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“As long as it takes.”
“As long as it takes to do what, exactly?”
He had a feeling all of their conversations were going to circle back around to his work at the candle company. He couldn’t blame her for being curious. But he was working for her aunt. Until Ms. Taylor gave him explicit instructions to share his project, he couldn’t go into details. Confidentiality was a cornerstone of his occupation.
The waitress came rushing back to the counter and slid the now-empty tray beneath it. She placed cups and saucers in front of them. As she filled them with coffee, she said, “Your orders will be up in just a minute.”
“Thanks, Carrie. By the way, I have some more ideas for the dance. I’ll text you.”
“Sounds good.”
Once the waitress moved on, Kate turned inquisitive eyes on him. “So, what can you tell me about your work?”
He avoided her gaze. “Nothing.”
“Not even a hint of what you’re looking for? I might be of more assistance to you if I know what you’re after.”
He smiled and shook his head. “Are you always this persistent?”
She nodded. “If it’s important enough.”
“You obviously care a lot about your aunt and the company.”
“I do. That’s why I want to do whatever I can to help. So talk to me.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t. My work is confidential. Anyway, I’m still in the information-gathering phase, I’ll let you know if there’s anything you can help with.”
Just then Carrie arrived, saving him from an awkward conversation. She placed a steaming bowl of stew in front of him and one in front of Kate. And then she supplied them each with a few thick slices of bread and a dollop of butter.
The steam was still rolling off the bowls, but that didn’t stop Wes from taking a spoonful. It smelled so good. He just couldn’t wait. He blew on the chunky stew a few times and then took a bite. How was it possible it tasted even better than it smelled?
“Mm…”
Kate smiled at him. “So you like it?”
He swallowed. “I do. This is amazing. Do you think they’d give me the recipe if I ask, so I can make it when I return to New York?”
Her smile broadened. “A lot of people have tried, but they don’t hand out their recipes. It’s a family secret.”
Disappointed, he said, “Looks like I might have to make regular visits to Bayberry.”
“It’s that good, huh?”
He nodded as he took another mouthful. For a few minutes, they ate in silence. He knew he was really hungry, but this was the best beef stew he’d ever had.
“I might have seconds,” he said, nearing the bottom of the bowl.
“And you haven’t even tried the home-baked bread yet.”
He reached for a slice and buttered it. “Don’t tell me they churn their own butter, too.”
“No, they don’t. But don’t give them any ideas. After all, Hunter’s Dairy is just down the road, so it’s a possibility.”
He tried but couldn’t recall any dairy. His family had always gotten milk at the grocery store, like most people.
He bit into the bread and stifled a moan. He chewed the soft bread and swallowed. “This dairy, they sell fresh milk right there at the farm?”
She smiled and nodded. “They have a small store. They pasteurize and bottle it right there. If you’re interested, I can take you. I’m sure they’ll give you a tour.”
