Page 30 of A Cup of Autumn
She was missing something. It wouldn’t be the first time given how long she’d missed the signs of Emmett’s unhappiness in Silver Falls and with her. “Huh?”
“I want to help you organize the Boo Bash.”
The words rushed out as if he were nervous, so much that Boo Bash sounded like one word. The result was adorable.
He adjusted his glasses. “That is, if you want help organizing it.”
“Are you kidding? They gave me a bin of stuff, and I haven’t opened it. The event is four weeks away, but I have no idea where to start. No time…”
It was her turn for the words to gush out one on top of another. She didn’t care. An unlikely hero was stepping in, and she couldn’t be more grateful.
“I’d love your help. Like love it so much you’re my new best friend, and I want to name a tea blend or coffee drink after you.”
He laughed. “There’s no need for the latter, but a person can never have too many friends.”
She nodded, back and forth as if her head had turned into a rocking chair. “Like I said we have some time…”
“I’m the planning type so what if we get started sooner rather than later?”
Raine needed the help. Somehow, she would have to make time to work on the Boo Bash. “Sure, when?”
“Today.”
She swallowed.
He laughed. “Don’t look so worried. The Boo Bash doesn’t have to be built in a day, but it’ll be October soon.”
“I didn’t realize I looked worried.”
“When your eyebrows draw together, little lines form above your nose. That suggests worrying. Or at least contemplation. And not in a positive way.”
“No one’s mentioned that before.” She touched the spot to double-check. “I was worrying.”
“Stop. You’re no longer on your own.”
With each of his words, her stress lessened.
“I’m working here this morning,” Keaton continued. “When things slow down, we can discuss the first steps. How does that sound?”
Like she wanted to drop to her knee and propose on the spot.
Okay, not really, they were too different, but a part of her was in shock. The other part would be eternally grateful to him. “Sure. Sounds great. Thanks. Your drinks are on the house.”
That was the least she could do.
Reality, however, wouldn’t let her enjoy this unexpected windfall.
A little voice inside her kept her suspicions on high alert.
What does a professor know about Halloween? Why would he offer to do that after dissing baristas yesterday?
Unfortunately, another voice answered back.
Margot.
Raine didn’t like that.
Not at all.
