Page 37 of Falling For You

I glanced at my mom, arranging the sandwiches on the platter. “Besides, I’ll be in a costume. She wants to make the playing field more level, whatever that means.” I shrugged. “So, I’m supposed to sell these poor souls on my personality. How scary is that?”

My mom chuckled and winked at me. “You are incredible, my dear.”

“Thanks, but I can’t think of even one thing to say.” I shook my head. “I can’t announce to the dating pool that I trust llamas more than men, specifically, female llamas.”

“No, that might not fly.”

“Or chat about being unemployed.” I smiled.

My mom laughed and picked up the platter. “Unless you just gave your notice, you’re very much employed.”

“Are you sure I’m not imposing on you guys? You did just fine before I got here, and now you have an extra salary to pay and a cabin that isn’t rentable.”

“We constantly spoke about being short-staffed. Just ask any of your siblings. They finally have a life now.”

I followed my mom to the dining room table, which had an orange and yellow gingham tablecloth draped over it. A large bouquet of orange mums had been placed in the center of the table, and tucked on both sides were fresh-baked bread options from this morning.

“How about someone who is loyal, witty, employed, beautiful, down-to-earth, compassionate, and an amazing cook?” my mom offered. “That sounds like a hefty bid to me.”

“Can you write that down for me?” I teased as I set down the salad bowl.

The first few guests arrived as I slipped out the door leading to the kitchen. My mom flourished while chatting it up with the guests, but I always had a knack for quickly turning things awkward. It usually went like this.

Me: Where are you visiting from?

Them: Such and such a state.

Me: Oh, wow. I’m sure it’s lovely there.”

Them: Not as lovely as here.

Me: It’s not that great here. We have mosquitos that will suck the life out of you and ticks that will attach to you when you least expect it.

Them: I didn’t realize that. Is it okay to go outside?

Me: Why wouldn’t it be?

And all that foot-in-mouth disease was because I wanted to make them feel better about where they lived so they wouldn’t long for something they didn’t have. The truth was, our mosquitos weren’t worse than in most places, and the ticks rarely appeared. It was an odd quirk.

It wasn’t until my sister pointed out that the guests weren’t genuinely wishing they lived here that I stopped trying to downplay their vacation playground.

Since I moved back around family and these little things had started to be pointed out to me, I realized how much I didstuff like that back in the city. It was a moment of self-awareness that made me see the need to change.

I’d gotten into the nasty habit of toning down my dreams and accomplishments.

Anyway, that was why I let my mom do the welcoming. I still hadn’t managed the finesse required to handle guests.

The weird thing was that since I met Owen, I rarely fell into my old habits. It was really comfortable talking with him, even when I was trying to get information out of him. His presence brought a sense of ease and reassurance.

I poured myself cider as my mom walked into the kitchen.

“They love the stew, salad, and sandwiches.”

“Yay.” I grinned, taking another sip. “So, I’m employed for another day?”

She chuckled and touched my cheek. “At least.” She wandered to the cupboard and reached for a glass before filling it with water. “Not that it’s my business, but I noticed you had company last night.”

“How’d you see that?” I asked, chuckling.

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