Page 54 of The Story We Wrote

“No problem!” I said, going behind the counter to put my stuff away. “How long were you staying today? I’m grateful for the help.”

“Since school’s out, I thought I could spend the weekends with you, or if you wanted to take a day off during the week, I could step in.” Jill came to stand on the other side of the counter. Having someone else during the week could be helpful if I wanted to write. I could have Mrs. Cassidy take a day, and I could dedicate more time to my book.

“That’s exciting!” I smiled, rolling up my sleeves to prepare muffins for the day. I poured my dry mix into a big bowl and gathered the wet ingredients.

“I do have a little favor to ask.” Jill cringed when I looked up. “You’ve done so much for us so far. If you can’t, I understand!”They provided me with everything I could possibly want in my time of need. She could ask me for my kidney, and I’d be on the operating table, ready and willing.

Picking up my wooden spoon and mixing everything, I replied, “You name it, I’m there.” I moved my muffin tin closer to pour the batter in without spilling.

“The annual block party is in a couple of weeks. Cassidy Ranch is partnering with the local library to raise money for their funding in the fall. Would you be willing to help out? I have some ideas. I need someone young to make them happen.”

Placing my muffins in the oven, I turned to her and gave her a look. What was I getting myself into?

“Is it going to be a surprise?” I asked, trying to fish for more information. I knew I would say yes, yet a part of me hoped I’d at least know what I was agreeing to.

“All I can say is, I think it’s going to be a hit!” She was giggling to herself. Seeing her excitement made saying yes easier.

After learning the truth about Ellie and understanding the turmoil it had put the Cassidys through, I was glad to see her remain happy and smiling.

I felt like I was doing more than just working on the ranch. I was keeping their daughter’s dream alive during a tough period in her life. There was nothing Jill could ask that would change that.

Without thinking too hard, I agreed. “After everything you’ve done for me and the opportunity you gave me, I’d swim with sharks if you needed me to!” Jill came over and hugged me. Her scent was sweet, like candy. I squeezed her back. Man, did she give great hugs.

“You have no idea how big of a help you’ve been for Dan and I. Not only us, but Boone as well.” She grabbed the empty bowl from the muffin mix and made her way to the silver sink in the corner. I followed her and stood in front of the drying rack readyto help her clean my mess. “This is the happiest I’ve seen Boone in a while, whether he wants to admit it or not.” I smiled to myself, taking the first cleaned dish from her and drying it off. I was happy, too, more so now than ever over the last few months.

Since moving out of town and opening myself up to new possibilities, I’d been put in situations I never saw myself in and stranded without the tools to know how to handle them.

“It is good to see the farm stand doing wel,l so I can imagine it’s making him happy seeing Ellie’s vision continue,” I replied.

“Oh no, sweetie. Boone’s happiness isn’t from the farm stand.” Jill laughed, handing me a cleaned bowl. Taking it skeptically, I wiped the inside down with the towel.

“I don’t know how else I would’ve helped his happiness. He cares about Ellie and I know he’s glad to see her dream thrive,” I defended, quick to brush it off. My nervous ticks began to take over: putting my hair behind my ears, refusing to make eye contact, and ringing the towel in my hands.

“He played the same trick,” Jill huffed. “I know my boy, better than he may think. Boone hasn’t been the best in relationships and has earned a reputation around town that’s not becoming of a Cassidy. You’re the first girl he has ever brought over through the front door, I should say.” My lips stayed sealed, but my mind was spinning like a hamster in a wheel. “Whether the both of you want to admit it or not, there’s something there.”

My lips were slightly parted, and I didn’t know what to say. Staring at Jill in silence was probably not the right thing, because in reality, it spoke volumes. Stuttering, I attempted my best diplomatic answer, “I – I do care about Boone. He is a great man and has been a big help while getting settled on the ranch.” That was good, I felt confident in my answer.

“I get it, you don’t want to share with his mom. I would be doing my son a disservice if I didn’t point it out.” Jill fixed herposition at the sink and faced me, demanding my attention. I stood with the towel gripped in my hands. “Growing up, Dan and I didn’t give Boone much direction. We let him figure his way and learn right from wrong on his own. After seeing what happened with Ellie, I realized that and it put a lot into perspective. I don’t want to see him take what happened to his sister and hide from relationships. If he didn’t ever want to find someone or settle down, fine, again, I know my son.” Jill faced the sink again, picking up the next dish and rinsing it under the water. Sighing, she said, “My point is, you’re good for Boone. Don’t let him control this and find out the hard way.”

Talking with Jill helped quiet some of the doubts I had in my mind. I needed to own up and confess how I felt to Boone, whether he felt the same way or not. The last two months had been like a whirlwind of emotions and feelings. I needed to be honest with myself and with Boone.

“I’m going to step outside,” I voiced, putting the rag down on the edge of the sink.

“Also, I should let you know I saw him leave your place this morning, so there’s no point in lying.” Jill smiled, grabbing the towel I placed down to dry her hands. I closed my eyes and let out a long breath, a laugh escaped too. Of course she did, the conversation wasn’t really completely out of the blue because she caught us both red-handed.

Boone wanted me to call him anyway. I took my phone from my apron pocket and walked to my porch while dialing his number. Sitting down, I took a few deep breaths as the line trilled on the other end.

“Hey,” Boone said into the phone, I could hear yelling and banging in the background. I was so caught up in the moment I forgot about him being on the ranch.

“Oh shit, sorry you’re working. I forgot,” I hurried, not wanting to be a burden.

“No, no. It’s okay. Give me a second to get somewhere quiet.” I nodded to myself, like he could actually see me. “How’s your morning?” He asked after a few beats of silence. The background noise was gone.

Unable to contain myself, I let out a loud laugh. “Well, your mom was at the stand when I went out this morning,” I said, pushing off the ground to make the swing move.

“Yeah, that’s why I wanted you to call me. She saw me leave your place,” Boone sighed.

“Oh, I know,” I huffed.

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