Page 88 of Choosing Forever
“Do you really want to know the answer to that?”
I fidget with the loose material of my overalls, suddenly wishing I’d put a bit more effort into myself today. Darren wasn’t supposed to do all of this. It wasn’t necessary, nor was it what we’d discussed. He took a simple idea and turned it into this full-out event that drew a crowd that could rival the one at the station’s dunking setup.
“I feel underdressed.”
“Don’t! You look beautiful,” Daisy soothes.
“I’m in my housework overalls, Daisy. The same ones I wear when I pull weeds out of the yard.”
“You’re fine. They look cute on you. Plus, you’ll be behind abooth all day. Nobody will care about what you’re wearing when you’re going to be smacking lips.”
“I’mnotsmacking lips with anyone. That’s so unhygienic.”
Daisy frowns. “Cheek kisses, then?”
“Yes, cheek kisses. Which even then feels gross.”
“Oh, you’ll be fine. Most of your kisses will probably come from the old folks’ home, anyway. I saw the van in the parking lot.”
I double blink. “Great. In that case, I can’t wait.”
“Just think about how much money you could raise for the drive-in today. Your cheeks are so smooth you should be a killer money-maker.”
That draws a laugh up my throat. The forever sunny-side-up woman beside me definitely has a way of convincing people that there’s a plus side in any bad situation.
“I don’t see the booth,” I say, squinting to see through the groups of people and the sun that makes me wish I’d worn sunglasses today.
“That’s because the line is too long. It’s over there.”
I follow her finger as she points over the heads of the people crossing in front of us. My stomach cramps as the line she’s talking about comes into sight.
“You’re joking.”
“Nope. It’s been like that for the last hour. Darren had to open early. I hope you’re okay with taking the second shift.”
Shifting to face her, I ask tightly, “Second shift? What are you talking about?”
Daisy presses her lips together nervously, her eyes darting around the field. “Did he tell youanything?”
“Clearly not. I wasn’t late, was I? I didn’t think this started until noon! There weren’t supposed to be separate shifts. I thought we were doing this together!”
Oh, I’m going to flip my shit on this guy.
If there’s one thing I hate more than anything else, it’s being late to an event. Being kept in the dark about something I’msupposed to play a major part in is second on my list.Talk about a double whammy.
“What about some lemonade? There’s supposed to be a stand around here somewhere. Eliza was in charge, but I know Rory volunteered to help her. And wherever Rory goes, Johnny’s sure to follow, so let’s go look?—”
I cut off Daisy’s rambling. “I don’t want lemonade right now. What I do want is to go talk to Darren.”
“Are you sure? It’s super fresh. The lemons are from Eliza’s new lemon trees! Who knew a greenhouse would be such a good addition to the ranch?”
With a soft pat on her arm, I shake my head. “No, thanks. But you should grab some. I’ll come see you in a bit.”
I’m leaving before she has a chance to reply. I don’t need lemonade right now, even if it sounds so damn good. I’m starving, but I doubt I’d be able to drink or eat anything with how tight my stomach is currently. I’ll treat myself to a handful of lemonades once I’m done with the day.
I slip through a chunk of the crowd before forcing myself to wave at Penny and the group of teachers sitting with her at a table nearby. She tries to call me over, but I smile apologetically.
“Duty calls! I’ll come over later!” I offer.
