Page 23 of Perfect Blend

“That sounds complicated.”

I laughed. “It was, but it’s all good now.” I’d paid off my debt to his family, helped Travis pay off his debts from bad business decisions, and nearly lost my business in the process.

“Do you think you have a good chance at the promotion?” I asked.

“I think so, but it’s hard to know for sure. A few of us are interested, but there’s only one position. I’ve been there the longest and hope this article might push me over the top.”

I wanted Mikey to get promoted because he deserved it. I’d read a bunch of his articles after he’d initially contacted me. He was talented. The questions he’d asked me about Dahlia Springs, the festival, and the town culture made it apparent how thoughtfully he approached his work. Several locals I’d connected him with commented to me about how great he was to talk to.

“And the salary boost sure wouldn’t hurt.”

“Seattle must be expensive.”

I glanced over and saw Mikey grimace. “Yeah, it’s rough. Especially after losing the dual income.”

“Tell me about it.” At least my expenses had dropped significantly after splitting from Travis. I opened my mouth to say that and was startled. He was so easy to talk to. Iwantedto tell him about my past. I wanted him toknowme. Bricker had taught me how to open up to people again in the safety of an online space, and I wanted to try in person with Mikey. “My, um, ex had specific expectations of how he should live.”

“What do you mean?”

I collected my thoughts as we approached the first sign indicating we were a few miles from the farm.

“He was all about keeping up with the Joneses. No, he wanted tobethe Joneses. It would’ve been one thing if he’d had a steady income and I hadn’t been in the early years of running my own business, but neither of us had the stability to sustain the lifestyle he expected. Sometimes he got lucky and did well, but then there would be long dry spells.” And I’d already gotten a loan for my coffee shop from his parents and wouldn’t dare ask them for more support to cover what their son couldn’t. That would mean the family would have to face the harsh reality that Travis talked a big game and couldn’t deliver.

“That had to be really tough,” Mikey said softly.

“It was. He’s not a terrible guy, but our priorities stopped lining up. My resentment grew until I couldn’t take it any longer.”

We approached the one-mile warning sign to the farm. I didn’t have enough time to give more details, so I left it there.

“It takes courage to leave a situation for the unknown. Even if you’re unhappy in a marriage, sometimes it can be easier to stay and deal.”

Something in his tone made me think he spoke from his own experience.

“Thanks, Mikey.” I smiled at him and was surprised by the longing in his expression as he looked at me.

It was the perfect opportunity to mention the kiss, but I didn’t know where to begin or whether it needed to be talked about. Mikey was in town for work with a promotion on the line. His heading home to Seattle on Sunday didn’t mean we would never talk again, so I didn’t need to rush into anything. We only lived a few hours apart. I could be patient with myself and let this, whatever it was, unfold naturally.

Instead, I would focus on enjoying the next two days with him while forcing myself out of the safety bubble I’d built over the past year. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t immediately appalled by the idea.

CHAPTER8

MIKEY

I neededto stop staring at Dave like I wanted to eat him alive before I freaked him out. After last night’s kiss, my sprouting crush on Dave grew hardy roots. Digging in and taking over like mint in a garden. His opening up about his ex meant a lot. I wanted to do the same, but we didn’t have the time. I hoped we’d get another chance to talk. Was that adulting? Getting a chub for the hot kissing as much as the feels?

“I should probably warn you about what we’re heading into.” Dave shot me a worried glance.

“Are the dahlias flesh-eating?”

Dave laughed. “No, but don’t suggest the idea or one of Bailey’s relatives might go mad scientist to develop it. His family is something else.”

I laughed. “What are you warning me about then?”

“Don’t believe a word Bailey says.”

“So he’s the one to go to for the good stories about you?”

Dave let out a scandalized gasp. “You wouldn’t dare.”

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