Page 11 of Take Me to the Valley

“While I make dinner, why don't you take a shower and get ready for bed? That way, once you crash from the sugar high of the sundae, you will be ready to hop into bed,” I say. I’m trying to get ahead of the drop she will have later.

She is so excited she doesn't fight me and runs upstairs to take a shower. It gives me a few minutes to get my head around running into Calista at the grocery store. It wouldn't have been so bad if we had run into each other, said hello, met Skye, and we moved on. Regardless, she would have met Skye at dinner this weekend, but I was ready for that.

What I wasn't ready for was her and Skye to bond so instantly. And now for her to be involved with Skye, even if it’s something as small as her hair for pictures. Right now, I need to lock that way around the part of my heart that still really wants a chance with her, because it isn't an option. Not with her brother being my best friend. Her family is the only family my daughter knows. If something goes wrong, Skye and I lose that support in an instant, and I won't do that to my daughter.

Chapter 6

Calista

Idon't think I thought this whole getting up early to do Skye's hair thing allthe way through. Skye has such a sweet face that I just couldn't bring myself to say no to her. While I want to help, but when my alarm went off at six thirty this the morning, I'm regretting it.

When I roll out of bed, thankfully, the smell of coffee is already filling my apartment. Whoever made scheduled AutoStart coffee machines deserves to live like royalty for the rest of his or her life.

Pouring my coffee, I go to the bathroom to get ready. If I wasn’t meeting Kaylee later, I had every intention of showing up in pajamas, and throwing my hair up in a messy bun. But Kaylee really wanted to get together today after I do Skye's hair. She made me promise to bring coffee and breakfast from the bakery. Therefore, I have to get dressed and look presentable, so it doesn't get back to my parents, and I get a million questions. Orworse yet, rumors start about a breakup, I'm sick, or who knows what else because I'm walking around town in my pajamas.

Plus, there is no way I can meet up with a hot guy not looking my best. Even if it is my brother's best friend who's way too young for me. That's okay. I can still enjoy the eye candy. There’s nothing wrong with that, and my brothers' never have to know.

I put on a hint of makeup, mascara, and lip-gloss mostly to give myself a natural look like I had yesterday. Then I pick out a fun flowy dress and long sweater to go over it. After I put on some jewelry, I'm out the door. Since it's only a few blocks away, I decide to walk to the school, which will give me a chance to get enough of the view and enjoy the weirdly warm weather we are having this week.

With how quiet Main Street is this early, it’s in stark contrast to the buzz all around the school area a few blocks off Main Street. Cars line the road and fill the parking lots. Buses drop kids off as they run to meet up with their friends. It brings up many childhood memories—mostly good.

I loved getting to school and seeing my friends and finding out what I'd missed in the way of gossip. Who started dating, who broke up, and who is fighting? Back then, I fed off it.

Finally, I spot Evan in the elementary school parking lot. He’s in the same car he was in the night, he answered my 911 call about the lady who had crashed into the mountain. I head over, and when I'm a few spots away, Skye jumps out of the car.

“You came! I'm so excited. I brought pretty much everything we have for my hair, which isn't a lot. But Dad promised to take me shopping for more and to take some online tutorials to learn!” Skye says, holding a small bin in one hand and a hairbrush in the other.

“Alright, let's see what we are working with,” I tell her.

Taking the bin from her, I place it on the trunk of the car. Then I pull out a few hair ties and take the brush to work on the braid. Skye holds perfectly still as I put her in each position. Even though Evan watches quietly what I do, I can tell before I even hit the halfway point that he's overwhelmed, but he is still paying attention.

When I'm done, Skye jumps into the front passenger seat of the car and pulls the mirror down, checking her hair at every possible angle she can.

“I love it! It's going to be the best picture day photo ever! Thank you so much!” She rushes over, throws her arms around my waist, and hugs me tight.

At first, I'm stunned. But when I look at Evan, who has a huge smile on his face, I wrap Skye in a bear hug.

“Let me walk her in, and we can go to the bakery and get some coffee,” he says as Skye grabs her backpack from the car.

“Oh, you don't have to,” I say, ready to walk to the bakery myself.

“I insist as a thank you for this. Please wait while I walk her in. Sit in the car, stay warm,” he says, staring at me, waiting for me to agree.

“Okay,” I nod and sit down in the passenger seat to wait for him.

While he’s gone, I check my phone for texts and scroll through social media. He’s not gone very long and when he gets in the car, he shoots me one of his smiles, and my heart flutters.

During the drive over to the bakery, we’re silent. It’s comfortable and easy. After finding a parking spot right out front, we walk into the bakery. He is the perfect gentleman and holds the door open for me. We each get coffee and a pastry and grab a table in the back corner of the shop.

“Have you seen the distillery yet?” he asks, breaking the ice.

“I drove by, and it was pretty busy, so I didn't stop.”

“It's always busy. You just have to go on in. I'm sure the guys can't wait to show it to you. They have done a great job with it,” he says, grinning.

It’s obvious from his demeanor that he’s both excited and proud of them.

“I'll brave it one day next week once I'm done unpacking,” I say.

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