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“I could speak to Jillian for you. You know, put in a good word—”
“No.” When he didn’t hear a response, he said, “Beth, don’t you dare interfere. You do realize that I’m an adult, right?”
“But I also know you’re not so good with the women—”
“Hey! We aren’t talking about my dating life. I only asked Jillian to teach me to bake. That is all. And don’t you dare go and get any ideas. I have too much going on in my life. I don’t want a girlfriend.”
“You always have an excuse not to get serious with anyone. Before it was because you had Jordan and me to raise. But now we’re out on our own. You don’t have any more excuses.”
“Beth…”
“If you don’t ask Jillian again, I will.” There was a slight pause. “Or better yet, I’ll drive home and teach you myself.”
“No. You have school.”
“I can make arrangements.”
“No.” When she didn’t say anything, he worried that she’d totally ignored him and was already hatching some plan that would involve her missing classes. There was only one way to stop her and she probably knew it. Still, the responsible part of him forced him to sacrifice his pride for his sister’s welfare. “You don’t need to come home. I will speak to Jillian again.”
“Good.” There was a muffled sound and then the murmur of voices. “Hey, Avery, I’ve got to go.”
After they disconnected the call, he shook his head. His little sister knew exactly how to manipulate him and he fell for it every time. Still, the thought of speaking to Jillian again wasn’t as bad as he was making it out to be. He enjoyed her company and he found her absence around the house was quite noticeable.
Chapter Seven
Two days.
That’s how long Jillian had been holding out without giving Avery an answer. She figured that since the competition didn’t start for another couple of weeks, she had a little time before she had to give him a firm answer.
And she’d been busy. She’d found out through Carol Bingley that Jane McCullough was helping the Chamber of Commerce organize the fundraiser. After a couple of phone calls, Jillian had learned that there would be a craft sale during the first round of the Bake-Off at the local high school.
Jillian ran her ideas past Jane and got two thumbs up. Now she just had to keep moving in order to get everything arranged in time for the big event. And the first part was just about complete.
Jillian scanned the computer monitor to make sure she hadn’t missed anything with the order of rubber wristbands in a wide assortment of colors. Her finger hovered over the place-order button as she inspected the design one last time.
The design couldn’t be girly or else none of the male population would consider wearing them. So she’d gone with: Harry’s House. To the left of the text was the black silhouette of a house and on the right was the black silhouette of a saw and hammer crossed over one another. The wristbands were neutral and hopefully would catch on with all of the town’s residents. All proceeds would go to the Harry’s House fund.
She clicked on the order button.
And now that left the question of helping Avery—
“Nice place,” called out a familiar male voice.
Jillian glanced up from where she was sitting behind the counter. Her gaze focused on Glenn. Surely he wouldn’t have the audacity to show his face here. She blinked, but he was still there.
“I see I caught you off guard.” He smiled, flashing his brilliant white teeth.
That was the same smile that at one time had made her stomach dip like she was on a tall roller coaster. But no more. She was inoculated against his charms.
“Hello, Glenn.” She kept her voice even, refusing to let him evoke any further noticeable reaction in her.
He removed his dark sunglasses and slid them into the pocket of his black leather coat. He liked to dress up like he was some movie star instead of a small-time actor who did local commercials for grocery and hardware stores.
He sauntered over to the counter and leaned an elbow on it. “I know you missed me.”
Jillian almost gagged. Was he serious? Not an apology but rather an accusation.
“What do you want, Glenn?”
