couldn’t miss the fact that summer was fading into autumn.Change was in the air.She had to be okay with what happened next.It was easier said than done.
Sadie pushed those worries to the back of her mind.There would be time to deal with them later—like the meeting Monday morning.Right now, she wanted to focus on what was left of this beautiful day.
After rain the past few days, she wanted to take in the last of the sun’s warm rays.Sadie had traveled so much that she’d forgotten just how much she loved Autumn in Vermont.
She even enjoyed the leaves changing colors.Did that make her old?Or just someone who enjoyed her surroundings?She preferred to think it was the latter.
She walked down Spring Street.This was where they were holding the Food Truck Festival.They’d shut down a block, allowing for foot traffic.
Now that she was running—erm, had been running theBayberry Gazette, she’d showcased a series of interviews and photos of the various food trucks.It seemed to do the trick because she had all kinds of compliments on her writing, and the crowds for the food trucks had been impressive.It not only helped the vendors but also the local businesses.Because once people had their fill of the delicious food, they would meander through the charming shops lining both sides of the street.
“Hey, Sadie.”Her friend Kate approached her.“I heard a rumor that you’re leaving town.Please, tell me it isn’t true.”
Sadie wondered how these rumors got started.Even though she’d been thinking over her options, she hadn’t discussed it with anyone.Not one single person.“I don’t have any immediate plans.My dad is just back at the office.I don’t know if he’s going to need my help.”
“Oh.Okay.”Kate’s gaze searched hers, as though seeking out the truth.“So, it’s nothing more than another rumor?”
Sadie nodded.She didn’t want to discuss it.
“I know with your dad back at the paper that the transition won’t be easy.I mean, with you two having different ways of doing things.But I know once he sees all of your improvements that he’s going to be proud of you.Because you are amazing.”
Heat rushed to Sadie’s face.She wasn’t sure she was deserving of all that praise—not when she was thinking of leaving Bayberry again.It all depended on what her father said at this meeting on Monday.
“I don’t know if my father would agree with you.”
Kate gently elbowed her.“Just give him a chance to see all of your hard work.”
Sadie opened her mouth to disagree, but she wordlessly closed her mouth.She didn’t want to get into this.She had no idea why her father was dragging this out until Monday.But she refused to dwell on it.She had plans for the weekend.
Buzz.
Kate reached for her phone.“That’s work.I have to get back to it.”
“But it’s Friday evening.”
Kate nodded.“We’re finalizing a large order.I just want to go over it and make sure there are no mistakes.This order is headed for California.”
“Wow.That’s great.Business is really growing.”
“Yes, it is.I’ll see you later.”With a smile, Kate turned and walked away.
Sadie approached the food trucks.She inhaled all of the delicious aromas, from spicy curry and turmeric to peppers and onions.It was a delicious intermingling of scents.And though each truck she passed was tempting, she had a craving for one particular thing.A green chile cheese black bean taco burger.
Tasty Tacos Food Truck was situated along the next block.She’d done an in-depth interview with the owner, Juan Marin.His family had been in the restaurant business for five generations.Juan loved cooking, but he didn’t like being stuck in one place.A truck allowed him to meander here and there.In the process, he’d derived the most delicious vegetarian menu.
Sadie would be so sad to see him go—to see all the trucks move on.She hoped Bayberry would host the food truck festival again.In fact, it appeared to be such a large success that she didn’t see why they wouldn’t host it again on a regular basis.
The last customer took their food and walked away.Sadie picked up her pace.Juan, an older gentleman, was already waiting at the window.
Before she came to a stop, she said, “I’ll take a green chile cheese black bean taco burger.”
The funny thing was it sounded like there was an echo, but how would that be possible?
Juan smiled.“I’m afraid I only have one burger left.”His gaze met hers.“After that amazing article you wrote about the truck, we had a rush today.I’m sold out of most everything.”His gaze moved away.“So, which one of you wants the burger?”
She glanced over her shoulder and noticed a tall man with short dark hair standing just a few feet away.Her chin tilted upward until her gaze met his dark eyes.
As she continued to meet his gaze, his eyes felt bottomless.She felt herself being drawn in by them.When she realized she was staring, she glanced away but not before noticing a slow smile lifting the corner of his lips.What was he smiling about?
