Page 8 of Harvest of Love
The moment I walk, I stop short. It smells so good—warm, savory, homey. I actually bite my knuckles to keep from groaning. Daisy.
Of course it’s Daisy.
Despite what I said, she still made the place welcoming for me. My heart swells until it almost hurts.
She didn’t just take care of the house. She took care of me.
In the kitchen, a note waits on the counter:
Manny,
My mind is still reeling at the thought of what transpired between us earlier today. I sure hope I didn’t dream it!
See you around,
Daisy.
Grinning like a fool, I lift the lid of the stove and find a plate of delicious eggplant lasagna waiting for me, and my stomach growls loud enough to echo.
I pour myself a glass of wine, grab my phone, and flop down at the table with a fork in hand. There’s no way I’ll be able to do this alone.
The Men of Azalea Creek — Group Chat
Manny: Anyone free? I need advice.
I stare at the screen, willing a reply. Gio and Xander are married to the MacAllister twins, which automatically makes them self-appointed experts. River and Miles are single, but even River—grumpy, broodyRiver—manages to leave swooning women in his wake every time we go out.
Meanwhile, I’m sitting here, a grown man with lasagna, a glass of wine, and the sudden panic of a teenager with a crush.
The phone finally buzzes.
Gio: Is everything okay? Something happened to Tommy?
Manny: No, no. He’s fine. At least he was this morning when we spoke.
Xander: So what is it? This better be important, I was busy, you know.
Gio: Ugh, get out of here Xander. I don’t need that picture of my sister in law in my head.
Miles: That’s my sister you’re talking about, Xander. Fucking gross!
River: Everyone, let the man talk.
Manny: Thanks, River.
Manny: So Daisy came to my place this morning. She was supposed to help me organize the basement and make it more kid friendly for Tommy while he’s in Florida.
Miles: Ohhhh. Fucking finally. Did you bang the nanny? Yeah!!
Manny: Shut up, Miles. I didn’t fuck her. Didn’t even kiss her…
Xander: What the actual fuck is wrong with you man? She’s been swooning over you since the first time you did goat yoga.
Miles: Goat yoga *laughing emoji* *laughing emoji*
Miles: Sorry, I had to. Please continue.
Manny: I had to work at thehospital today and came home to pick up a device I needed for a patient. When I came inside the house, I heard some noises…
