Font Size:  

“Hayden left to make a home delivery. Special request.”

“Well, good for him. He’ll have something to fall back on if the radio gig doesn’t pan out.”

“You look like a cute little bunny when you do that.”

Note to self: stop wrinkling your nose.She wasn’t even aware she’d done it again.

“So, who is Hayden?” Trent asked as he resumed eating.

“Hayden Brooks. His radio show comes on after mine.”

“No kidding? I’ve heard his show. He’s good. Why is he working at KGOLD?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean it as an insult. Between you and Hayden, KGOLD’s coming up in the world. Until you two came along, people tuned in mostly to hear the weather report or the schedules for the Barbeque Battle, the Chalk Festival, or one of the Mountain Music Festivals.”

“Not to forget the Lion’s Club Rodeo and Christmas in the Valley,” Violet said. “To be fair,Cooking with JosieandRoger’s Arcadia Valley Adventuresstarted the ratings upswing a year or so before I came along.”

Trent nodded as he continued eating. “Yes, but your call-in show kick-started the renaissance. Give yourself credit where it’s due, Vi.” He paused with a thoughtful expression. “I have to wonder if Hayden’s paying his penance.”

She poised her fork above her plate. “Penance?”

“Do you know anything his work history?”

“No, other than he was at a big station in St. Louis.” She took a bite and chewed slowly.

“You’ve never wondered why he’d leave and move to a much smaller market?”

“Briefly, not that it bothers me. I see no benefit in questioning his motives, so why should you?”

“Because he’sthatgood.” More often than not, her brother displayed remarkable intuition and insight.

“Well, if something happened in St. Louis, I know nothing about it. One thing Hayden and I can agree on is that we love what we do at KGOLD.” Violet breathed out a sigh. “I wasn’t aware he worked here at Bella Roma, too.” She’d never mentionedherextra jobs to her family, and she wasn’t about to tell Trent now.

“I know the station probably can’t afford to pay you what you’re worth, Vi. I hope you’ll come to me if you need money.”

“Thanks, but I can’t depend on you as my safety net. I’m doing fine.” It wasn’t a lie. She shared the rent with Dani, shopped the thrift stores, and took advantage of the weekly specials at Save A Lot. Morning lattes at the local bakeshop were her one indulgence.

Trent stabbed a bite of his minced beef cannelloni while Violet picked at her stuffed spinach and ricotta cannelloni. “I love the work I do but despise the corporate politics. The pay’s decent, though.” He winked. “Between the two of us, we have the perfect job. Now, tell me more about Hayden.”

Oh, why not?“Knowing Hayden—not that I know him very well—he has something to prove.”But to himself or someone else?

Her brother lowered his glass to the table. “Interesting, but I meant tell me what’s going on between you two.”

“Nothing. Nothing at all.” Violet forked cannelloni into her mouth.

“Mom said she thought there might be something.”

What waswitheveryone in her life asking about Hayden all of a sudden?

“I’ve only mentioned Hayden once or twice, but you know Mom. She’s desperate to marry me off, especially since you got engaged. Speaking of Mom, I had lunch with her earlier in the week. She seemed better.” The familiar sadness pierced her heart. “Have you seen her lately?”

Trent nodded. “Maddy and I went over to the house for dinner last week. Mom’s holding her own, but Dad’s worried the cancer’s back.”

Tears pricked Violet’s eyes. “Has she made an appointment with the oncologist?”

“Not yet. I’m sure she’ll let you know when it’s set.”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
Articles you may like