Page 3 of Loved By Tandy

CHAPTER 2

MATTHEW

Once upon a time, I loved Tandy. As a young woman, she was spunky and wild. Impulsive and willing to try anything at least once. Her stunt yesterday proves that she hasn’t changed much.

Betting on that fact, I grab the bag of candy and the box of donuts as I get out of my truck. Back in high school, Tandy had a huge sweet tooth, and I’m hoping she still does. If I have lots of sweet options, maybe she’ll ask for something, which would require speaking to me. That’s my goal. To have her talk to me.

There is no reason for us to be enemies.

Maybe I could spark a conversation by telling her that yesterday on the porch, I was trying to catch her but failed. These muscles aren’t what they used to be. Definitely not like the young guys she likes to photograph for her covers. But I softened her fall. That counts for something. Hopefully.

I beat Blake here today, and while it’s probably wiser to wait in my truck until he arrives, I’m not going to do that. I gather my goodies and head up the walkway.

The curtains move as I step onto the front porch. She’s aware of my presence. The question now is if she’ll open the doorwhen I knock. As I lift my hand, the door swings open. But she’s nowhere near it.

Laughing, I walk in. “Good morning. Sorry I’m a few minutes early. The stop at the donut shop didn’t take long at all.”

She pokes her head out of the kitchen and looks at the box in my hand.

“Where should I put these?” I am going to keep being friendly until she thaws.

How can she still be mad after all these years? I was young and stupid when I walked out on her. It seems insane to still hold that against me.

Tandy pats the kitchen table without saying a word.

We’re now communicating, just without words. But her action was a direct answer to my question.

“Body language. I like that.” I hold her gaze while walking to the kitchen.

Tandy stares daggers at me.

I set the box down but keep the bag of candy tucked under my arm. “Sweets has so many good options. It was hard to decide. You still like chocolate? I got an old-fashioned chocolate one, a chocolate-covered donut, and a chocolate cream filled. Take your pick.” I lift the lid and nudge the box toward her.

Breaking eye contact only a second, Tandy glances at her choices, then picks up the chocolate-filled donut.

“You like the ooey gooey inside. Good choice. Sweet on the outside. Even sweeter on the inside.”

As she takes a bite, there is a knock at the door. She marches past me.

Something about her makes me feel young again. Maybe it’s memories, or maybe her vivaciousness is contagious.

She helps out at the venue and the winery, so either she’s in need of money or she’s lonely and wanting to be around people. It’s been more than fifty years since we’ve been on speakingterms. Honestly, I didn’t know she was ignoring me until she moved back to town a few years back. The first time I saw her in town, she turned around and walked away. I got the hint really quick.

But after being around her, I’m not content with being hated.

We were friends once, and now that we’re both old and single, I see no reason we shouldn’t be friends again.

Blake bumps my shoulder as he eases up beside me, then whispers, “She let you in. That’s progress.” He grabs a donut, takes a bite, then opens his binder. “I figure you can get started here in the kitchen, and I’ll work in the bedroom. Once all the cabinets are empty, you can take all the doors off. I’ll start by ripping out the carpet in the bedroom.”

“Sounds good. I’m not sure Miss Cavanaugh wants me in her bedroom.”

I can’t see Tandy’s reaction, but I hear her give a huff.

Laughing, I choose a donut, then walk through the kitchen, checking cabinets. The one above the coffee pot is still full of mugs. “Ask Tandy if she has a box. I’ll pack up these mugs.”

Blake is doing his best not to laugh. “There are some in the truck. And a stack of packing paper. I picked some up in case we needed it.” He lifts his donut. “Thanks for this. It hit the spot.”

Tandy startles me when she pokes her head into the kitchen. “Blake, I’m closing the cats into one of the spare bedrooms so that they won’t be in the way or make an escape.” She shoots me a dirty look before walking away.

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