Emily glanced down at the row of candy apples as an idea filled her mind. “Could I take a couple of these outside to share?”
“Of course you can.”
“Thanks.”
Jake frowned and glanced around the side of the barn, where Vince continued to hammer new sheets of plywood over where the rotten boards had been removed.
Vince had arrived right at eight that morning, ready to work, but Jake hadn’t heard from Eddie or Rico, despite his efforts to text and call them. They’d both seemed off yesterday—very quiet instead of their usual jovial selves. Jake had a feeling that something was up, but he’d let it go since everyone had bad days.
But having only Vince’s and Emily’s help with the barn walls was going to put them behind. He’d wanted the walls done by Friday so they could focus on getting the interior ready for the vendors. At this rate the barn would never be ready in time for the anniversary celebration.
His phone dinged with two texts almost simultaneously—one from Rico and one from Eddie.
Rico: Hey, Jake. I took a job with Apple Haven. Sorry to do this, but I need the higher pay. I have to think of my family. Anyway, I’ll stop by Friday for my last paycheck. Hope you understand. Thanks.
Eddie: Yo, Boss. Sorry to bail, but I accepted a position with Apple Haven. Got a raise and benefits too. I appreciate the opportunity, but you know how it is. Anyway, I’ll be there Friday for my last paycheck. Thanks, man.
Jake’s stomach bottomed out, and his jaw clenched.
Not only was Apple Haven threatening to take his customers, but now they were stealing hisemployees. What was next? Would they come for his parents’ home? Their land?
With a growl, Jake dropped his phone in his pocket and picked up his hammer and a piece of Sheetrock. He lined up the sheet of plywood with the barn frame, lifted the hammer, and set the nail in place. He banged the nail into the wood with all his might, doing his best to release all the stress and anger swarming his chest. He repeated the process until the piece of plywood was secured in the wall.
Mr. Tompkins’s warnings about Apple Haven came to the forefront of his mind as he set another piece of the plywood against the barn’s wall frame. He held it steady with his left forearm while holding a nail between his finger and thumb.
Folks are saying that the new place is going to put Hughes Family Orchard out of business since it’s been... ahem, going downhill.
The words echoed through Jake’s mind, and he lost his concentration and missed the nail, sending a shock wave of pain from his thumb through his hand and up his arm. Sucking in a deep breath, he dropped the hammer and began to dance around. Shaking his hand and stamping his foot, he groaned and tucked his hand under his opposite arm.
“Jake!” Emily’s frantic voice sounded behind him. “Are you okay?”
She appeared beside him and grabbed his arm. “Let me see.”Her golden-brown eyes were full of concern, and her empathy made his mouth dry.
He held out his hand, and she examined his thumb, now bright red. She brushed her fingers over his hand, and her warm skin made his heart flop around like a fish out of water.
“Can you move it?” she asked.
He did, and when the pain flared, he hissed.
“I’ll go get you some ice,” she said, and she started toward the path.
“No,” he said, and she stopped moving. “I’m fine.” She raised her eyebrows, and he added, “Really, I am. But thanks.” He brushed his hand over his stubble and frowned.
She studied him. “What’s wrong?”
“I bashed my thumb. Remember?”
“You need to turn the frown upside, and I have just the remedy. I have a surprise for you and Vince.” She looked past Jake. “Hey, Vince! You still here?”
“Yeah.” Vince came around from the back of the barn and pushed his hand over his dark hair.
Emily jogged over to the picnic table and returned with two candied apples. “Jake’s mom is making her out-of-this-world candy apples. I snagged two for you.” She handed them over. “She still won’t tell me what’s in her secret recipe.”
“Oh man, I love these things! They’re the best,” Vince said before taking a bite.
Jake nodded and did the same, and the crisp treat brought back a rush of childhood memories.
“I have an idea,” Emily suddenly announced.
