Page 20 of If You Give a Grump a Christmas Tree Farm
“I suppose.”
“Finish your coffee, then we can get that list of groceries you made and take them to the cabin. We should have time to run out to Fairfield after that. Sound good?” I ask.
“Sounds like a plan.” I sip from my mug, and he glances at my computer.
“You have a knack for this sort of thing. Where’d that come from?”
“I was an art major in college.”
“Really?” His brows lift.
I shrug. “I used to paint. I thought about selling my designs online. I’d even worked out a way to turn them into merchandiselike tea towels and greeting cards, but David didn’t want me doing that.”
“Why not?”
“He always treated my abilities like a hobby, not something to be taken seriously.”
“Knowing my brother, I think he didn’t want you earning your own income.”
Everything in me goes still; he’s come so close to what I’ve suspected. After the way his parents sang David’s praises, it feels validating to have someone speak the words aloud I’ve always felt.
“Perhaps,” I whisper.
JJ studies me, but there’s no judgment in his eyes; it’s closer to sympathy. “I guess I see why you so badly need the farm to be successful.”
I down my drink and close my computer. “We should get going if we’re going to have time to do everything.”
“Sure.” He finishes his own drink, and stands. “Let’s go.”
“Let me run to the restroom.”
“I’ll meet you outside. I need to make a call.”
I head to the restroom and watch JJ retreat out the front door. When I emerge from the café, he’s leaning against a lamppost, his back to me, his phone on speaker, talking to someone.
“Bro, it doesn’t run.”
“I don’t need it to run. It’s just a prop for some photos. It’s important to her, Boot. I really want to make this happen.”
“Okay, well, I can load it on the flatbed and bring it up this weekend. Will that work for you?”
“Yeah, man. I appreciate it.”
“You owe me one.”
“Bullshit. You’re ol’ lady will be happy to see the thing go. You may even get you some.” JJ chuckles.
“You’re probably right about that. Send me the address, and I’ll text you when I’m ready to leave.”
“Will do.” He disconnects, and I pretend I just came outside and didn’t hear any of that. It sounds like he wants it to be a surprise, and I don’t want to ruin it for him. I’m touched he’s going to the trouble for me, and I’m dying to know what he’s getting us.
CHAPTER SEVEN
JJ—
Rebecca stops at several more businesses on our way down the block to Kringle’s Market. Each time making them the offer of a tree for letting us advertise our business.
Every one of them is receptive to the offer, and I think she has a better way with people than I do. She’s much more successful at talking them into it with her bright smile and cheery attitude than I was with the gruff offer I made the coffee shop manager in my abbreviated words.
