Page 17 of Playing for Keeps in Starr's Fall
“Maple Leaf Farm,” he answered with a nod, before swallowing. “I know it. That’s a cute little place.”
Maggie let out a slightly shaky laugh. “I guess you know everywhere around here.”
“Pretty much.” He raked a hand through his hair, sliding it back from his forehead, his direct gaze making Maggie feel like shivering. She hoped he didn’t notice. She really needed to better control her reactions to him. “But I don’t know many other places,” he continued, “so I guess it’s a tradeoff.”
“Did you never move away,” she asked, “even for a little bit?”
He shook his head. “Discounting six months for college, nope.”
“Only six months?” she asked in surprise, before realizing how nosy an observation that was. Whatever happened to keep Zach from completing more of his college education was definitelynother business.
He seemed to think so too for he didn’t elaborate, merely confirmed with a nod. “Yep. Only six months.”
And let the awkward silence ensue, Maggie thought with an inward sigh.Again.
“How are the plans for the café coming?” Zach asked after a moment, and Maggie tried for a rueful smile, wanting to lighten the mood.
“Well, I’ve managed to spend several hours trying to understand the small business software I bought. I was never good at math so accounting definitely isn’t my strong suit, but you know… here’s hoping I learn some of it by osmosis. If I put the manual under my pillow, do you think it might transfer to my brain while I’m sleeping?”
He gave a lazy little chuckle. “If that were a thing, I would have definitely sailed through high school.” His laughing expression—eyes glinting, mouth curved—dropped as he asked more seriously, “And what about Ben?” He glanced beyond her to her son, who was silently and steadily working through his dinner, his head bent over his plate, seeming determined not to engage with anyone. “Are you going to the high school in Torrington, Ben?” Zach called over.
Maggie tensed instinctively. Ben stilled, looking hunted. A silence stretched on while Maggie waited for her son to speak, before she finally filled in as lightly as she could. “No, not just now. He’s doing school online for the moment. We’ll see about next year.”
Zach eyed them both consideringly, clearly finding the little exchange slightly weird, which it was. Ben did even worse in social situations than she did. These kind people must have wondered if they’d invited in a pair of complete losers, Maggie thought despondently. She had to find a way to rescue the evening, somehow.
“So, tell me,” she said to the whole table, her voice ringing out with overloud, forced jollity, “what do you guys do here for fun? I mean, in Starr’s Fall?” In case they thought she was making some kind of insinuation, she clarified hastily, “I mean, you know, as a leisure activity. Or hobby. Like, what is there todo…” She trailed off, realizing that her babbling had just made everything more awkward.
“Jeez, Mom,” Ben muttered under his breath.
“Well, there’s the hike up to Starr’s Fall,” Laurie ventured after a moment. “That’s a really fun thing to do.” She gave Joshua a loved-up, laughing glance which he returned; clearly there was some kind of heartwarming romantic story there.
“And the town has lots of things going on,” Jenna chimed in. “Joshua’s bookstore runs a book club, and I hope you’re going to join the Starr’s Fall Business Association?” She rolled her eyes good-naturedly. “Admittedly, that’s not exactlyfun, but…”
“Itisfun,” Laurie returned loyally.
“If you’re into Pilates, Elaine Barton runs a class in the church basement,” Jenna continued. “I’d say it’s great, but I haven’t ever been to it.” She grimaced good-naturedly. “But I will one day, I promise.”
“Okay.” She used to do Pilates, what felt like a million years ago, before Matt’s death. Maybe she’d do it again… if she could work up the nerve to walk into a room full of strangers. Maggie smiled at everyone, feeling slightly heartened by all the options. “Thanks. I look forward to getting involved.”
“And of course,” Zach chimed in, lounging back in his seat, “there will be even more events once you get the café going. You could have tournaments… classes…” He smiled at Ben. “Maybe even an RQ marathon.”
“RQ?” Laurie asked, wrinkling her nose.
“RainQuest,” Zach clarified with another smile aimed at Ben. “For those in the know.”
“Of course.” Laurie laughed, shaking her head. “RQ. Glad I know the lingo. Especially if you play.” She glanced at Joshua, who ducked his head.
“Only once in a while…”
Zach cocked his finger and thumb at him. “I’m checking out your stats online next time I play, MusicMan.”
Joshua laughed. “Go for it.”
Jenna shook her head in wonder. “I had no idea my brother was such a geek,” she remarked.
“Well, define geek,” Zach replied easily. “I prefer to call myself a connoisseur.” He smiled again at Ben, and Jenna blushed, realizing her mistake.
“Right…” she murmured, shooting Maggie an apologetic glance.
