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Lily looked at him in amazement. “You … you don’t think he got turned into ham?”
Ashton looked serious. “It’s possible, but only if someone inexperienced took him. Boar meat is not usually good for eating.”
Lily stared at him, her mouth open in surprise. “Not … not good for eating? Then why would someone steal him?”
Ashton shrugged. “Maybe they didn’t. Maybe he’s just been wandering around the countryside having a vacation. But if anyone did steal him, it probably wasn’t to turn him into pork pies.”
“But why …?” Lily shut her mouth, her cheeks bright red.
He looked at her. “I don’t know why someone would take him. People have strange reasons for doing things sometimes. Maybe someone is a backyard breeder and needed a boar.”
She gulped. “Well, I hope he turns up,” she managed. “It must be a worry, not knowing where he is.”
“I hope so too,” Ashton replied. “I’d hate to think of him being mistreated or kept in a tiny backyard somewhere. I hope whoever has him realizes that animal theft is a crime.”
Lily gaped at him, seemingly lost for words for a long moment. “I’m sure they would,” she said at last.
She looked at her watch.“I must go. I have other errands to run.”
“Sure,” Ashton replied. “Enjoy your bird seed.”
Lily rolled her eyes. “It’s not for me, you goose. I’m caring for Winifred’s canaries while she’s away.”
Ashton chuckled. “Oh, I thought it might be for Bec. She’s a vegan, isn’t she?”
“How did you know?” Lily almost gasped.
“Word travels around this town,” Ashton said with a grin. He paused. “It’s good to see you again, Lily,” he said quietly. “I’ve missed hanging out with you.”
A stricken look came over her face and her cheeks flushed red again. “I … I’d like to hang out again soon,” she almost whispered. “I just need to … to do a few things first.”
“Lily.” He spoke her name almost tenderly.
She briefly met his eyes, a mixture of fear and worry in hers.
“I can wait, you know. I want you to be ready to be friends again.” He said it gently, hating the uncertainty that crossed her face at his words. It was time to put an end to this ridiculous charade with Henry. He didn’t know how, but he would bring it out into the open and they would deal with it then. He hated what it was doing to Lily and the possibility of their future friendship. He would just have to think about how to do it without further alienating Lily.
“I am ready.” She bit her lip. “But …”
“It’s okay, Lily. As I said, take your time.”
“I really must go.” She edged nervously toward the counter. “I have other errands to run.”
“Sure. Don’t let me delay you. But it really has been good to see you again.”
She gave him a little wave goodbye and hurried off to pay for the birdseed. Ashton watched her go, feeling hope stealing over his heart. She’d said she wanted to be friends again; perhaps when Henry was no longer standing between them, it would happen. Ashton wanted more, of course, but friendship was a good start. Smiling to himself, he continued his stroll around the shop as he waited for his order.
13
Lily wiped the sweat off her forehead and stood back to admire the tree she’d just planted in the front yard. “That looks good,” she said.
“It will make some nice shade in summer when it grows up,” Bec agreed. “Hey, do you want a drink? I was about to get some lemonade.”
“Sure, that sounds great,” Lily agreed, heading for the hose to water the tree.
A few minutes later, Bec reappeared with drinks and cookies on a tray, and the two women settled in the chairs on the porch to enjoy their treat.
“Have you heard from your vegan friends?” Lily asked, taking a sip of lemonade. Its cool sweetness slid down her throat and was instantly refreshing.
