Page 8 of Kiss and Tell

“We’re thrilled you’ve chosen to feature our small piece of heaven on your show,” Scottie said.

“Stormy Weather Farm certainly is heaven,” Joey agreed.

Scottie nodded. “Well, yes. The farm is nice. But I think you’ll find Gracemont offers more than just homemade beer and wine.”

Lucy shared a look with Levi, who looked ready to commit murder. No one in her family knew exactly how big a prick Scottie had been to her in high school. Lucy hadn’t seen a reason to toss gasoline on that fire, since it was easy enough to dislike Scottie for his personality alone.

“My family owns a very successful and prosperous horse breeding farm down in the valley,” Scottie said. “Many of our stallions have gone on to win some of the top competitions in racing, and trainers from all over the country come to see our horses. Perhaps you’d like to stop by for a tour while you’re in town, see if you’d be interested in filming your show there.”

Joey didn’t look impressed. “Miles and I filmed an episode featuring the Wilshire Farm last season. They’ve had several horses compete in Triple Crown races. It was a good show, great ratings, but I think it’s too soon to do something so similar.”

If Lucy hadn’t already adored Joey, this conversation with Scottie would have sealed the deal. Scottie’s disdain for any horse breeding farm that was more well-renowned and successful than his family’s was obvious. His eyes narrowed briefly, but he recovered quickly.

Joey leaned over to bump his shoulder against hers fondly. “The brewery is fascinating and the entire farm charming. I have no doubt the episode will be a popular one, especially when Lucy starts talking. She’s a brilliant brewmaster.”

“Yes. Well,” Scottie said, not bothering to hide his jealousy when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders in a proprietary manner, trying to pull her away from Joey. “We’d still love the chance to show you more of our town. Wouldn’t we, Lucy?”

Lucy twisted quickly, forcing Scottie’s arm to drop awkwardly. “Excuse me while I go see if Aunt Claire needs any help setting the table.”

“Be sure to save me a seat next to you, sweetheart,” Scottie called out after her.

Lucy didn’t even acknowledge his request, though it took every ounce of strength in her body not to toss him the middle finger. Instead, she stomped away, furious.

“I’m going to fucking kill him,” she muttered under her breath.

“Need an alibi?” Miles asked in a low voice behind her.

She spun around, surprised by his sudden appearance, as well as the fact he wasn’t scowling at her. In fact, it almost looked like he wanted to smile. “Yeah. Actually, I do. And maybe some help burying the body. You look like a strong guy.”

Miles chuckled. “Done and done.”

“Thanks.”

“Unless it’s Joey, of course. Then I’m afraid that bro code thing is going to have to take precedence.”

“It’s not Joey,” she reassured him. “Just the mayor.”

Miles’s eyes widened as he glanced over his shoulder. His gaze focused directly on Scottie. “I’m assuming that’s the guy who whipped out his Halloween costume early. Going as rich frat boy this year? I like the boat shoes,” he added sarcastically.

Lucy took in Scottie’s pale blue button-down shirt, tucked into his khaki chinos, complete with Sperrys, and laughed out loud. “That’s him.”

“I think we can take him,” Miles said with a wink.

Before Lucy could continue the conversation, Aunt Claire called everyone to the large table. Each of the three farmhouses on the property had a similar long dining table, as family meals like this happened at least once a week.

Lucy grinned when she walked into the dining room to see Joey had gotten there early. He waved her and Miles over, the two men offering her the seat between them. Levi, who’d clearly heard Scottie’s request, took one for the team, inviting Scottie to join him and Uncle Rex at the other end of the table. He caught her eye and gave her a quick wink. Her oldest cousin was getting an extra Christmas gift from her this year for that sacrifice.

Once the bowls of chili were placed in front of them and the baskets of cornbread passed around, everyone started digging in with gusto.

“This chili is incredible, Mrs. Storm,” Joey said to Aunt Claire.

“Mrs. Storm was my mother-in-law. Call me Claire, please. And thank you so much. It’s an old family recipe.”

Mila snorted. “It’s a family recipe that she has yet to share with anyone in the family.”

Aunt Claire’s grin was completely unrepentant. “It’ll be passed on to you…eventually.”

“In her will,” Levi joked. “She can’t take a chance on you beating her in the local chili cookoff, Mila.”

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