Page 115 of Huckleberry Hill
“How did he know it was me and Declan?” I demanded.
“He heard someone call you Hadley, so I asked him what the guy looked like who carried you out of the bar and sure enough, he described your new hotness.”
“Lovely.” I wrinkled my nose.
“Yeah, Larry likes to gossip,” she said, biting her lip and looking worried.
“What?” I demanded. “What aren’t you telling me?”
“Larry delivers to several of the businesses in Huckleberry Hill. I wouldn’t be surprised if that story is making the rounds.”
I groaned and rubbed my temple.
“Can I get a latte?” Muddy asked. “With a few pumps of cinnamon? We’re actually on our way to the Wagon Wheel now to pick up the truck. She came home last night on Declan’s motorcycle.”
“Ohhh,” Gracie said.
“You’re fired,” I said to Muddy. “Why are you telling people my business?”
“Gracie isn’t people, she’s Gracie. And besides, this is girl talk. I miss girl talk.”
“You said you weren’t going to get involved in my love life.”
She grinned. “I lied. I like Declan.”
“I like him too,” Gracie said. “I don’t know him well, but everyone says he’s really nice and he helped Lucy pull some heavy boxes from the stockroom when he was in General Merc the other day.” She looked at the other barista, who was listening intently. “You got Muddy’s order, Abby?”
Abby nodded. “No wonder Declan turned me down when I asked him out. Sorry, Hadley. I didn’t know.”
“Nobody knew,” Muddy said with a cackle. “Guess they do now.”
“People are talking about Declan?” I asked, panic creeping into my chest.
“It’s the most action we’ve gotten in months,” Gracie said. “A hot new wrangler at Elk Ridge? Yeah, we’re going to talk about him.”
“That’s not the only action being got,” Muddy quipped, elbowing me in my side.
My cheeks heated.
“You do look . . .” Gracie cocked her head to the side. “I don’t know.”
“Like the stick from her butt went somewhere else,” Muddy quipped.
“What’s gotten into you?” I asked. “You’re extra sassy this morning.”
“Someone has to be.”
Abby handed Muddy her drink.
“Thanks, sugar,” Muddy said. “How about that cruller?”
“What can I get you to drink, Hadley?” Abby asked.
“Double shot latte, please.” I shook my head. “And a new grandmother.”
“This is the most fun I’ve had in ages,” Muddy stated.
“You need a hobby,” I muttered. “Join a book club or something.”
