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“What’s going on here?” Avery asked, bringing the heated conversation between Jillian and Glen to a halt.
“I’ve got this,” Jillian said.
Glenn crossed his arms and glared at Avery. “Yeah, butt out. This is private.”
Avery’s gaze moved between the two of them. Was this a lover’s quarrel or something more?
“Glenn was just leaving.” Jillian glared at Glenn.
The man turned on Avery. “This is your fault. Everything would have been fine if you hadn’t come back to town.”
Avery refused to react to Glenn’s barbed comment. “The lady asked you to leave and I’d suggest you do it. Unless you need help out.”
Glenn hesitated before turning to Jillian.
“Just go,” she said. “We’ll talk later.”
Glenn strode away.
Talk later? Avery was disappointed to hear that Jillian wasn’t going to kick the man to the curb straightaway. What did she see in this man? It was totally beyond Avery’s comprehension.
“What are you still dealing with him for?” Avery blurted out in frustration.
Jillian shook her head. “You don’t understand. And I’m not getting into it here.”
“But he doesn’t even make you happy—”
“Avery, stop. I’m not discussing Glenn with you. It’s my problem. I’ll fix it.”
He understood enough to know that she hadn’t washed her hands of that jerk.
“What are you doing over here? You’re supposed to be baking.”
And then he remembered how he’d walked off halfway through making the pie filling. As he rushed back to his station, he realized one thing. He cared far too much about Jillian to stick around and watch her waste her life with that loser. The rodeo circuit was starting to look very appealing.
Lost in his conflicted thoughts, Avery picked up the measuring spoon he had left on the counter and added the salt followed by the remaining ingredients. Then he added the filling to the pie crust and proceeded to assemble the pie top just like he’d practiced.
At last, he slipped the pie in the oven.
Avery felt confident this time. He was happy to redeem himself for the Monroes’ sake. The pie was picture-perfect. Some of his finest work.
While the pies baked, it was time to announce the winner’s name for Jillian’s jewelry auction. Avery had forgotten about his bid until that point. He wished he hadn’t come up with the idea, but now it was too late. So he leaned back and watched the proceedings.
After Jillian said a few words, she reached out as Suzanna placed the highest bidder’s information into her hand. “And the winner is,” she unfolded the paper and paused, “um, it’s Avery Wainwright.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd and then the clapping began. He had won the necklace and earrings. Avery made his way to the front of the crowd. He’d never seen Jillian’s face so red.
When he approached her, she leaned over and whispered, “You shouldn’t have done this. But thank you. I hope Beth enjoys the set.”
“But they aren’t for Beth.” When her eyes filled with questions, he said, “They are for you. They’re almost as beautiful as you.”
“But I…um, I don’t know what to say.”
“Just turn around and let me put it on you.”
She shook her head. “I can’t wear them. It wouldn’t be right.”
Her refusal to wear the jewelry deflated his happiness. It was just one more reminder of the tension lingering between them. His gut twisted in a knot.
