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“You too. What are you ladies up to?”
“We are going by the community center to work on stockings for the festival. Are you two going?” Rachel asked.
Anna Beth glanced at Jared, who shrugged. “I’m not sure yet.”
“We hope to see you there!” Bianca said with a wave. “I must say it’s nice to see you two together. I always thought you would make a handsome couple.”
Anna Beth blushed. “We aren’t a couple. Just friends.”
“Oh well. I am sorry to assume. Good luck getting that tree inside. Tell Sarah we said hello.”
“Will do.”
Once they were out of sight, Anna Beth snorted. “Man, people really can’t mind their business, can they?”
“Not here.”
His tone of voice was cool and clipped.
Anna Beth frowned. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m just cold and tired. I want to get this tree set up so I can get home and go to bed.”
“Of course. Sorry.” Anna Beth’s stomach knotted. Where had this shift in mood come from? Five minutes ago, he’d been so sweet and tender.
When they reached the door, Anna Beth turned the knob and pushed her way in. “We’re here.”
She turned the corner into the living room and found Sarah and Ernie sitting next to each other on the couch. Mittens padded out of the kitchen and meowed at her feet.
“Hey, baby. I’ll pick you up in just a minute.” She carried the tree further into the living room so Jared could get inside.
Ernie stood up. “Sarah, do you have a bucket for the tree?”
“I put it in the kitchen. It’s already filled in the corner.”
“Great. We’ll be right back, then,” Anna Beth said.
Jared led the way into the kitchen and stuck the bottom in the bucket of water.
“You’re going to have to keep this filled.”
“Thank you.”
“Yeah, of course. I’m just going to say good-bye to your aunt and Ernie before I take off.”
Anna Beth frowned as he left the kitchen. Mittens wound her way between her legs and she finally picked up the tabby.
“What do you think is wrong with him?”
Mittens rubbed against her chin in response, her purr a rattling sound in her chest.
“Poor baby. At least you’re still in a good mood.”
She heard the front door open and rushed into the entryway. Jared was in the doorway with one foot on the porch.
“Hey. Were you going to leave without saying good-bye?”
“No, I was just going to grab your bag of clothes.”
