Page 52 of Scrape the Barrel
“You snorted.”
Her nose scrunched. “So?”
I turned my focus back to Avery to be sure she didn’t get too far ahead. “It was cute.”
From my peripheral, I saw Sage’s mouth pop open, then snap shut again.
“Cat got your tongue?” I teased.
“In case you haven’t noticed, I’m currently cat-less.”
A soft chuckle escaped me. “Touché.”
Minutes later, we emerged from a row of trees, coming out right on the shore of the pond. Beside me, Sage stopped in her tracks, but ahead of me, Avery was already close to the water, picking up stones.
The two of them were already pulling me in separate directions.
I set the picnic basket down, pulling out a blanket and laying it on the grass. Setting the fishing pole beside the blanket, I reached back into the basket, grabbing what had me most nervous about this date.
Before I could stand up, Sage spoke up from behind me, where she was still frozen in place. “Is that…”
“Sage,” I finished for her.
“You brought me a bouquet of sage?”
My cheeks instantly lit up like a fire was burning in my skin, and I wanted to shrink into myself. Did she hate them? I knew this was too much.
“Callan.”
I looked up at her, the sun shining behind her, casting her silhouette in a bright glow. Her eyes searched mine for a moment before she took the two steps to the blanket and lowered herself to my level, taking the bouquet from me. I’d picked them myself, the bundle smaller than one from a floral shop, tied with an ivory ribbon at the stems.
“I love them. Thank you.”
The vibrant purple of the flowers looked pale in comparison to the light that Sage held in just her physical appearance alone.
“You’re welcome.” I turned back to the wicker basket to hide my face, knowing my cheeks were as red as cherries, but also to dig out the snacks I’d brought along.
I set the water bottles on the blanket, then laid out the wrapped sandwiches, chips, and fruit. I’d brought Avery her own Tupperware of string cheese, applesauce pouches, gummy bears, and graham crackers. I wasn’t really sure what she liked or if she was picky, so I’d packed what I’d seen other parents bring their children as a snack after lessons in the past.
“This is for Avery,” I said, setting the container down on the blanket.
Sage stared at it like it was going to sprout teeth and bite her.
“What’s wrong?”
“You packed Avery a lunch?”
I nodded hesitantly. “Yes… Is that okay? Is she allergic to anything?” I should’ve asked before I packed it.
Her gaze snapped to mine. “No.” She shook her head. “I mean, no, she’s not allergic to anything. Thank you for thinking of her.”
I studied her for a second, wondering why this was a shock to her. “Well, I did include her.”
“I know. It’s just…I thought you had her come along because there was no one else to watch her.”
My brows pulled together. “No. I wanted her to come.” Besides, if that was the case, I was sure my mom would have been more than eager to hang out with her for an hour or two.
Sage shook her head in disbelief.
