Page 7 of Loved By Tandy

CHAPTER 4

MATTHEW

It’s early for a Monday morning, and since Sweets is closed, I don’t have any donuts with me. But I picked up a chocolate cake from the store yesterday.

I swipe to answer Blake’s call before getting out of my truck. “I just parked outside Tandy’s house. What’s up?”

He’s quiet a second. “Think you can handle today without me? Steph needs my help with something.”

“No problem. Text me a list of what you want me to do. In a bit, I’ll drive over and pick up the materials.”

“Will you be able to get stuff done without her speaking to you?” He chuckles.

“We’ll figure it out.” I slide out of the truck and pick up the cake. “I’ll text when I’m headed that way.”

“Thanks, Matthew. Good luck.”

“I’ll need it.” I end the call and shove the phone in my pocket.

Tandy opens the door before I reach the top step.

“Good morning. Donut shop is closed today, but I brought you a cake.”

After grabbing the cake, she inches up on her toes and looks over my shoulder.

“Blake isn’t coming today. You’re stuck with me. So, if you have information that needs to be conveyed, you might want to grab a pen and paper. That way you can maintain your vow of silence.” I stand in the doorway. “Will that be a problem?”

She walks into the kitchen, and I’m left wondering if I should go in or leave.

A second later, she walks toward me, holding up a sheet of paper that readsClose the door. You’re letting bugs in and the heat out.

Laughing, I swing the door closed. “Sorry about that. I just didn’t want to come in uninvited.” After reading the list of what Blake wants done today, I go into the kitchen.

Tandy washes out the Charlie Brown mug, then fills it with coffee and hands it to me.

“Thanks.”

She waves over her shoulder as she leaves the kitchen.

While sipping my coffee, I get a few things done. Then I rinse out the mug. “Tandy, I’m leaving for a bit. I’ll be back in about a half hour. Then I’ll be working in your bedroom. I hope that isn’t a problem.”

Tandy leans out of a bedroom and waves.

The woman is stubborn. But if I ever need to trust someone with a secret, I know who it will be.

It doesn’t take long to get to the winery, load up the boxes of flooring, and drive back toward Tandy’s. But on the return trip, I make a quick stop at the new store in town. It doesn’t take me long to find what I’m wanting, a marker board. It even comes with two dry erase markers.

This should make the rest of the day easier.

Tandy walks out of the house carrying a bag of trash as I pull up to the curb.

I jump out and stride over. “Let me get that for you.”

She shoves it toward me, then goes back inside.

“I bought something for us.” I glance at my hands, which are now covered in a sticky substance and smell like the trashcan. “But I need to wash my hands before I grab it.”

She pushes the door open and steps out of the way. As soon as I walk in, she closes the door and then she brushes past me. I follow her into the kitchen. She turns on the faucet for me, then leaves the room.

---