Page 78 of Must Love Bees
Nicole nodded. “He is a hard worker, that’s for sure.”
“Like his momma.” Aunt Camellia watched Van pull spice jars out with a growing smile. “Now, Van, are you sure you don’t need my help with dinner? You’ve been on your feet working all day.”
“I imagine you’ve been doing the same, Camellia Ann.” He winked at her. “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to. But I’ll let you keep me company.”
“If you think I’m leaving you alone in my kitchen, you’ve got another think coming.” Aunt Camellia giggled when Van pulled her into an embrace.
“That’s our cue to vacate the premises.” Astrid grabbed her and Nicole’s glasses of lemonade. “Porch?”
“Lead the way.” Nicole followed her out onto the wide, wrap-around porch. They sat side by side on the bench swing, arranging the pile of pillows until they were both comfortable.
“I need to thank Shelby again for that whole sponsorship idea.” Nicole took a sip of her lemonade. “She’s pretty cool. Things still good there?”
Astrid nodded, her gaze sweeping the property. “Great, really.” It was nice to see how the grass and trees had perked up from the rain. Bits of green speckled the otherwise waving wheat-colored grasses.
“Has Rosemary met her yet?” Nicole pulled her knees up.
“Online—Facetime and that sort of thing.” Astrid lifted her arm so Jammie the cat could jump into her lap. “Hopefully, Rosemary will get a chance to visit. Soon.” She missed her sister so much.
“I’m sure she misses you.” Nicole patted her leg. “And wants you to be happy. I can only imagine how nice that must be.” She rolled her eyes. “I don’t want to bring the mood down but... Astrid, I just don’t get Willadeene.”
“What did she do now?” Astrid braced herself.
“Besides telling me that Ginger would be better off in foster care?”
“Nicole.” Astrid shook her head, horrified. “That’s just mean.”
“She’s mad. And when she’s mad, she gets mean. I have a feeling she’s going to keep it up until I agree to sell the shop.” She tucked a strand of her lime-green hair back behind her ear.
Astrid stroked along Jammie’s back. “Surely, she can understand why you’re conflicted about selling. It was your grandmother’s shop. Her own mother’s shop.”
“You’d think, wouldn’t you? I’ve tried to explain that to her. Several times.” Nicole sat forward, propping her elbows on her knees. “But itisa good offer. Like, a lot of money. I didn’t want to look but... I did. Even split, it’s a lot. I’ve got to give it to them, these Stinson Properties folk aren’t playing games.”
“They’re persistent. Aunt Camellia has thrown a dozen or more of their business cards and notes in the trash. She says they’re just harassing us at this point.” Astrid shook her head. “Do you know what they want to do with the place? I know they’ve been making offers all over town.” Ever since those men had stumbled onto Rebecca’s property, Stinson Properties had left a bad taste in her mouth.
“No.” Nicole sighed. “That’s the only reason I’m not jumping on the offer. I don’t want some General Dollar or Express Grocer’s chain store going in.”
“I’m pretty sure city council wouldn’t let that happen, Nic.” But, then again, if Stinson Properties had really deep pockets, there was no guarantee. “Take time and really think about it. I don’t want you to have any regrets.”
“Exactly.” Nicole smiled.
About then, the loud rumble of Rebecca Wallace’s car could be heard. Charlie was coming. Astrid glanced toward the long drive. No car yet.
“Is Charlie here?” Nova peeked around the screen door. “I thought I heard his car.”
Astrid leaned forward and shielded her eyes. “Not yet.”
“Okay.” She disappeared.
“Speaking of regrets. Tansy says you’re officially crushing on Mr. Tall Dark and Moody.”
Astrid blinked. “What? I’m not crushing on anyone.” Which wasn’t true. “What did Tansy say?”
“Only that she’s never seen you like this with a man before.” Nicole shrugged.
That was true.
“I guess I’ll have to judge for myself at dinner. Aunt Camellia invited us to stay.” She grinned. “He’s been having dinner here since his AC died, right?”
