Page 22 of All Inn Thyme
“I was out for a walk with Nova, and we came upon Mellie working on her greenhouse.”
Evan’s eyes narrow. “And then what?”
“Well, she was gardening in her underwear. I still don’t fully understand why, but she was bothered by me living in the bunkhouse and she let me know it.”
Evan’s face freezes for a few seconds before he bursts into laughter.
Logan joins in. “That’s freaking hilarious.”
Relieved that they’re taking it lightly, I explain, “She was mad. The worst part was that sheforgotshe was in her underwear while she reamed me. Then once she realized it, she left as fast as she could.”
“I wish I could give her shit about this,” Evan chuckles.
“Remember that time Mellie teased you about the older lady at the inn who had a crush on you and called you her personal bellboy? Mellie had found an old bellboy uniform at a costume thrift shop and left it hanging in your office as a joke.”
Evan rolls his eyes. “Yeah.”
“She needs a gardening uniform.” Logan laughs.
“That’s not a bad idea,” Evan says. “Payback.”
Logan walks over to the little drink fridge and snags three sport drinks. He tosses one to Evan and then one to me. He grabs a couple of juice pouches, opens them, and sets them on the counter for the boys.
“Thanks.” I take a sip, standing in front of the fan for a second. I wonder if she’s still mad at me. Maybe her seeing the greenhouse will soften her up.
We workout for a while longer and I think about how life could be if I lived here, if I wasn’t here just for the job. I’d have friends, maybe even a family like they do.
“Are they back yet?” I look over at Logan’s house. It’s a white, two-story farmhouse with black trimmed windows and a wide wraparound porch.
“Yep, I think so,” Logan says.
“I should go so she’s not uncomfortable.” I pick up my towel and throw it over my shoulder.
“She’ll be alright. You live here too now, so it’s best you both get the awkward out of the way,” Logan says.
Evan agrees. “Let’s head over. My sister usually has something freshly baked.”
We all head over, the boys trailing behind us. Logan opens the side door, and we step in. “Ace!” he calls, his face beaming.
“Hi, babe.” Allie comes in and she leans up to kiss him. “How was your workout?”
“Good.”
“Hey, stinky,” Allie says to her brother, punching him lightly in the arm.
“Hi, Ty, come in. You’re included in this. I can’t decide what’s going to make the final cut for the bakery menu,” Allie says warmly.
“Hello,” I say, stepping in and holding the door for the boys to pass through.
“What did you bake me?” Evan asks, ignoring her jabs.
“A whole menu sampler. I need your opinions on my current lineup, gentlemen. Who volunteers to be my taste tester?”
“Don’t have to ask me twice,” Evan says, walking toward the kitchen.
I’ve heard a lot of buzz about Allie’s new bakery coming to town and I’ve heard she makes the best baked goods in Freedom Valley. “I’m definitely happy to help out.” I follow them into the kitchen that looks newly remodeled with bright white countertops, dark walnut cabinets, and an exposed brick backsplash.
All I can focus on is Mellie. She won’t acknowledge me, but I don’t even care. Her hair is pulled up in a ponytail, her face makeup-free, making her look younger than she is.
