Page 41 of Rumors in Bayberry
“Exactly.Sadie is very sweet.And I know that she likes to act tough, but she has a soft spot, and for whatever reason, it seems you’ve won her over.”Abby straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin.“So, this is your warning.Don’t hurt her.Got it?”
He nodded.“Understood.Now, do you really need my help, or can I go back to the maze?”
“No.I really could use your help.”She reached into her pocket and pulled out a set of car keys.“Here you go.”
She told him where her car was parked and what to bring to her booth.As he walked away, he couldn’t help but smile.He hadn’t liked Abby getting on his case, but he liked that Sadie had friends that had her back.Everyone should have those sorts of friends.
It took him a couple of trips to carry everything to the booth.When he finished, Abby was busy storing the extra supplies.“Thank you very much for the help.I really appreciate it.If you hang around long enough, I think we could be friends.”
“As long as I don’t hurt Sadie.”
“And you’re a quick learner too.”She sent him a friendly smile.“Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Actually…”
“It’ll have to wait.”Sadie’s other friend, what was her name?Carrie.She stepped up to them.“Reed, could you give me a hand?”
Abby arched a brow.“Can’t Jackson help you?”
Carrie frowned at her.“He’s not here yet.”
“Uh-huh.”Then Abby sent him a knowing smile.“Go ahead.He’s done here.Thanks again.”
He nodded before falling in step with Carrie.“What can I help you with?”
She didn’t answer him until they got to her booth.She stopped and turned to him.“I wanted a chance to speak to you in private.”
Oh no.Here we go again.He braced himself.“Okay.I’m listening.”
“The rumors have fallen into two camps.The first has you toying with Sadie’s heart.”When he went to defend himself, she held up a hand.“And the second camp says that you’re flirting with her so she’ll talk her father into selling you the newspaper.So, which is it?”
“Wow.”He frowned at her.“Do you always jump to conclusions about people you don’t know?”
Her gaze narrowed on him.“You didn’t answer the question.”
“If you weren’t Sadie’s friend, I would walk away without saying a word to you.”He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to ease the tension.“Why is everyone jumping to the worst conclusions?”
“Because everyone loves Sadie.If you hadn’t noticed, she’s pretty special.”She crossed her arms.“So, are the rumors true?”
His back teeth ground together as he attempted to stifle his anger.“None of that garbage you accused me of is true.”
For a moment, all Carrie did was look at him as though she were trying to decide if she believed him or not.“Then tell me what’s going on.And don’t tell me there’s nothing going on.We all saw that kiss.”
He grew very uncomfortable.He wasn’t accustomed to discussing his personal life, much less with a stranger.Still, this was Sadie’s friend.He had to maintain his cool.
He let out a frustrated sigh.“I’m only telling you this because I know you care about her and only want the best for her.When we met, we didn’t know who each other were.We didn’t even exchange names for a while.By then, we’d gained a friendship.So, this thing between us…” He didn’t have a name for it.“It has nothing to do with the newspaper.And I’ve never played with anyone’s heart.I wouldn’t do that.Now are we done playing twenty questions?Wait.I meant to say: We are done with this.”
Carrie hesitated.“Okay.”
“I know…just don’t hurt her.”
She smiled.“Now you’ve got it.”
He glanced around at the well-ordered booth.“Did you need help with anything?”
She shook her head.“That’s all I needed.”
“Okay then.I’m going to get back to the maze.”He walked away.
