Page 101 of The Reason I Married Him
“Perfect,” I say, walking over to the center islands in the store. “Think you can free up some space over here in the front when we have the honey ready to sell? It would be nice to have it front and center at first, so people know it’s new.”
“Yes, of course,” Hattie says while she turns off her iPad and moves to my side. “I’m always moving product around, especially if I want it off the shelves.”
“Besides the cookbooks.”
“The cookbooks are trash. Those don’t deserve center island space. The second island is always the extract and vodka, our best sellers. And then the front island is whatever I want to get off the shelves that week.”
“Very smart. Well, I’d love some center island space for the new honey line. Echo is working on balms, candles, beeswax wrap, and of course honey.”
“I’m excited. I love having new things in the store. I’m especially excited about the almond honey.”
“Me too. She’s fine-tuning it, and we’ll taste test soon.”
“I’d like to be a part of that taste testing.” Hattie raises her hand.
“Of course you’ll be. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes, let me grab my things real quick.” She hurries to the back, leaving me alone in the main part of the store.
So crazy how a little while ago, we weren’t getting along. Well, I wouldn’t say not getting along. Tensions were high. The stress of Cassidy’s death made me closed off, which, in turn, shut her out, and well, it was a recipe for disaster. Now . . . I’m grateful for being able to talk to her without those tensions and stressors. I’m grateful she’s no longer in school and that she’shere. I had a hard time being around her for a while because she reminded me so much of Cassidy, but now, it feels comforting. She has the same warm energy, the same smile, and the same joyful spirit.
“Okay, ready,” she says, entering the main store with her bag and keys.
We head out the front door, she locks up, and then we walk around the store to the back, where I’m parked.
“Thanks for picking me up.”
“Not a problem,” I say as we get in my truck.
“Were you in town for . . . other things?” she asks, her voice full of innuendo.
“Uh, no,” I say, starting my truck and pulling out of the parking spot.
“Are you sure you weren’t here visiting anyone?”
“Oh my God, just say it,” I reply as I make a right out of town.
“Were you here visiting Wyatt for an afternoon delight?”
“Jesus, Hattie.”
She laughs. “What? Why else would you be in town?”
“Literally to pick you up. I just arrived, I grabbed you, and I’m leaving town now.”
“Really?” she asks, disappointment in her voice. “You weren’t here, sneaking around at the inn?”
“Uh, no.”
“Huh.” She sighs. “Well, he doesn’t stay the night at your place.”
“How would you know that?” I ask.
“Because Ryland and I have a text thread about you and Wyatt.”
“Umm, pardon me?” I ask, blinking a few times.
“Yeah, we talk about you. I asked him if Wyatt ever spent the night, and he said never. And if you’re not going to the inn for an afternoon delight, then . . . when are you doing it?”
