“We have to run, meeting with the realtor at noon, but tell her we’ll text later. Glad everything is going well,” he said.
“Will do, sir. Good luck at the realtor.”
I put my phone back into my jeans pocket.
“What are you doing here?”
Mae came around the bar, her hair back in a ponytail. An unusual style for her, but I liked it. We weren’t very busy, not unusual for a Tuesday at this time.
“What kind of greeting is that?” she teased.
So far, it hadn’t been the least bit awkward since our drive home, but this was the first time we were seeing each other. We’d texted a bit back and forth yesterday like normal, but even now, it was just… us.
Except, of course, everything had changed.
I took a step toward her as Mae leaned against the back bar. Leaning in, to make sure I wasn’t overheard, I whispered, “Love the pony. Thing is, Mae, I know all of your secrets. So I know for a fact if we found ourselves alone in the back room, you wouldn’t mind if I used it as leverage.”
Her lips twitched, fighting a smile, but she didn’t answer. I left her and turned to Lou, who’d just walked in.
“You’re early today.”
He grunted. “Hired a college kid to help me out.”
Pouring him a beer, only one at lunchtime, I slid it across the bar.
“About time. I’ve been telling you for years to hire some help. The usual?”
“Yeah,” he said. “No fries, though.”
That was a surprise.
“I’m cutting back.”
I could have commented, but got the sense Lou didn’t want to talk about it. He was divorced, had been for years. But I had noticed him looking a little leaner. Was there a woman involved? I punched in his order and stood beside Mae.
“Your dad called. Said they were heading to the realtor but would text you later.”
She smelled like lilies. It was a new scent, since France. A pretty one, perfect for her.
“So you’re just going to pretend you didn’t say… that?”
I looked her in the eyes. “I’m not wrong.”
“Not the point.”
“Come down to the inn tonight. Mason and Pia have leftovers from a wedding Sunday.”
“Um, I’m working.”
“I know, you weren’t supposed to be in until four. Miss me?”
Mae shoved me away from her, but laughed. “Hardly. You mentioned the supplier shorted us on mixers again. Figured I’d sort that out and take inventory on the wine fridge while I was at it. Thought I’d knock it out before the rush.”
“Hmm, likely excuse.”
I scanned the bar while pulling my phone back out. Clicking it, I wasn’t surprised Tessa answered right away. “Hey, Tess. Any chance you can cover tonight around seven? Shouldn’t be a late night. You could close down anytime.”
Wondering if Mae could hide her emotions in a high-stakes poker match, I decided she couldn’t. “Thanks. I owe you one.”
