Page 11 of Baking Spirits Bright!

“Thanks.” I stand.

She stands as well and extends her hand. “Pleasure having you here, Mr. Walter.”

I take her hand and lift my chin. “Remember, it’s Ryan this week. And only Ryan until after the competition.”

“Of course.” She shakes my hand and her head simultaneously, causing the earrings to run wild.

I give her a serious look of warning, then slowly transition to a smile when I sense she gets my message. I leave the town halloffice and look across the road. The parking lot is full, so I decide to walk and leave my rental car where it is.

Groups of people gather around the front of the restaurant and inside. I fall in line for what I assume is a hot bar. A middle-aged woman in an apron walks up to me with a menu.

“Hey, sugar. Welcome to Mary’s. I haven’t seen you in here before.”

“First time.”

“I’m Mary, and I’ll fix you right up.”

I glance around, not seeing any empty tables. “I can get something to go if that’s best.”

“No, sir.” She waves a hand and smiles toward a booth. One woman stands and walks toward the register. The woman sitting across from her is Erica. We make eye contact, and she smiles.

“Perfect. Brooke is going back to work, so you can occupy her seat and use Miss Erica’s booth.” Mary gives me a devious grin.

I follow her to Erica like some odd twist of fate.

“Erica, do you mind if this gentleman sits at your booth for a bit?”

“Not at all.” Erica indicates for me to sit.

“Okay, here’s your menu. Erica can answer any questions about the foods.” Mary plops the menu in front of me and hurries away.

I settle into the seat across from Erica and sigh. “What are the odds of me seeing you here?”

“Since it’s twelve-thirty and the only restaurant in town with indoor seating, I’d say pretty high.”

I laugh. “I promise I’m not stalking you. And sitting here was all Mary.”

“I’m certain of that.” She smiles. “What do you want?”

“To check out the town, including the orchard. But don’t feel pressured to give me a tour if you don’t have time.”

She laughs. “I meant to eat.”

“Oh.” I open the menu. “I like burgers, and I like the good ol’ meat-and-three option.”

“Then I suggest you get the macaroni before it runs out. Fried green tomatoes are another favorite, if you’re into that.”

I close the menu. “Tell you what. Why don’t you order for me?”

“Okay.” She grins.

Mary comes back and asks what I’d like to drink. Erica tells her to bring me what she’s having for lunch. I study the menu, curious what it is.

A few minutes later, Mary returns with my water and refills Erica’s. She sets a box in front of her.

“Sorry, sugar. They already had yours ready to go.”

“That’s fine.” She slides the box from a bag as Mary leaves.

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