Page 43 of If You Give a Grump a Christmas Tree Farm
I choose not to respond, and the subject eventually changes to all the things that Rebecca has been getting set up and started at the farm.
“Oh, and I’ve started selling classes for wreath decorating, too. Here. I have a picture.” She swipes through the photos on her phone until she comes to a beautiful wreath with red hollyberry sprigs, ornaments in red, white and silver, and big fancy bows added to it.
“Those are to die for.” Amanda takes the phone from her to zoom in for a closer look.
“You know where those would look great?”
“Where?”
“On all these lampposts around the square.” Amanda points.
Rebecca studies them. “That’s a really great idea.”
“Who would we need to talk to?” I chime in.
“City Council.” Eric doesn’t skip a beat. “There’s a town hall meeting tomorrow. Y’all should go.”
“Are we there yet?” Sophia whines. “My feet hurt in these shoes.”
She holds up a foot and, sure enough, she’s in black patent leather shoes with little heels.
“There it is right there.” Rebecca points a few shops down. It sits between the Christmas Corner, which is a little gift shop, and the Drunken Elf, a rather inviting looking tavern.
Two scoops and a spoonful of sprinkles later, and Sophia has all but forgotten her sore little feet.
“So, tell me about thesegentlemenbikers.” Amanda’s gaze shift from me to Rebecca.
I guess the grilling will continue. I can’t help but wonder if it’s due to us being business partners or the fact that my eyes keep straying to Rebecca’s legs. Damn, what I would do to have them wrapped around me.
“I told you about the pumpkins. He called his brothers, and at a drop of a hat, they came to help.”
“So, they’re reliable.” She nods.
“And respectful. It was allyes, ma’amthis andthank you, darlin’that.”
I grin at her defense of them.
“And you want to keep doing this? This farm with Rebecca?” She turns her full attention to me.
“I told her I’d give it the year and see how it goes.”
“So, no commitment from you.”
“I’m committed to this for a year. I’m here, aren’t I?” There’s an edge to my voice, and neither Rebecca nor her sister miss it.
“I hope you’re here for more than just her. I hope you’re involved.”
“Amanda, why don’t you drop it for tonight?” Eric suggests.
“I want to know that my baby sister isn’t going to get left high and dry after she clearly poured her heart and soul into this farm.” She gestures in a vague direction, which I don’t even think is in the direction of the farm, but I get her point.
“We’re working through things as new business partners, and I’m trying my damnedest to give it a real shot.”
“Well—”
Rebecca quiets her sister with a hand on her arm. “Stop. He’s doing everything I ask and more. He dressed up and filmed an ad with me just the other day, and he bought us an old farm truck so I could have the photo op spot I wanted. I appreciate the concern; I really do. But we’re both trying our best, so please stop putting him through the ringer.”
Amanda seems to ponder this for a moment and then gives Rebecca a quick nod. “Okay.”
