Page 40 of Rumors in Bayberry
Sadie’s mouth opened, but no words came out.By the time she got over the shock, the woman was too far past them to say anything.
When Sadie chanced a glance at Reed, she noticed there was a smile playing at the corners of his lips.She pursed her lips.“It’s not funny.”
When his gaze met hers, the merriment was blatantly obvious.“If you would have seen the look on your face, you would have to agree that it was quite amusing.”
“But you and I… We’re not… You know…”
“We’re not a couple,” he finished for her.
“Yes.That.Where do these people get their information?”
The next person to pass them also called out their names and a greeting.So did the person after them.Sadie found it strange that so many people knew Reed.
She glanced over at him.“What did you do?”
“Me?”His eyes widened.“What are you talking about?”
“Did you go around and introduce yourself to everyone in town?”
“Considering I’ve spent most of my time with you, no, I didn’t go around meeting all of the residents.”
“Then how do they know your name?”
“I don’t know.I was wondering the same thing.”
It happened a few more times before they arrived at the festival.It was in full swing.They’d drawn in quite a crowd for a Monday afternoon.Everyone seemed to stop and stare at her with Reed.What was wrong with them?This was going to be a very long afternoon.
What was the deal?
Reed wasn’t sure if the Bayberry residents were trying to make him feel welcome or if they were letting him know they were watching him?So much for him being able to work out whether theBayberry Gazettewas a good match for theRumor Quillwithout outside pressure.
Once again, he worked the entrance to the maze, but today, Sadie was helping him.There were some volunteers from a local college working the lookout.He’d just given a group his talk about how to navigate the maze and returned to the front, when he saw Sadie talking to her friend Abby.He wasn’t sure if he should approach them or not.
When Abby saw him, she waved him over.“Hey, Reed, could you give me a hand at my booth?”Her gaze moved to Sadie.“Unless you need him.”
“Uh.”Sadie looked flustered.“No.He can help you.”
“Thanks.”Abby smiled brightly.“Come on.”
Reed felt as though something was up, but he didn’t know what it was.Maybe he was just overthinking things.After all, Abby seemed nice enough.
“What do you need help with?”he asked, trying to make conversation.
“I just need some stuff moved.”Once they were away from the maze, she stopped walking and turned to him.“So, what’s your story?”
“Excuse me.”He wasn’t sure what she was asking.
Her gaze narrowed.“If you hurt Sadie in any way, you’re going to have to deal with me.”
“Wait.Why would I hurt Sadie?”
“Well, you’re constantly with her.And don’t think half the town didn’t see that kiss the other night, and the other half heard about it.Everyone is talking about you two.”
“Is that why everyone knows my name?”
Abby nodded.“And if you do anything to upset Sadie, you know those people are going to be all up in your face.”
He arched a brow.“You mean like you’re doing now?”
