Page 54 of Love Me Sweet

Once they’d tasted their share of wine, they wandered over to where local artists had set up. The sign indicated this was the ‘17thAnnual Takin’ It to the Streets’ art fair.

Keenan gestured to a picture of a large elk with piercing dark eyes. “That one reminds me of Mitzi when she’s pissed at me.”

Andrew chuckled. Sylvie had chosen wisely when she’d picked Jackson Hole as a place to settle. The community had so much to offer. No doubt she’d eventually find someone special and settle down. It was apparent she was happy here in a way she’d never been happy back in Boston, in a way that she’d never been happy with him.

The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.

He’d tried to make her happy, had wanted to make her happy, but in the end they’d failed each other. As he and Keenan moved down the sidewalk filled with artists, Andrew realized that was the bitterest pill of all to swallow.

* * *

The Taste of the Tetons experience left Sylvie both exhausted and exhilarated. She’d made a lot of new connections and had given out a ton of business cards.

Because she’d been watching, she’d noticed how the eyes of potential clients lit up when she mentioned she’d recently worked with Kathy Randall on a Sweet Adaline’s event.

“I’m beginning to think Kathy was right,” Sylvie told Andrew that evening while she whipped together a grilled chicken and wheat-berry salad for dinner.

After indulging in too many sweets, they’d both been ready for something healthy.

“What was she right about?” he asked, putting napkins and silverware on the table, while the bottle of Gruner Veltliner he’d picked up at the Wine auction breathed on the counter.

“She told me that the best way to get referrals is to become involved in the community.” Sylvie shifted her attention to him while she tossed the salad. “I may have to join Sweet Adaline’s after all.”

“Would that be so bad?”

“I’ve never been much of a joiner.”

“It sounds like growing up you were never in any place long enough to join different clubs and activities.”

“That’s true,” she concurred. “And most of that kind of stuff cost money I didn’t have.”

“Not to mention once you got out of culinary school you were too busy working to make a living and pay off your loans to do anything extra.” Andrew added ice and water to some square glass tumblers.

Sylvie thought about what he’d said, then nodded. “You’re right. Just because I’ve never joined groups in the past doesn’t mean I can’t join now.”

“And just because something didn’t work in the past doesn’t mean it won’t work now.”Like them, he thought, then shoved the notion aside. “Do you like to sing?”

She considered. “I enjoyed it the other night.”

“You should give it a try.”

“I think I will.”

“Good.”

They exchanged a smile as Andrew turned to pour the wine.

* * *

Andrew had no idea what to expect at the Tuesday night book club meeting held at Cole and Meg’s home in the mountains. Neither he nor Sylvie had been told what book would be discussed. He only knew the dress was casual, which seemed to be how most events were in Jackson Hole, and that they only needed to bring themselves.

“I feel naked,” Sylvie whispered to him as they stepped into the great room filled with both adults and children.

“Really?” Andrew grinned. “Did you decide to go commando?”

Puzzlement blanketed her face then she rolled her eyes. “I am so used to bringing something. But Meg insisted everything was covered.”

“That doesn’t tell me if you’re wearing underwear.”

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