Page 18 of Deck the Hauls

As we reached the front door, my shoulders relaxed. The tree climbing scene was out of the way, I’d learned my new lines, and I was feeling more comfortable being back on set after two days of filming.

But there was still the whole ice-skating scene. I winced.

“Is everything okay?” Dana asked. Had she noticed the wince? I added ‘perceptive’ to the list of traits I liked about her.

“I just remembered I still need to learn how to ice skate and I’m running out of time. I called the rink to ask if they offered lessons and they don’t, but I figure if I watch some YouTube videos and then spend a few hours practicing, I should be fine. At least, I hope so…” I trailed off.

Dana frowned.

I stopped by the coat rack, a sinking sensation in my stomach. “You don’t think so?”

Dana slipped her hands into her pockets. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. It’s a shame they don’t give lessons.” She paused. “If you want, I could try to teach you some basics?”

“Oh, wow. Are you sure? You’ve already spent more than enough time helping me.”

The memory of Dana’s eyes gazing into mine, her arms wrapped around my body, as she caught me earlier appeared in my mind. I shook it off.

“I’m happy to help. When would you like to go?”

I pulled on my coat. “I’m free Saturday night, if that would work?”

“Sure. I can pick you up if you’d like. Say, six-thirty?”

“Perfect. I’ll see you then.” I turned toward the front door and then paused. “Hey, should we swap numbers?” I swallowed. Why was I feeling so nervous? It wasn’t like we were swapping numbers for a date. “Just in case anything comes up and we need to change plans?”

“Sure. Do you want me to type my number in your phone?” Dana asked.

I pulled my phone out and tapped the screen, noting another missed call from that journalist. I really should block her. I swiped the notification away for now and handed Dana the phone.

Dana typed her number into my phone.

Even with the Phillip reminder, my step was light as I walked to the car. I was looking forward to Saturday night already.

CHAPTER SEVEN

DANA

I hauled the canvas bags out of the truck, glancing over the dirt road to the old barn, where the film crew’s vehicles were parked.

What was Emily filming today? I’d had a surprisingly good time last night, eating dinner together and then running lines. It was incredible to see an actress I’d known on-screen rehearse in front of me. Even with me for a practice partner, she was professional and very talented. Although I definitely had not been prepared for her to launch herself at me. It had really thrown me, Emily suddenly in my arms, gazing up at me with her large hazel eyes.

I checked my watch. Just past nine. Hopefully it wouldn’t take too long to pick the remaining apples and then I could spend the afternoon harvesting the last of the snapdragons. I tucked the bags under one arm, grabbed the ladder out of the truck with the other and started toward the trees.

Most of the leaves had fallen now, crunching under my feet as I stepped into the orchard. There were no Royal Gala apples left, but the Pink Lady and Granny Smith trees hadn’t entered winter dormancy and still had some fruit hanging amongst their fading yellow and brown leaves. The breeze was tinged with the sweet, fermenting scent of overripe apples that had dropped to the ground. I took a deep breath. I loved the apple orchard at this time of year. “Dana!”

I froze, the back of my neck tingling, and dropped the ladder to the ground. I would know that voice anywhere.

I slowly turned.

Jake.

My brother stood in front of me. Tall, tanned, with dark brown hair and a short beard, a serious expression on his face. He wore brown work pants and a puffer jacket, and his dark brown boots were spattered with mud.

“What are you doing here?” My stomach reeled with nausea. Had something happened to Mom and Dad?

“I’m sorry to show up like this, but we need to talk.” He shuffled uneasily on his feet. “Do you want me to help?”

“Okay. Fine.” I handed him a canvas bag.