Page 10 of Infatuated with the Mountain Man

“Nothing, Sis. Now, can I please get back to work?”

“You’re being dumb. She’s not the type of woman you fuck once and write off. She’s a beautiful person inside and out. We’re talking about combining our businesses, so get your damn head out of your ass, Caden! Not every relationship will end up like our shitty parents did. Believing that will only end up in you being lonely for the rest of your life. And I’m not going to stand by and watch that happen. You’ve worked way too hard at a good life for both me and you.” She wrapped her arms around me and hugged me tight. “Now, do the right thing.”

“I don’t even know what the right thing is.”

“Do you like her?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Like really like her?”

“I think I love her.”

“Then tell her, you idiot. And you better make it good.”

The following day was Saturday,the day of Sammy’s party, and I ran into town and picked up a big Tonka truck for his gift. Cash asked me to pick up the cake at Ruby’s bakery in Appleridge, a town over from Apple Falls. We needed our own bakery in town, but Ruby’s baking was top tier, and I didn’t mind the ride. Any excuse to pick up a dozen of her apple cinnamon muffins.

Last, I went by the garden center and picked up a dozen red roses for Veda. I had Jolene do a little detective work and report back with her favorite flowers.

Confessing my feelings wasn’t something I had experience with, and I couldn’t shake the nerves building inside me. My plan involved pulling her away from the party at some point and putting it all out there. With her leaving town tomorrow, there wasn’t time to waste.

When I arrived at the party, a zing of excitement ran through me at the thought of seeing Veda’s and Jolene’s hard work on display. As I walked up the driveway, Jolene hurried over to me and snapped a picture. “Welcome to the adventure party!” She smiled and pulled me in for a hug.

Aster appeared beside her. “What’s up, bud? Haven’t seen you around much lately.”

“He’s been busy.” Jolene wiggled her eyebrows. “Get that cake inside. Leighton is dying to see it. It came out gorgeous!” She squealed and clapped her hands.

“Talk more later?” I said to Aster before Jolene ushered me along and went back to snapping pictures. He shot me a thumbs-up. Again, with him and my sister. What was going on there?

But I didn’t have long to think about it before I was swept up inside the party. Cash and Leighton greeted me at the door.

“Oh my God, the cake is perfect!” Leighton said as she took it from me. “Thank you for getting it. Ruby is amazing!”

“It’s actually her cake decorator, Stella. How talented, right?” I handed Cash the gift for Sammy. “Where’s the birthday boy?”

“He’s out back having the time of his life in the bouncy house. Mom and Dad are keeping an eye on him. C’mon, let’s get you a drink,” Cash said as we followed Leighton into the kitchen.

As soon as I walked in, the air shifted. Veda must be close by.

Sure enough, she stood by the sliding glass door, a drink in hand, watching the party happen outside. A wistful, almost sad expression took over her features, and it tugged at my heart.

“What are we drinking, man?” Cash asked loudly, and Veda looked over, her entire body freezing when she laid eyes on me.

A second later, she disappeared out the door.Shit!

“A beer is fine, man. I’ll be right back.” I didn’t wait and, instead, sprinted out the back door. I looked around, but I didn’t see her anywhere. The backyard was full of balloons, decorations, and kids and parents mulling around. Goddamn, she did a good job planning this party. It felt like you were in a Tonka construction zone.

I quickly said hello to my parents and the birthday boy before searching for Veda once more. She wasn’t anywhere in the backyard. Hurrying around to the front, I still didn’t see her. Only Jolene and Aster were there. Aster was leaning close as Jolene snapped pictures.

“Have you two seen Veda?” I asked, and they sprang apart like guilty teenagers caught in a make-out session. I shot them both a weird look.

“No, she was inside earlier. Did you scare her off again?” Jolene narrowed her eyes at me.

“I never scared her off in the first place,” I said.

“Scared her off? What are you talking about?” Aster asked Jolene, but I didn’t have time to hear her answer. I walked around back once more, but she was nowhere in sight.

I turned my head in the direction of the orchard, and I spotted her walking among the trees. My heart jolted to life, and I took off after her.

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