Page 20 of The Estate
“Will there be anything else?” the woman asked.
Rachel’s stress brain started screaming again. That blondie would taste so good. She was about to order it when Mrs. S said, “She’ll have one of the PBFs, Terry.”
Rachel’s gaze darted to Mrs. S making the older woman laugh. “You don’t think I know a pastry obsession when I see it? You were playing it coy, but you’ve been making eyes at that blondie since you came in.”
Rachel wanted to die of embarrassment. She would have, but she wanted the sweet treat more. Mrs. S chuckled, grabbed her tray and turned towards the back room. “You’re the best, Mrs. S,” Rachel called out to her retreating back. Mrs. S waved a hand in acknowledgment before she disappeared.
Paying for her order, Rachel hurried back to her car. Getting in she deposited her coffee in the cupholder and placed the bakery bag on the passenger seat, tempted to buckle it in to ensure its safety. Shaking her head at her own foolishness, she put on her seat belt and prepared to get going. She had to get to the estate.
Time to leave.
She couldn’t be late.
Important meeting to get to.
Her gaze darted to the passenger seat, where the unsuspecting blondie reclined in all its innocent glory.
The dang thing was making her car smell amazing. Maybe she’d just open the bag and take a whiff. Her hand was already in motion before she’d expressly decided.
Unfolding the bag, the scent of peanut butter enveloped her. Her brain could not multi-task in its presence. It couldn’t playthe ‘what if’ game, nag her, or even offer unhelpful random thoughts and facts. It was finally silent.
That was the thing about peanut butter.
Breaking off a small section, she popped it into her mouth and groaned. It was still warm. She didn’t think it could get any better than the one she’d had with Lisa, but she was wrong. This was far superior. She grabbed another piece, you know, for verification.
Check. Deliciousness verified.
Pitching the pretense, she took the blondie out and bit through the amazing layers. Peanut butter, raspberry, and the sugary swath of fluff danced across her tongue.
When she’d eaten every last bite, she licked her fingers to get each morsel. Allowing even one crumb to escape would be disrespectful. She could already tell having Pie in the Sky on her commuting route would spell trouble, but also be incredible. Grabbing a quick sip of coffee, she started her car and pulled out of the parking space. If she didn’t hit traffic, she should still arrive roughly on time.
???
Following the GPS instructions, she pulled into the driveway, pleased to see she was running only slightly behind. The driveway was lined with trees, creating a stately and somewhat mysterious approach to the main building.
Coming out of the tunnel of foliage, the imposing gray stone house was breathtaking. Rachel had been too preoccupied during her friend Alex’s wedding to take in the setting.
The crisp white trim and many windows broke up the stonework, giving the house an inviting feel. Hydrangeas dominated the landscape, a profusion of blue and deep purple flowers swaying in the early morning breeze. Rachel took in all the details. It was a magnificent home. Although home seemed too small a word for the sight before her. Manor house might be a more apt description.
The stately entrance was trimmed with columns and an arched molding piece over the door. Except the beautiful wooden door was partially hidden by the tall, scowling figure obstructing it.
Cal’s stance was stiff, his arms crossed over his chest, his face set in what must be a permanent frown. Catching her eye, he jerked his chin to the right toward the parking spots.
“And so it begins,” Rachel muttered, parking the car. She refused to be flustered or hurry her approach, taking a last bracing breath before reaching him.
“Good morning, Cal,” she said, determined to start off on the right foot—professional and cordial, in-command and competent. Lisa and Lottie were right. She had to go into this impartially.
She was confused when his scowl broke, and he chuckled. Was he laughing at her? Fixing him with her steeliest glare, she wished him several painful deaths as she waited for him to explain.
“I wasn’t sure at first,” he said. “However, now that I see the evidence…” He laughed again.
“I beg your pardon?” she demanded, her tone ice cold.Who the hell did he think he was?
“My mother asked me to help her with a large package she needed to ship out. So I went to the post office for her this morning.”
Rachel raised her eyebrows expectantly.
Cal smiled. “I was at the post office in Jennings Township.”
