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Cornered, she wasn’t sure how to reply. She went for honesty.
“He found me once in his gardens stealing herbs, and we talked. It was just one of those moments that you sometimes have where you actually want to say something.”
“Right. I’ve had a few of those, but unfortunately I’m usually a glass of wine down and it doesn’t come out quite how I plan,” Maggs added.
“He asked me if I wanted to use his gym to build up my strength. I said yes, so I have been. Going to his gym, I mean.”
Mandy wasn’t sure she liked the look on Rory’s face.
“So, let me get this straight. You and the bear are working out together?”
She nodded.
Rory whistled.
Bailey smiled.
Maggs said, “Good for you, and for Ted. I think it’s a great move on his part, and very kind of him.”
“Jack thinks he gets a look about him when you’re around. I told him he was an idiot, but maybe he’s onto something,” Rory said.
“Friends, Rory. Nothing more than that. How’s Benjamin, Bailey?” Mandy asked, happy to move the subject from her to someone else. It worked; Bailey talked for the next ten minutes about her baby boy.
They laughed and talked some more, and on the way home and Mandy could quite honestly say she couldn’t remember a day she’d enjoyed more. She’d had a few of those lately. She hadn’t been unhappy with her life, in fact there’d been lots of love from her aunts, and her time with them had been awesome, but now she wanted more.
“So now what?” Maggs asked from the driver’s seat. “What’s next in the metamorphosis of Mandy Robbins?”
“Ah, well I have a few things in mind.”
“Let’s hear it,” Rory said from beside Mandy.
“Well, I told you I’m working out a bit.”
“Yup, with Ted. We got that. What else?”
“I’m thinking about taking on the lease of Mr. Timms’s bookstore and extending Tea Total.”
“Another great idea,” Rory said.
She talked with them, explaining her plans. They all said they’d offer any help they could, and Mandy arrived back in Ryker Falls feeling positive. It was a great feeling.
Saying goodbye to her friends, she took all her new purchases up to her apartment, then changed into a denim skirt that came to a few inches above her knees and a white fitted top in cotton that had no sleeves. She teamed them with slip-on sandals that had a small heel.
Leaving the apartment, she headed for Tea Total. She was working after closing today as she had baking to do for a catering job tomorrow.
Wandering in the back door, she heard the hum of voices.
“Mandy, you’re back.” Aunt Marla was now in a moon boot, and stomped in. “Oh my, look at you!”
Mandy did a little twirl.
“I love it.” Her aunt clapped, then sniffed, which said tears were next.
“And I have you to thank for paying. You both shouldn’t have done that, and I’m—”
“If you say you’re paying us back, I’ll be angry.” Her aunt came closer. Dressed in her favorite color of lavender, she wore a tan leather wedge on one foot, and still managed to look elegant even considering the ugly black boot on the other. “Now, I want to hear more about this. Sarah and I will come for dinner tonight and look over your purchases.”
Mandy hugged her aunt.
