Page 50 of Must Love Bees
“They are. They’ve been on television.” Halley leaned forward, her face animated. “And magazines and podcasts, too.”
Now would be the time to start talking and acting like a somewhat normal person.
“Not famous,” Tansy said.
“Maybe a little famous.” Dane chuckled. “In the bee world, at least.”
Finally, Charlie managed to untangle his gaze from hers. Breathe. Calm. Speak. “It’s a whole other world.” He wasn’t sure if he was talking about the bee world or the one he’d discovered here. Not just in Honey but on the Hills’ front porch—with everyone watching and smiling at him as if having him here brought something more than awkwardness.
“Charlie,” Halley whispered, her knee nudging his. “Staring.”
Which stopped the staring immediately. He was oh so grateful it was Halley and not Nova that made this announcement. Something told him the rest of the Hills might have thoughts on his and Astrid’s charged looks that lingered far longer than necessary. It wasn’t normal. It wasn’t rational. While he’d yet to determine the cause of his overabundance of fascination with Astrid, it was undeniably real. That didn’t mean he wanted everyone knowing, and speculating and, likely, judging on whatever it was that was happening.
He didn’t add much to the constant flow of conversation, but he didn’t mind it as much as he’d thought he would. That wasn’t the only surprise that remained for the evening. One, he found the small, one-eyed Chihuahua that wedged itself between him and Nova charming. Butters the dog sighed, rested his head on Charlie’s knee and fell right to sleep. Charlie could do low maintenance. The next was Camellia’s cookies. They were good. Unexpectedly good. Before he knew it, he’d inhaled four.
“I’ll make sure Camellia makes a batch just for you, Charles.” Magnolia Hill insisted he take another cookie. “We’ll just add it on to tomorrow’s baking list.”
“Yay.” Nova clapped her hands, earning a disapproving look from the dog. “Oops, sorry, Butters.” She patted the dog’s back and he went back to snoozing on Charlie’s leg. “Can we come back tomorrow, Charlie?”
“You’re not supposed to ask in public.” Halley leaned around him to talk to her sister. “It makes everyone uncomfortable because they feel like they have to say yes.”
“Oh.” Nova glanced around the porch. “Never mind.”
“Don’t you fret about that. I hope you two will come back—whenever you like.” Camellia nodded. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had so much help in the kitchen.”
“Without any air-conditioning, it must be miserable in the house,” Magnolia added. “You’re likely to melt inside or outside when the heat is like this.”
“It is hot,” Nova agreed, glancing up at him.
He knew he should protest. He’d already taken advantage of the Hills’ hospitality once; it felt like an outright imposition to ask for more.
“It’s up to you, of course, Charlie.” That was Astrid.
Her voice seemed to tug on some invisible thread tying him to her. That was how it felt. He’d been caught, by her, in some intangible trap. Only he didn’t feel trapped. Slightly panicked, yes. And so much more... But now was not the time to dwell on that. He focused all of his attention on Butters. “I appreciate it. I know the girls do, too.” Thankfully, he didn’t sound conflicted.
“Excellent.” Camellia was all smiles. “I’ll have to make you pancakes in the morning.”
“We’re going swimming this weekend. Sunday.” Dane glanced his way. “There are a bunch of places to picnic and hang out. You and the girls should come.”
Charlie felt both of the girls staring up at him, expectant. Considering Nova wasn’t a fan of swimming, he was surprised by their interest. Almost as surprised by Dane’s invitation. “Sunday?” It was Thursday.
Dane nodded.
“That sounds good.” Charlie smiled at Nova’s squeal and Halley’s “Yes.”
“Not to beat a dead horse butswellwould have worked just fine there,” Van said, making everyone laugh.
Everyone except Nova. “A dead horse?” She was horrified.
“It’s an expression, Nova.” Astrid was quick to add. “There aren’t any dead horses.”
“You’re sure?” Nova looked to Astrid for reassurance—not him.
“I’m one hundred percent certain.” Astrid’s smile had his heart twisted in knots.
“We should go. It’s late.” He stood, dislodging Butters and making the swing wobble.
“Yes, yes, I suppose it is.” Van pressed a kiss to Camellia’s cheek. “I can give your little crew a ride home, if you like? It’s probably not the best idea to go tromping home in the dark. And it’s on my way.”
