Page 56 of First Love, Second Draft

Scotty sank back in his seat and massaged his temples. “I’m starting to wish you’d take a ride on the back end of a tractor without supervision.”

“You know you love me.”

Scotty snorted. Then after a quick shake of his head, he straightened and began tapping away at the keyboard. “Fine. I don’t know why I’m agreeing to this. But fine. Who’s your wife’s agent? You know what, never mind. I’ll figure it out myself. I’m done with you. You annoy me.”

“Love working with you too.” Noah ended the call.

The high-pitched voices of children talking and laughing carried through the fields as he headed back to his truck.

No, he didn’t relish the idea of opening a can of worms to hispast, but what other option did he have? Noah had to dosomethingthat would keep him close to Gracie and make her start talking to him again.

He glanced at the sack of apples. Something other than baking a pie he had no idea how to bake.

30

Simone:Are you and Noah back together?

Grace:What? No! Absolutely not!

Simone:He’s not living with you right now?

Grace:No! I mean, yes, he’s living on my property at the moment, in the cottage next door. But not for much longer.

Simone:How much longer?

Grace:What is this about?

Simone:Did you send me the wrong story?

Grace:I don’t think so.

Simone:This is the right draft?

Grace:What’s going on?

Simone:Are you the lady who fell off that horse in the truck?

Grace:I’m about to lawyer up if you ask me any more questions.

Simone:Don’t let Noah leave until you hear back from me.

Grace:Why?

Grace:Why?

Grace:Simone, answer me. Why?

Simone:BECAUSE I’M TRYING TO SAVE YOUR CAREER!

31

Matt turned off his truck and grabbed the paper sack filled with a container of chicken noodle soup and a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. He hadn’t texted Rachel that he was coming over. Mostly because he didn’t want to give her the chance to stop him this time. Not until she at least answered the questionDo you have mono or meningitis?

Matt climbed the porch stairs, much sturdier since he’d repaired them, and knocked. A flash of movement behind the living room window caught his eye. The curtain rustled back in place.

He waited for her to come to the door. After a minute, he took a deep breath, and waited another minute for her to come to the door. Another minute later, he knocked again. Louder.

Why wasn’t she coming to the door? Was she avoiding him?

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