Page 94 of Trick or Tease

“Alright, everyone,” Billy called out, clapping his hands together. “Show’s over. We’ve got guests arriving in two hours and still have a million things to set up.”

As the group started to disperse, I caught myself feeling genuinely disappointed that our impromptu competition was over. When had I started looking forward to spending time with these guys instead of checking my phone for messages from the firm?

“Nice shooting,” Sabrina said, bumping my shoulder as we headed back toward the barn.

“Thanks. I have to admit, that felt pretty good.”

“You looked like you belonged out there,” she said quietly. “Like you were having fun.”

“I was. I did. I want to do it again.”

She laughed. “We’re going to have to plant another field of pumpkins.”

“Does Billy use that back field anymore?”

She shook her head. “That one hasn’t been planted in five or six years. It’s a lot to keep up with and there were always so many pumpkins leftover at the end of the season.”

“But with the increase in traffic, you’re going to need it,” I said. “If business keeps going like it has been, we’re going to be out of pumpkins.”

She nodded. “Yeah, probably.”

I was about to say I would look into the cost versus benefit analysis when I remembered I didn’t actually live on the farm. I didn’t work it or run it. And if things turned out the way I suspected they might, the farm wouldn’t even be around in another year.

But I didn’t say that.

“So, what’s on your agenda today?” she asked.

“I was going to try and put together a couple of those pop-up canopies for your granny’s table and a few others that offered to sell their wares.”

“Oh yeah?” she asked.

I nodded. “Yeah, I figured we could set up a little vendor area near the entrance. Make it look more official, give people a proper marketplace experience. I bet there are other folks in town who could use the extra income.”

The words came out before I really thought about them. I realized I was planning like I’d be here to see it all come together. Like this was my project, my responsibility. The thought should have made me uncomfortable, but instead it just felt like the right thing to do.

“That’s really thoughtful,” Sabrina said, and there was something in her voice that made me look at her more closely. “You’ve been thinking about this a lot, haven’t you? Not just the business side, but the people.”

I had been. More than I wanted to admit, even to myself. “It just makes sense from a revenue perspective,” I said, falling back on the safe language of business. “Diversified income streams, better customer experience.”

But that wasn’t the whole truth, and from the knowing look in her eyes, Sabrina could tell. When had I started caring about these people again? When had their problems become mine to solve?

“Well, whatever your reasons, it’s appreciated,” Sabrina said with a soft smile.

“Do you need help finishing the house before we open?” I asked.

She burst into laughter and took a step away from me. “No way. I am never going to get that place done if you keep helping me.”

I waggled my eyebrows. “I’m providing valuable support.”

“Maybe but two almost-ghosts do not make for a haunting experience. I still need to rig the lights in the yard. And I have that projector I need to set up.”

“I’ll help.”

“Garrett.”

“I will not lay a single finger on you,” I promised.

She didn’t look like she believed me. “Why don’t you put up the tents, and if you get done early, you can help me?”