Page 12 of Must Love Bees
“Really?” Nova was practically vibrating with excitement. “We’ve been talking about her, too. And her aunt. And the candy. And the grippy thing from the hairy movie.”
Charlie did have some questions about the grippy thing the girls had seen in the shop.
“It’s called a frame grip.” Astrid was laughing softly. “Itdoessort of look like a big pincher.” She met his gaze then. “It helps pull the frames out of each hive box.”
Which didn’t really clear up any of his questions. But questions would lead to more conversation and he was pretty sure everyone wanted this to end as soon as possible.
“Astrid also said you had lots of good questions about beekeepers, like us.” Tansy pointed between herself and Astrid. “And that you two wanted to come to the bee observation deck? Get a safe look at the bees.”
“Because bees sting and that hurts.” Nova wasn’t intentionally mimicking him. He had repeated the words to her, over and over again, once they’d discovered the old hives on his aunt’s property. The last thing he needed was for one of them to get stung. For all he knew, they could be allergic. Honey, Texas, might have some sort of rudimentary medical facility but any real medical establishments would be a good forty-five minutes away—at least.
“Is it true bees don’t want to sting us?” Halley frowned.
“If they sting you, they die.” Dane crossed his arms over his chest. “Believe me, they don’t want to sting you.”
Charlie winced, waiting for the girls’ reaction. They didn’t talk about death or dying, not since Yasmina had passed. He’d purchased a whole library of books on healthy grieving and talking to kids about death but all that had done was guarantee that, without reading directly from the book, he wasn’t equipped for that sort of deep and introspective discussion.
“They only sting when they absolutely have to.” Astrid tucked a long strand of braided strawberry-blond hair behind her ear. “When they’re protecting their hive or another bee has sent out a distress signal and wants backup. Just like any family, really. They rally to protect each other and their home.”
“Theytalk?” Nova’s eyes were round with astonishment.
“Not like we do, no.” Astrid crouched. “But they communicate through scent and dancing.”
“They do not.” Halley laughed. “Dancing?”
Halley laughing? Charlie’s chest tightened.
“It’s true.” Astrid was all smiles.
Her smile had Charlie’s throat constricting to the point of discomfort.
“They have dances to tell the other bees where food is located and how much there is.” Astrid shrugged. “It’s a bee thing.”
From the looks on the girls’ faces, they were just as surprised by this information as he was. He was grudgingly interested. Not enough to carry on a conversation, however.
“Cool, right?” Astrid asked. “That’s the thing about bees, they’re surprising. I’ve grown up around them and I still learn from them—all the time.”
“They can’t sting up on the observation deck?” Halley asked.
“Nope,” Tansy answered. “It’s almost ready. You’ll be one of our inaugural visitors.” She looked up at Dane, who smiled back at her.
Charlie wasn’t one for public affection—affection of any kind wasn’t something he had much experience with. Watching the two of them reach for each other’s hands and smiling at each other had him swallowing down a groan of impatience. Not only were they sticking their nose into his business, Halley was making that face that guaranteed he’d be forced to listen to her go on about Sam or Scott or whatever his name was and he’d have to remind her she was too young for arelationshipand how love was only hormones firing and something that would fade. He could hardly wait.
He didn’t like the Hills. Not Dane or Tansy. Especially not Astrid Hill. He didn’t know why, but there was something about her that set his nerves on edge. They’d delivered the bike. Mission accomplished. He wasn’t inviting them in, he wasn’t pretending to be pleased over this visit so why weren’t they getting the hint—and leaving?
But then his gaze met Dane’s. Okay, Dane got the hint. The narrow-eyed look he was shooting Charlie’s way was anything but friendly. Which was fine with Charlie. He had no interest in being friends with any of them. Making friends would only complicate things when he and the girls went back to their real lives. As soon as they met with the lawyer and he sold this place that could happen. Honey would only be a memory.
“You’re welcome to come visit our observation deck, too, Charlie. It might be a nice break for you all.” Tansy shrugged. “Honey, Texas, is all about the bees. And the honey.”
“Word has it, you’re planning on selling.” Dane draped his arm across Tansy’s shoulders. “I’m guessing you’ve got lots to do to get the place ready to put on the market.”
Charlie nodded.Not that it’s any of your business. “That’s the plan.”The sooner the better.
Dane nodded. “Eager to get home, I’m sure. Where is home?”
“Fort Worth.” At the moment, it felt like a world away.
“Our aunt and cousin are there now. Visiting museums. Some limited modern exhibition. My cousin is into graphic arts and modern design so she was looking forward to it...” Astrid’s words trailed off but she was still smiling. “I’m sure they’re having all sorts of fun.”
