Page 34 of Sugar Coated Lies
This shocks him.
“We didn’t bake them all, although we made a lot. I snapped pictures of the recipes on my phone so I could study them at home. I like to be prepared. I find it helps.”
“I feel the same way.”
We pull into the farm, the beauty of it as impressive as it was the day before. Once we’re parked, Daire walks with me to the café so he can greet Millie. I don’t know if that’s true, but I like his company.
“Morning, Millie,” he says when she exits the kitchen.
“Daire?” she says as if surprised, a tray of warm, sugary-smelling donuts in her hands. “Come for some coffee?”
I race over to help. “Here. I can take that.”
She sets it on the counter. “Would you be a dear and put these in the display case?”
“Of course.”
“I’d love some coffee,” Daire says. “But I can get it myself. I know you’re busy.”
“I just made a fresh pot.” She nods to it and returns to the kitchen.
“Millie is a bit of a workaholic,” Daire whispers to me.
I giggle and drop the donut on the tray as a shiver runs through me from the warmth of his breath and nearness.Dear God, don’t let him have noticed.
Daire gets coffee and excuses himself to work. I try not to watch him leave, but he makes it hard with that slight swagger in his step.
I force my gaze away before someone catches me staring and head into the kitchen to help Millie.
The morning flies by in a whirl of flour, sugar, hot ovens, and sweet pastries. Millie insists I take a lunch even though I told her I don’t mind working straight through.
“Breaks are important.” She shoos me from the kitchen.
“What about you?” I ask.
“I’ll man the café while you eat and then we’ll switch. I had so many croissants this morning, I’m not hungry yet.”
“Okay.” I gather my bagged lunch from my purse and head out onto the back porch to eat at one of the tables.
Sun rays glint off the pecan trees as their leaves sway with the breeze. Wind chimes hang from the awning of the porch, the tinkling sound soothing.
I pull out the metal chair and sit, unpacking a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, fruit gummies, and the sweet tea I grabbed from the cooler on my way out here. The sandwich and gummies remind me of the lunches Mom used to pack for me when I was a child. I’ve been eating them ever since she passed as a way to feel close to her, like she’s still taking care of me.
The door opens and Tennessee bounces out. She glances at me, and her bubbly expression turns sour.
Easton appears next. Only his reaction to spotting me has a different effect. His lips turn up with a perfect grin. “If it isn’t my new favorite employee.”
Tennessee rolls her eyes. “I’ll be at the lake.” She turns on her heel and saunters to the far side of the porch before taking the steps to the grass and disappearing down a row of pecan trees.
“Hi, Easton. How are you today?”
“I’m great.” He stands taller, dressed in khaki shorts and a green pecan farm polo.
“I like your shirt,” I tease him. “Is it new?”
“Pretty and a sense of humor.” He sits across from me, eyes my lunch, and frowns. “The food is free here.”
“I know. Old habit.” I shrug. It’s easier than explaining the truth, and besides, that’s personal.
