Page 10 of Made for You

They have a side conversation with Mr. Darnell who has come in to talk to them. There are a lot of photos being taken and a lot of notes being written, but not a lot of talking. It’s stressing me out.

Mr. Darnell is the first to leave the group and come over to talk to Gran and I.

“What’s the damage?” she asks.

“Well. It’s extensive. But the good thing is that the building owner’s insurance has coverage for all of it. You’ll just need to place a claim for your items. So if you could get a tally of theitems that need replacing over to me we can get that process started. Hunter has already been hired by the owner so repairs should be started soon.”

“Oh wonderful news!” Gran claps her hands together and walks away with him to her office.

I wander over to Hunter and Liam. Hunter’s brows are furrowed as he looks at his notes.

“I just don’t know. My guys are stretched thin already since most of them take off in the winter to find more steady work down south. So the ones who stay are at max with the inn already.” He looks at me after clearly answering something Liam asked.

“I can help with whatever you need done. I’m not great at construction but I’m excellent at demo, and cleaning. Or being told what to do. I’m at your disposal for as long as you need me.” I look at him earnestly, wanting to help Gran in any way I can. If free labor gets us back in faster, I’m here for it.

“You’re staying?” Liam looks in my direction, trying to make sense of what he heard.

“Sure am, Lee.” I throw a wink in his direction and Hunter throws his head back laughing.

I know using the nickname he hated as kids will get under his skin. Just what I want to do. Just like old times.

Liam just stares at me as I retreat back to the office with Gran. His eyes rake over my body, whether it’s because he wants to murder me, or jump me I’m not sure yet. I’d prefer the latter though.

It’s good to be back in Balsam Cliffs.

Seeing Violet for the first time since we were kids was like a punch to the gut. She was pretty when I was a preteen who was just starting to notice girls, but now she’s a goddamn knock out.

Her chestnut hair falling down to her mid back, her green doe eyes seemed to sparkle despite the destruction we were standing in, and the way her leggings molded around a perfectly peachy ass…fuck.

I had to get away from her. I’m sure she’s seeing someone and the urge to pull her in for a hug like we used to, but take it much further, was too strong. So I did the onlything I could think of to keep my distance and patted her on the back. Like a good friend.

Hunter of course picked up on her looks and gave me shit the entire rest of the day.

After my burst of anger the other night bringing in the firewood, they seemingly ignored my attitude and were back to help with storm clean up yesterday. I thought the least I could do was go assess the damage at the bakery with Hunter, but now, I wish I hadn’t.

Because now I know that Violet is back in town, and my reaction to her is visceral.

The alarm on my phone goes off alerting me that I need to stop working and head to the town hall for a meeting with Margaret and Esther for the Valentine’s Day dance planning.

Sighing, I drop my work gloves next to the stump where I’ve been chopping wood for the last few hours.

Stopping by the inn, I fill my coffee mug before heading out. At least Hunter got me a nice coffee maker. Nicer than one I would have chosen.

I’m screwing the lid on my cup when someone comes into the dining room where we keep the coffee bar.

“Hi, sweetheart.” Mom kisses my cheek.

“Hi, Mom. What are you doing here?” I kiss her back on the opposite cheek.

“Just coming to see if my baby boy wants to join me for lunch?”

I pause, not answering right away and see the frown start on her face. She’s used to me rejecting her invitations and that makes me feel like a shit son. Add it to the list of things I’m failing at.

“Sorry Mom, I have to go meet Margaret and Esther at the town hall for the Valentine’s Day planning committee. Somehow, Margaret roped me into it.” I explain, putting my coat on before I head out.

“Oh! That sounds like such fun. Can I join you? Then maybe we can get lunch?” She looks at me with such anticipation, it’s another punch to the gut.

My poor mother is so desperate for time with me that she’s willing to sit through a planning meeting for a Valentine’s Day dance.

---