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“Hard to fault him.”
“Well, I’m his mom, so I’ve got to teach him a better way to deal with his anger and pain. I mean, I wanted to knock Ben out, too, but did I throw a punch?” She laughed. When they reached the penalty box, Alice rapped on the Plexiglass. Her son turned around, spied Grace, and popped up. His friend—sitting at the opposite end—stood, too. “Guys, this is Grace, the lady you’ll be working for. She wants to know that you’re responsible and hardworking and won’t let her down.” She gave each a pointed look. “This is her business. It’s how she earns a living, and she can’t afford to have her employees show up late, play on their phones, or chat with their buddies. Can you reassure her that won’t happen?”
“Yes, ma’am.” The taller one reached out a hand. “I’m Jeremy Witmer, and I’ve worked at Bliss Ice Cream for the last year. I also mow lawns. I can get references if you need them.”
The teen held her gaze the entire time. He was well-spoken and had a good, caring mom. “My hours are unusual. I start baking at around three or four in the morning. And I work in the truck from noon until about nine at night. It gets hot in there.”Wait.New truck, new situation. “Actually, it won’t be that bad because I’m not frying anything.”I’m totally free now.“We’re only selling the pastries I make that morning. We’ll have drinks, too.”
“I’ll work as many hours as you want.” Jeremy cut a glance to the rink with a tortured expression. “The sooner I get back on the ice, the better.”
“And what about you?” she asked the other teen.
“This is Ben,” Alice said.
He was stockier and a bit more closed off. Still, he held her gaze. “I’m not going to let you down. I want to play hockey.”
“And just so you know, Coach made it clear, if they mess up with you even once, he’s resetting the clock.” Alice gave the boys a pointed look. “And that will drop them down to the third line. Basically, they’ll miss out on the entire season.”
“That’s not going to happen,” Jeremy said.
“Okay, great.” Joy clutched her heart and sent her soaring. For the next month, she got to make her pastries, live on a ranch in Jackson Hole surrounded by mountains, and have help so she could get out and explore a little. And be with Jaime.How is this my life?“I should have a truck by tomorrow, so if you’re ready to get to work, come by at six in the morning.”
Seemingly satisfied, Alice hitched her purse higher on her shoulder and turned to sit down.
But Jeremy said, “I thought you start baking at three?”
“I do. But I’d never ask you guys—”
“I don’t mind,” Jeremy said.
“I don’t, either. I’m grounded.” The other boy hunched a shoulder. “It’s not like I’m staying up late this summer.”
Jeremy glared at his former friend, and it looked like he was stopping himself from saying something like,Whose fault is that?
“Are you guys okay?” she asked them. “Because I’ve been doing this by myself and can absolutely continue to do so.”
Jeremy stood straighter. “No. I’m fine.”
“Yes, I believe as individuals you’re both fine.” She wagged a finger from one to the other. “But the hostility between you isn’t going to work.”
“She’s right.” Alice nudged her son. “We talked about this. I’ll remind you about your priorities.”
“I know, Mom. I get it.” Jeremy turned to her. “I want this job, and I won’t let you down.”
“Same,” Ben said.
“Okay, we’ll give it a shot. I’ll trust you until I can’t. I’m going to head out now, but I’ll let the ranch manager know you’ll be there at four. I’m the first cabin, so you can’t miss it. It was nice to meet all of you.” It was time to leave, but she couldn’t help casting one more glance at Jaime.
He’d stopped playing to talk to a couple of boys. Masks up, they listened raptly to what he said. She wouldn’t interrupt him, but she wanted nothing more than to run out onto the ice and throw herself into his arms. She wanted to kiss him senseless.
Instead, she turned to leave. That was when she noticed a little girl spinning and flapping her arms on the rubber flooring.Oh. It’s Kinsley. Grace cut a look to the rink and saw she was imitating the movements of the figure skaters.
She headed over, and when the girl finished her routine, Grace clapped her hands. “You’re a really good dancer.”
“I know.” She came closer. “Do you have any yummies with you?”
“I’m afraid I don’t. But if you tell me your favorite treat, I’ll make it for you.”
“I like everything. But mostly, I like how pretty your stuff is. It’s like you’re a fairy or something.”
