Page 24 of A Cup of Autumn
“Doesn’t make it right.” Taryn’s tone was harsher than Keaton had ever heard it.
Garrett shot a surprised glance at his wife.
Margot sighed. “You know the rules.”
“No backing out.” The other two women said at the same time, sounding unhappy.
“That’s a stupid rule.” Garrett refilled his water glass from the pitcher. “If Raine ends up in the hospital from exhaustion, you won’t have a Boo Bash.”
Lines creased Margot’s forehead. “No one has ended up in the hospital from running an event.”
“Have you seen Raine?” Keaton didn’t want to be rude to Margot, but he understood why Taryn was upset. “Timmy told me he’s worried Raine will collapse completely. She hadn’t eaten since lunch yesterday. He took over the counter long enough for Raine to take a break and eat.”
Callie shook her head. “She can’t keep up that pace.”
“Nope, and I told her that.” Taryn ran her fingertips along the stem of her wineglass. “Raine ending up in the hospital might be the only thing to make the association change their rule.”
Margot’s chin jutted forward. Her eyes darkened to a steely blue. “The rule’s in place for a reason. We can’t have people walk away from their responsibilities. Trust me, they will. It happened in the past. Then there’s a last-minute scramble to put on the event.”
Callie stared at Margot. “Do you really think Raine can organize a decent event while working twelve-plus-hour days, seven days a week?”
Margot flinched. “Raine mentioned being short-staffed…”
“It’s not just that,” Taryn explained. “Even if she hires people, they need to be trained and supervised. She can leave Timmy alone, but not Heather. The woman’s too unreliable. So even if Heather shows up, Raine needs to be there.”
Callie wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I wasn’t a huge fan of Emmett, but at least the guy worked hard and helped out.”
“Speaking of Emmett. He texted me this morning to find out if Raine was dating anyone,” Brandt said.
Callie’s lips parted. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Sorry. I got busy working on an app and forgot,” Brandt admitted. “But I’m telling you now.”
She nodded. “Next time text me right away.”
“I will.” Brandt kissed her forehead. “Promise.”
Keaton hadn’t gotten to know Brandt all that well, but Rex loved the guy, as did Angus and Sadie, so the dogs’ approval was a good sign.
“I don’t understand. Emmett is dating a woman in Seattle.” Margot scratched her chin. “Why would he ask about Raine?”
“New doesn’t always mean better.” As Garrett looked at Taryn his expression softened. “Maybe Emmett realizes what he lost and wants to get back together with Raine.”
“They tried dating long distance. Twice.” Taryn swirled her glass of wine. “It didn’t work. Raine said she wouldn’t do that again.”
“Long distance isn’t the only option,” Garrett said. “I ended up here.”
Brandt nodded. “And I moved back.”
“Emmett told his mother he’ll never return to Silver Falls. And we all know Raine would never sell.” Margot spoke with authority. “She’s built her coffee shop from the ground up.”
“A month ago, I would have agreed with you.” Callie bit her lip. “But being understaffed and now having to plan the Boo Bash might push her over the edge, so she wants out.”
Garrett nodded. “No one would blame her.”
Margot’s expression scrunched as if she’d drunk a shot of vinegar. “You make it sound like the Boo Bash is the problem. Callie, you’ve only lived in Silver Falls for three and a half years, but Taryn’s been here her entire life. The First Avenue Business Association has rules for a reason.”
“This one is unreasonable. Always has been,” Taryn countered, not backing down. “There’s no reason it can’t be changed. Especially when Raine should never have been put up for a vote in the first place. If this keeps up, businesses will choose not to join the association.”
