Page 54 of Brandt's Rule

“Do you know every single person in town?” Tempest asked.

“No. The ones I didn’t tell you about, them I don’t know.”

Tempest laughed again. “They all seem really nice regardless of who they cheated on in high school, or who they used to be friends with, but aren’t anymore.”

Bailey laughed. “I was never really friends with them, but the town is so small, or it was then, that everybody knew everybody’s business. Everything I’m telling you is from back then. In all honesty, I don’t know what most of them are doing now, but at least they’re pleasant.”

“Speaking of everybody’s business… what’s going on with you and Remi?” Tempest asked.

Bailey immediately turned beet red and cast her eyes down at the cabinet top she was suddenly very interested in wiping down. “I don’t know.”

“I think maybe you do,” Tempest said.

“It’s like we dance all around the subject at hand. I’m pretty sure he knows I like him. I think he likes me. But we talk about everything but.”

Tempest smiled. “Sounds very much like my own situation.”

“No, I’m pretty sure Brandt is head-over-heels for you.”

“Doesn’t really matter, I’m thinking that’s not going to go anywhere.”

“Why would you say that?”

“He seems kind of angry about it. At the very least on edge. Even if we had something in common, which we don’t, he likes keeping things under control. I’m not easily controlled, nor do I plan to be. I doubt I’ll see him anywhere other than work.”

“He was glad to spend time with you last night. You two looked pretty intense.”

“Yeah, but then he thinks he can tell me what to do, and I don’t listen well. Never have.”

“Maybe it’s because he cares. That’s how he shows he cares, by trying to tell you to be safe. Maybe see it that way instead of trying to tell you what to do. My love language is baking things for people I love. Service so to speak. Maybe his is keeping those he loves safe.”

“Maybe. But he’s far from loving me.”

“You sure about that?” Bailey asked, her eyes focused on a point over Tempest’s shoulder.

“Why do you ask?” Tempest said.

“Because he’s coming in here, and if my memory serves, that’s his momma, and he never comes in here with his momma.”

Tempest turned just in time to see Brandt holding the door for a pretty older lady to enter the coffee shop.

“Good morning!” Bailey called out. “Or almost noon,” she said, laughing. “What can I get y’all today?”

“Goodness, I’m not sure. Let me take a second to look over the menu,” the woman said, smiling at Bailey before turning her gaze on Tempest. She had dark hair, and big, soulfull brown eyes that were full of warmth and welcome when she looked at Tempest.

“Hey, Tempest. This is my mother, Janie. Janie, this is Tempest.”

Tempest stood up and brushed her hands on her jeans before extending her hand to shake Janie’s. “Hello, Mrs. Marchande’. It’s very nice to meet you.”

“Call me Janie, dear. It’s very nice to meet you as well,” Janie answered.

Janie held onto Tempest’s hand just a little too long, and when she finally let it go, Tempest gestured toward Bailey. “This is my best friend, Bailey.”

“Bailey, it’s a pleasure to meet you as well,” Janie said. “I’ve seen you several times, but I don’t believe we’ve ever actually been introduced.”

“Thank you,” Bailey said. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Finally? Do you know Brandt?” Janie asked conversationally.

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