“We were just telling Oakley that you’d be showing her around,” Grandpa tells me.
“Right. Well, speaking of…” I look at my watch, hoping someone gets the hint.
“Looking forward to learning all about the farm from you,” Oakley says, and it comes out sincere, but I hear the hint of amusement. She knows I’m not happy about it.
Spending time with her is going to be torture. I hate that I find her attractive when I shouldn’t. Not just because she’s at least a decade younger than me but also because she’s only here for a week and a half. I also can’t imagine we have anything in common. She’s sunshine on a winter day, and I’m too coldhearted to give her the time of day. Shitty relationships with even shittier breakups will do that to a man.
“Would you like to take a quick tour of the inn?” Grandma asks her, ignoring my eagerness to leave.
“Absolutely,” Oakley says, and it feels like she did that just to piss me off. As they move toward the stairs, her long flowery skirt sways when she walks. The bracelets on her wrists clank together as she swings her arms, and she flashes a knowing smirk when she looks at me over her shoulder.
Once they’re out of sight, Grandpa stands and gives me a pointed look. “Be nice. She seems sweet.”
I glare in response. “This is business. I’m not here to be her friend.”
He pats my shoulder. “I know how rough around the edges you can be, so just remember you’re representing the family, and she’s our guest.”
“I told Grandma several times that I wasn’t the right person for this job. I’m swamped. Jessa would’ve been better at chauffeuring her around. They could exchange beauty tips or whatever. We have nothing to talk about.”
“You’ll talk about the farm,” he states matter-of-factly. “Plus, your grandmother is never wrong. She picked you for a reason.” Grandpa shoots me a wink just as the phone rings. He goes to answer it, and I take the opportunity to step outside for some fresh air.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out to see a text from my best friend.
Levi: I’ll make it to the celebration after all, so save me some of Paisley and Poppy’s apple pie!
I snort. Of course that’s all he’d be excited for.
Finn: Great. Mom and Paisley will be happy to see you.
Levi: If you need any help getting anything together, let me know. I have some free time next week.
Finn: Appreciate that, man.
Levi: So how are things going with the painter?
I told Levi earlier I had to drive to the airport to pick her up and that it’s been something I’ve been dreading all week with my already busy schedule.
Finn: Don’t even ask.
Levi: That bad, huh?
Finn: Yes. She talks a lot and dresses like a hippie. I’m surprised she doesn’t go by the name Sunflower or some shit.
Levi sends me a cry-laughing emoji.
Levi: Is she pretty at least?
I roll my eyes because of course he’d ask that.
Finn: Yeah, I guess. If weird clothing and makeup is your type.
Levi: Sounds to me like you already have a crush.
Finn: Shut the fuck up.
Levi: Looking forward to meeting her next weekend. That’s if you haven’t run her off by then.
That makes me laugh. Levi’s known for being a bucket of happiness, and I’m his opposite. But I’m just more of a realist and prefer structure. Levi’s always been more adventurous and a risk-taker.
However, after my nightmare breakup last fall, I’ve been working more days and longer hours to avoid thinking about it.
My ex and I dated for five years. I believed I’d spend the rest of my life with her until she blindsided me. Whenever I brought up marriage and our future, she’d change the subject. She finally confessed she wasn’t ready to settle down, and when she did, she wanted to move to the city.
She knew the farm was my home and livelihood. I never want to leave.
But then she wasted years of my life hoping I’d change my mind.
And now, I’m done trying.
Being single isn’t the worst thing. I have the farm and my family, and that’s enough for me.
After another fifteen minutes, Oakley and my grandma finally step outside. Oakley meets my eyes with a smirk, and my traitorous heart hammers in my chest. A weird underlying current streams between us, but I ignore it and turn my head.
My grandma continues talking her ear off, and Oakley politely listens to every word. “You’ll be staying at a small cottage behind Finn’s house. He’ll drive you here for meals. There’s a bakery on-site, and the fridge and pantry are stocked with plenty of food as well. Please feel free to help yourself to anything you’d like.”
“Thank you so much,” Oakley says, making Grandma smile wide.
“If you find that you need anything once you get settled, please let us know. Finn will be more than happy to help you, too.”
I resist the urge to scoff at my grandmother volunteering me.
“Will do. Thanks again for this opportunity. I hope I can do the farm justice. What I’ve seen so far has been awe-inspiring.”
“Oh, I have no doubt your creation will be incredible.”
“Ready?” I finally ask, knowing if I don’t pull her away now, Grandma will talk until the sun sets.
Oakley nods, and we walk to my truck.
“Do you want to stop by the bakery?” I ask as we open our doors. It’s within walking distance, so it wouldn’t take long.
“Nah. I’m pretty tired and need to unpack so I can set up my supplies tomorrow.”
“Yeah, you’ll want to rest up. We start bright and early around here.”
She takes her phone out and snaps pictures of the scenery and buildings between yawning and fighting the urge to close her eyes. The three-hour time difference between California and Vermont will catch up to her by morning.
Soon, I’m driving down the road where she’ll be staying. The cottage is close to my place but far enough away to give us each some privacy. It’s set out from the hustle and bustle of the orchard for a reason. When business partners or family friends visit, this is where they usually stay if the inn is booked.
“This is it,” I say, pulling up to the one-bedroom cabin that’s filled with all her shit.
“It looks lovely,” she tells me. “Nice and quiet too.”
I unlock the front door for her, then hand over the key. “Don’t lose this.”
“I won’t.”
I turn to leave once she steps inside.
“That’s it? You’re not even going to say good night?” she asks with a bite in her voice.
Spinning around to face her, I shrug. “Did you expect me to stay and read you a bedtime story?”
She rolls her eyes and crosses her arms. “It’d be the most I’ve heard you talk all day.”