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ChapterThirteen
KRYSTAL
The next morning, I grabbed a banana and a muffin from the kitchen. Mandy Elliott had kindly brought over a basket of breakfast foods along with the small casserole she’d prepared for us. Folks in Minden really did take care of each other.
“What’s on your agenda today?” Mom’s question came as I set her coffee on the table next to her recliner.
“Bryce and I are tackling decorations for the auction. First, we’ll dig through what they already have in the closet at the station. Then probably head to Terre Haute to pick up whatever else we need. I need to do some social media work later tonight.”
“Oh that sounds fun. You two sure are spending a lot of time together,” she commented.
I raised an eyebrow. “Wasn’t that your plan all along when I took over this event for you?”
Mom blushed. “I don’t know what you mean. I just needed someone to handle it. I could have found someone else. If you don’t want to do it, just say the word.”
“It’s fine, Mom. I’m just giving you a hard time. Bryce and I are doing fine.”
I thought about our little arrangement and chose my next words carefully. “In fact, I’m really enjoying spending time with him.”
There. That was true. And if Mom wanted to read into it, she could.
Her eyes lit up, but she quickly hid her excitement. “Well, good. He’s such a nice man. Speaking of which, I was thinking I should invite Kenny over for dinner this week. What do you think?”
And there it was.
“Ummm. I’m not sure. I’ll get back to you, okay? At least to let you know which nights are busy?”
I wasn’t ready to pull my fake relationship with Bryce out quite so obviously… Maybe if I could drop hints the next few days, Mom would come to the conclusion herself that inviting Kenny would be counterproductive to her goals involving my love life. The fact that she even had goals for my love life was a problem I’d try to handle another day. Maybe.
“I’ll be back this afternoon. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’ll be fine. Actually, Bryce’s mom is coming by today to do a little prayer time with me.”
“Oh? That sounds nice. Say hello for me.”
That ought to solve my dilemma. I gave it five minutes of “fellowship” before my Mom was suddenly all too aware of Bryce’s supposed plan to win my heart.
I knew their hearts were in the right place, but I couldn’t help but resent the meddling and gossip. When would this town learn to just let people live their lives without interference or speculation?
I met Bryce at the station, stopping by the bistro and grabbing him the biggest cup of coffee they had. After a night shift, I knew there was a good chance he would be exhausted.
I found him sleeping on the couch, the station quiet around him. The on-duty crew must have been out on a call.
I left the coffee on the table next to him and went back to the storage room. I jiggled the knob, then looked around for a key. My gaze landed back on Bryce. His light-blue department polo was tucked into dark-blue work pants. A ring of keys was clipped to his belt loop.
Silently, I reached over the back of the couch. I unhooked the clip from his belt, carefully holding the keys still so they didn’t jangle.
A hand grabbed my forearm firmly, and I startled, gasping before realizing that it was Bryce who’d woken up.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Stealing your truck,” I responded with a mischievous smile.
He chuckled, but it turned into a yawn.
“I was just grabbing the closet key so I could get started while you slept.” I pulled the keys away, and he sat up. “Lay back down. Go back to sleep,” I insisted.
I’d hoped that I wouldn’t wake him, but Bryce rolled off the couch and stretched. “It’s fine. I’m awake.” He checked his watch. “A whole ninety minutes. Practically a full night around here.”
