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I grabbed my water bottle and guzzled the contents. It was essential to stay hydrated. Luckily the town provided porta-potties for the entrepreneurs. I installed a water cooler behind the counter. It was economical to purchase the large bottles and refill my reusable container.
Another group of teenagers entered the hut. The steady stream of patrons kept me busy well after lunchtime. I didn’t have time to check if Peyton responded to my last tweet.
I quickly put the CLOSED sign up before another stream of customers entered the hut. I had to rethink my lunch plans with no Hank or his hoagies. I didn’t want to spend too much time away hunting down a suitable place to eat.
I popped into Athena’s, hoping she had her famous sweet buns filled with ham and cheese.
Jackpot. I grabbed two and a regular coffee before returning to my hut.
I pulled out my cell.
Milkshakes to go. Tiger Tail for the win. #Nolineups#ShakeShack#SugarShack. #All natural with no preservatives or additives.
I sat, mouth gaping. Peyton was deliberately trying to get a reaction out of me. I took a deep breath. I’d suddenly lost my appetite for food. Instead, my thirst for revenge was at an all-time high.
The door to my hut opened. I left it unlocked when I returned from Athena’s. Amanda came barreling through. “What in hell is going on between you and the hottie from the Shake Shack?” She panted as she placed her hands on her knees and took a second to catch her breath. Had she run down the beach to check in with me? “It’s all anyone is talking about,” she continued.
I glared at her, wondering if Peyton had sent her to revive her little spy mission.
“It would appear that the owner of the Shake Shack got his hands on our Tiger Stripe recipe.” I raised an eyebrow and watched her reaction for any signs of betrayal. “Only he calls his Tiger Tail,” I spat in disgust.
Damn Peyton Manos. Not only did he steal my signature flavor, but he also gave it a catchier name.
Amanda’s eyes widened. “How in the hell did he get his hands on that? I don’t recall anyone visiting last week.” Her face scrunched into a scowl. “Well, we’re not going to let him get away with this,” she shrieked. “Give me your tablet.” Amanda’s greedy hands gestured for me to hand over my iPad.
“What are you planning to do?” I cautiously inquired.
“I am going to see if our recipe qualifies for a patent. And then I am going to send a cease and desist order to Mr. Shake Shack.” Amanda smiled wickedly.
I doubt Amanda was going to have any luck with the patent. Aunt Catherine had attempted to classify some of her unique blends on more than one occasion.
“Oh,” Amanda lamented. “Um, Chloe,” she turned the iPad in my direction.
Well crap. It would appear that Tiger Tail ice cream was not as unique as Amanda and I believed. Large chain stores had their version of the treat I thought would be my signature discovery.
“I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t finish my lunch,” I sighed. “It looks as if I’m going to be eating crow.” I frowned. “I will have to apologize to Peyton for accusing him of stealing my recipe.”
And I was having such a good day.
I had to apologize. It was the honorable thing to do. And perhaps we could come to a truce and stop this bickering back and forth on a public forum. But that would have to wait until the end of the day. I had a business to run. I’d already been closed for half an hour. Plus, it would give me time to think of a way to apologize that didn’t sound fake.
I gave my head a shake. Amanda said everyone was talking about what had transpired on Twitter between Peyton and me.
I hoped my childish behavior today did not cost me the internship at the library.
