Nothing’s changed.
Fred closes his eyes like he’s counting backward from ten. “That took longer than necessary and I don’t care.” He stuffs his hands into his overall pockets. “I’m splitting you into pairs so you stay focused.”
Drew’s hand shoots up. “I’ll work with Sandie or Shaun.”
Fred snorts. “Absolutely not.”
Then he points between me and Val.
“You two are on kids’ crafts. Pumpkin painting, coloring, bracelets. Keep it clean. Keep it organized.”
Something sparks low in my chest. I glance at Val again. She’s already looking at me, brows raised, lips pressed together like she’s fighting a reaction.
Fred jerks his thumb toward Drew and Cole. “You’re on games by the corn maze. Pumpkin toss. Carving contest. Try to make it look fun.”
Finally, he turns to Sandie. “You’re with me at the main barn. Baked goods and coffee stations need finishing touches.”
Sandie groans. Drew mutters something about favoritism. Cole looks like he might pass out.
Val and I stay quiet, but I catch her shifting beside me. Just a small movement. Enough to give her away.
Of all the pairings.
Yeah.
This just got interesting.
Fred digs into his pocket and tosses a set of keys at Drew. He catches them easily. “Tractor’s out back. Don’t go near my new pumpkin patch. It’s my prize crop. You touch it, you’re both out. Got it?” His stare sharpens.
Drew mumbles his agreement.
“Good. Get to work!”
He storms off in a cloud of dust and irritation. Fantastic farm, my ass.
Sandie hustles after him. Drew and Cole head toward the tractor, their voices already fading into the distance.
Val and I don’t move.
The barn feels too quiet without everyone else. Too big. I glance over and find her staring right back at me. Neither of us looks away.
“Hey,” I say, lifting my hand in a wave. I hate how unsure it sounds.
She freezes. I can almost see her thoughts racing. Calculating. Deciding if she can avoid me for the next eight hours. The idea knots something in my chest.
Five seconds pass. Maybe less.
“Hay,” she says flatly.
Then she points at a nearby stack of hay bales.
It’s so quiet I can hear the corn rustle outside.
I lose it. Full-on laughter spills out of me, loud and uncontrollable. My stomach hurts by the time I catch my breath. Val’s lips twitch, then curve into a small smile before she can stop it.
Just one word. That’s all it took.
The weight on my chest lifts. I feel lighter. I always did around her, even back then, even from across a hallway. For a moment, I can’t remember why I ever thought pushing her away was a good idea.
