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“Why, yes, I would.”
I ring up their orders, and they browse the bookcases while Deana and I work on their treats.
Once their orders are ready, they take their mugs and sit at the stools in front of the counter.
“So, how has Garrett been, Sara-Beth?” Leona asks loudly.
“He’s good. Strong and sure, stubborn and smart—he is so many things, but he has been lost. He came by yesterday for breakfast, and then Langford picked him up to look at some land he might be purchasing here in Balsam Ridge,” Sara-Beth answers her.
I notice her eyes dart in my direction.
“That’s wonderful. I guess that means he’ll be in town a lot more often,” Leona bellows.
“Yes. That seems to be the plan.”
“I’m sure you’re thrilled,” Leona continues.
“I’m over the moon.”
At that moment, I lift my water glass to my lips.
“I honestly think he’s ready to settle down and start a family,” Sara-Beth announces.
And I choke on the sip, spewing water across the cash register and coughing in rapid succession.
“Oh dear, are you okay?” Sara-Beth stands and rushes over.
Embarrassed, I quickly start cleaning up the mess.
“I’m fine. Water just went down the wrong pipe,” I manage to squeak out.
“That happens to me all the time,” Leona says.
Janey walks in from her break as I finish patting down the equipment.
“Excuse me, please,” I say as I retreat to the ladies’ room.
Although I know the entire conversation between Sara-Beth and Leona was intended for my benefit, I’m still embarrassed to have been caught eavesdropping.
Why would Garrett want to buy property here? It doesn’t make any sense, and I hope it’s just lip service and not something he is seriously considering.
I look in the mirror.
Pull yourself together, Ansley.
