Page 56 of Playing it Country

“Howdy, boys. How y’all doin’?” she says and I wave.

“I’d hug you but…” I motion to my sweat- and dirt-covered clothes.

“What do you think so far?” Otto asks, and she surveys the space we’d drawn and redrawn to her and Cullen’s specifications.

“I think it’s going to really elevate the look and feel of this place.” Her expression softens. “Darling Farms has always been such a special part of this town. I’m honored to be a part of her facelift.”

“Her?” Mason asks and Gwen smiles.

“A place that can stand the test of time and come out swinging is the epitome of a woman, darlin’.”

Mason blushes but agrees, “Yes, ma’am.”

“Gwen, this is Mason Amato and Bodhi Maxwell. They just started with us.” I turn to the guys. “This is Gwen Slate. She owns and runs Velvet Threads with her daughter, Cheyenne.” I wink. “And she’s datin’ Cullen Andrews.”

Gwen gives me a mischievous smile I don’t dare look too far into and then turns a southern belle smile on the guys.

“That reminds me.” She hustles back to her car and comes back with a stack of freshly printed shirts with our company logo.

“Thanks, Gwen,” Otto says as he accepts them and grins and I totally get it. Sometimes it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come. We exchange a smile before he takes the first two shirts and tosses them to Mason and Bodhi. “Welcome to the family.”

23

HANNAH

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: Just Checking In

Hannah Banana,

How are you?I haven’t heard from my big sister since you arrived in nowhere USA. How’s small town life? Are you saying y’all yet? When do you hear about the job? Mom asked AGAIN if I heard anything so please call her because I can’t field another fifteen messages—not kidding.

But really—how are you? I’m sorry I’ve been out of cell range. I’ll try to get back to you when I can but you know how it can be. I miss you and I understand the burnout—I feel it too. I’m proud of you for taking the time to recharge.

Love you.

Calico

From:[email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: RE: Just Checking In

Calico,

Clementine Creek is—idyllic.It sounds cliché but it’s unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. I’m—get this—making friends. I know, I’m shocked too and I have a roommate who is pretty great. He’s super hot which I know you were dying to hear but he also…gets me. It’s weird and I don’t know how to handle it most times but I’m trying.

Aunt Holly and Uncle Marcus say hi and they miss you. I miss you. I can’t remember the last time we met up for more than a few hours. I used to think that’s what life was about—rushing from one place to another—but now I’m just…tired.

Don’t tell Mom or I’ll tell her how the car REALLY got that dent in the driver’s side door of our old Subaru wagon. Also, I’m taking pictures for me again and it feels good. I’ve attached some below. The sky is the most incredible shade of blue. Be safe.

Love you,

Hannah Banana

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