Page 21 of Loving Carter

I have to get out of here before I say something or do something I’ll regret. I could ruin over twenty years of friendship in one minute if I say the wrong thing. I swallow past the lump in my throat and stand. The dogs protest loudly, then jump down to form a ring around my feet. I clear my throat again. “Okay, sounds good. We can talk tomorrow.”

She looks up at me and frowns. “Where are you going? I just said how we need to decide where the booths will be set up and what they will look like. Then we need to go back to the committee and get everyone on board. We also need to do something about bands, and we really should reconsider the food truck idea.”

“Sounds good,” I say again.

Skylar stands and narrows her eyes. “Do you feel okay? You’re acting strange.”

“I’m fine,” I say, but it’s never been further from the truth.

She takes several steps toward me and reaches out her hand. I suddenly realize she’s about to place her hand on my forehead to see if I have a fever.

I jump back like I’ve been burned. The movement makes the dogs go wild. They’re weaving around my legs, and before I can stop it, I start to fall. Thankfully, because of all the furniture, I just end up draped over part of the love seat.

Skylar moves forward again, but by using a jerky discombobulated move, I right myself before she can reach me.

“No,” I say loudly, which makes her stumble to a stop. Her shocked expression pretty much sums up this evening for me.

“What is wrong with you?” she asks, her tone concerned.

“I’m good,” I manage in a fairly normal voice. I look at the dogs, who are still dancing around my legs. “And they’re fine,” I say, but I’m pretty sure Bob is laughing at me.

“Seriously, are you sick? Something seems wrong.”

“I, um, I...” Then I do it. I do what people do these days when they want to escape an uncomfortable situation. I’m not proud of it, but it is what it is. I pat my back pocket. “I’m sorry. My phone is vibrating. I have a call.”

Then, with zero dignity, I sprint out the front door, her question ringing in my mind.

What is wrong with you?

I have absolutely no idea. All I know is that I’m going home and taking a cold shower.

***

IDRUM MY FINGERS ONthe desk while I listen to Tina Paterson on the other end of the phone. I doubt this idea of the sisters is going to be popular with the businesses, but hey, the sisters are part of the expo team. They should have some input into what the booths look like.

“I don’t know. I’m not sure whoever is representing each business will want to wear a costume, and personally, I really don’t. I’m not a costume person,” I tell Tina.

“You just have to wear jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat since you’re a cowboy,” she says.

Okay, so my costume wouldn’t be a big deal, even though I’m not a cowboy. I don’t think just because I’m temporarily running a dude ranch that I’m automatically a cowboy. The only thing I’m herding are customers, but I’m not going to argue. Still, I’m pretty sure this idea won’t sprout legs and take off running.

“What about Skylar and the other business owners? I don’t think they’ll be happy. They want to look professional,” I point out.

“They will. Very professional, but also cute. Take Skylar. She’ll look adorable. She can wear a big floppy chef’s hat, crazy oven mitts, and a long apron that saysI Bake for You. Get it? It’s like I ache for you.” Tina laughs at her own joke. “Skylar won’t mind since it’s not a whole lot different than what she normally wears to work.”

I’m frowning even though I know Tina can’t see me. I take a couple of moments to gather my thoughts so I don’t blurt outyou’ve got to be kidding, and finally say, “I’m not sure how Skylar will feel,” I admit, but I can hazard a guess.

She won’t like it. I realize there’s a reason Tina is so gung ho about this idea. She and Nina will have an excuse to wear their dance gear, which they love doing. They wear it a lot around town.

“You’ll have to ask all the business owners. I’m not sure they’ll like it,” I say.

“They will once I explain how it will work. It will be so cute.”

Cute. Stupid. Tough to call. Maybe people will like the idea, but I’m not going to be the one to tell anyone about it.

Especially Skylar. There’s no way I’m telling her. In fact, I’ve been trying to not tell her about anything. For two days, I have been a coward and avoided her. Kellan knows something’s up, but thankfully, he just thinks I’m mad at Skylar. What’s sad is Skylar may think that as well. I’m fairly sure that the next time I see her, I won’t feel the same powerful attraction. I was tired. That’s all. Tired people don’t think straight.

“So what do you think?” Tina asks.

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