“What’s the plan for Saturday?” Harper asked.
Anita slipped on her tan peacoat. “All the businesses are passing out candy and doing a small version of a sidewalk sale. I’m serving coffee and the pumpkin cookies in front of the café while Tanner is passing out cups of water and lemonade and selling hot dogs.”
“The BBs are doing something in front of the store,” Riley said. “Mimi’s being tight lipped about it, so who knows what they’re up to? Hayden’s running the parade, so I’m working at the hardware store with Jasper. Hayden’s parents will be working inside.”
“I thought they retired when they sold the store to Hayden,” Harper said.
“They did, but his dad pops in and does some work every once in a while. I think he misses it, even though he’s happy being retired.”
“Do any of you need help?” Harper asked.
Anita shook her head and grabbed her purse, then picked up her cupcakes. “I don’t think so.”
“We figured you would be working,” Riley added. “I’m going to lock the door up front and head over to Price’s. Hayden’s waiting for me. The back door is already locked. You just have to close it. See y’all later.”
After Riley left, Harper picked up the remaining cupcakes and slung her purse over her shoulder. A weird feeling came over her. The feeling of being left out.
She and Anita walked to their cars. Before she got into the Mercedes, Harper asked, “Are you sure no one needs anything? I could help pour coffee or put the hot dogs in their buns.”
“Tanner’s got plenty of help. He hired Jackie and Jesse Mathis to work the catering business, so they’ll be there with their cousin Jimmy to man the hot dogs. Mom and Paisley are helping me with the café. Maybe one of the other businesses could use some help.”
“I’ll check.” Harper was disappointed none of her friends needed her on Saturday. But she wasn’t surprised. It was her own fault for not being available for so long. Maybe she should set up a table or booth for her own business. She made a mental note to call Hayden and ask him if it was too late to put something together.
She told Anita goodbye and opened the car door, then put the cupcake carrier on the passenger seat of her car. But when she sat in the driver’s seat, she didn’t start the engine. It was almost nine thirty. Was it too late to talk to Rusty? She glanced at the cupcakes. Taking those home with her would be a calorie-costing mistake, especially in her current mood.She could stop by and give Rusty the news about the Miles Road property and also the six temptations sitting next to her. That might soften the blow a little bit, although she doubted it. She was a good baker, but not that good.
Decision made, she drove out of the parking lot and headed to his house.
Chapter11
When Harper pulled into Rusty’s driveway, his truck was gone. The disappointment she felt earlier deepened as she glanced at the cupcakes. Oh well, she could leave them on the front porch. They would be safe in the carrier from any critters and pests. She started to pull a piece of scrap paper and a pen out of her purse when she saw the front porch light turn on and an old man walking out of the house, his hand hovering above his eyes, shielding them. Oh good, Senior was home. She could give the cupcakes to him.
Harper shut off her headlights, grabbed the container, and got out of the car. “Hi, Mr.Jenkins,” she said, walking up to the concrete slab in front of the door. “My name is Harper. I’m...” She almost said “friend,” and that would be true. But this was a business call. “I’m Rusty’s real-estate agent.”
Senior broke out into a grin and dropped his arm to his side. “Well, I’ll be. I’ve seen you at church over the years, haven’t I?”
“Yes.” Although she hadn’t been going much lately, and she used to attend all the time.I have got to get my lifetogether.She glanced at his red sweatshirt that saidWoo to the Pigon it. “I went to Fayetteville,” she said, referring to her alma mater, whose mascot was the Razorback.
“Go, Hogs.” Senior made a fist pump and gave her a wide smile, his teeth so perfect she was sure he took them out at night. But his smile was also warm and engaging, like his grandson’s. “What can I help you with, MissHarper?”
Oh, he was going to be an excellent bachelor. He had the same southern drawl as Rusty, and he was a cute old man to boot. Cammi had been thrilled when she called and told her she’d found two men for the bachelor auction. She’d just neglected to tell Cammi how old they were, and Cammi didn’t ask, only told her to give Sunny Bigelow, the woman who was putting together the program, their information. No one liked to pass the buck more than Cammi.
“I came by to drop off some cupcakes.” She held up the container.
He scratched the top of his bald head. “Kind of late to be deliverin’ baked goods.”
He was right about that. “I was at Knots and Tangles with the CCs and—”
“It’s okay, you don’t have to explain yourself. I’m just yankin’ your chain a tad. Rusty ain’t here right now. He’s at the shop. You can take the cupcakes there.”
“Oh, I don’t want to bother him while he’s workin’.”
Senior beamed. “I don’t think he’d mind one little bit. Go on. Tell him Senior sent ya.”
She laughed. “I will. Nice to meet you, Mr.Jenkins.”
“Nice to meet you too. Don’t be a stranger, now.”
Senior kept the light on and stood on the stoop until shehad driven away. Rusty didn’t get his manners just from his G’ma, she could see.
