Page 48 of Lime Tree Hill

“That’s fine normally. But add a dash of Prue to the mix, and all hell could break lose.”

Tayla bit into the apple, catching the juice with the back of her hand as it dripped down her chin. She was just about to shut down the conversation when Mitch strolled into the kitchen. He dropped his keys, wallet, and phone on the table.

“Where have you been?” CeCe asked.

“Having brunch with Otis. He’s not in a good space.”

CeCe cocked a questioning brow. “Was Prue there?”

Ignoring his sister’s question, Mitch addressed Tayla, his expression warm, caring. “Sorry I didn’t text, babe. My phone’s flat.” He leaned in for a quick kiss, taking her by complete surprise. “I might go for a run. We need to be away by three.” With that, he walked down the hall and disappeared into the bedroom, closing the door behind him.

Tayla:Hey. How are you? In a better mood?

Lisa:A bit. Aren’t you in Tulloch Point?

Tayla:Yep, in the truck waiting for Mitch. What’s new?

Lisa:I’m still in shock about the wedding TBH.

Tayla:Me too.

Lisa:I had a tiny crush on Mitch back in the day. Now he’s my brother-in-law. WOGE?

Tayla:I never knew that. What does WOGE mean?

Lisa: *Eye roll*. What On God’s Earth. And you knew.

Tayla:Honestly, I didn’t. Wait. You haven’t slept with him have you?

Lisa:Very funny. I wasn’t even on his radar. When do we get to see the photos?

Tayla:Soon. Talk later xx

Mitch said little as they drove away, less as they passed the town limits sign, and nothing as they joined the main highway south. Tayla stared out the window. The straight roads gave way to twists and turns as they hit the mountains, and the story streaming through the speakers seemed to do the same. Twisted and turned.

Right on dusk, they pulled into a gas station complex comprising of the usual: a restroom, a small convenience store, and several fast-food outlets.

He cut the engine. “I need to fill up.”

“Okay. I’ll just go to the restroom.”

When Tayla walked back onto the forecourt, Mitch and his pickup had vanished. She sat on a seat outside the convenience store, looking around for any sign of him. Nothing. She fished in her bag for her phone, then realized she’d left it in the truck. The minutes ticked by. She was just about to walk inside to look for him when a familiar voice said, “Do you want something to eat?”

Relieved, she shook her head, overwhelmed by the trip, the restless night before, and Prue’s cruel tongue. “Where did you disappear to?” she asked, managing a small smile.

“I needed to check the tires. You sure you’re not hungry? They do great burgers here.”

“I might just grab a juice. I’m still full from lunch.”

Mitch narrowed his gaze and studied her. She waited for him to comment on her lack of appetite, but instead, he turned and walked inside. Tayla followed two steps behind.

She sat at a small table in the harshly lit interior while Mitch went to order. When he returned, he tucked into a double cheeseburger and large fries like he hadn’t eaten in days. She sipped her vegetable juice, suddenly hungry as the smell of deep-fried food wafted across the table.

He studied her for a long moment. “So, are you going to tell me what happened with Prue?”

Until now, Tayla had seldom seen Mitch in a negative mood. He seemed more the ‘glass brimming to the top and overflowing’ sort. “I introduced myself, Prue told me exactly what she thought of me, and when I stood to walk away, she said if I didn’t hear her out, she’d make a scene. You know the rest.”

Mitch leaned back in his chair. “Prue reckons you gave just as good as you got.”

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