Page 152 of Huckleberry Hill
“And she told you she was thirty and divorced?”
“Her ex-husband called her to wish her a happy birthday last month,” Abby said. “She was in the bakery when it happened.”
“What else do you know?” I asked.
“I know a lot of things,” Abby said loftily. “But I’m not at liberty to share.”
We finished off our meat pies and then we helped Gracie clean up the destruction of the bakery.
“What are you going to do if there’s a line tomorrow?” I asked.
“Call for reinforcements?” Gracie asked hopefully.
“I don’t mind coming in early,” Muddy said. “Help you prep. If you want.”
“I want,” Gracie begged.
Muddy looked at me. “You’ll feed the chickens and collect the eggs?”
“Sure thing,” I said.
“I’m not a fan of early morning hours,” Wade said. “But I can get another bartender to cover me for a few nights and help you out, too. Better count on me midmorning, though.”
“And me,” Chelsea said.
“You guys are incredible,” Gracie said, breaking down in tears. “Sorry, I’m just exhausted. Ignore me.”
We said our goodbyes and then Muddy and I left the bakery.
“Where did you park?” I asked.
“Few blocks down. There weren’t any spots on the street,” Muddy said. She pointed in the direction she’d parked.
“I’m down that way too.” We walked together. “So, Jane’s nice.”
“Very nice.” She looked at me and grinned. “And almost twenty years younger than your father.”
“She could be my older sister,” I muttered.
“But she’s not,” Muddy said. “Does it change how you feel about your father dating?”
I thought for a moment and then shook my head. “I was just surprised. I thought he’d be with someone closer to his age. I didn’t think he’d go for a younger woman. A much younger woman.”
“She’s pretty.”
“She is,” I agreed. “Good with animals.”
“And sexually at her peak.”
“Muddy!”
“What?” She shrugged. “It’s true.”
“I know, but ew. I don’t want to think about that.” I paused. “You think he’ll get back together with her?”
“Not unless he decides marriage is on the table.”
“Does she want kids?” I asked.
