Page 55 of A Cup of Autumn
No angst over whether they’d call. No overanalyzing every moment they were together. No wondering if they were friends or more than friends or something in between.
Was fear keeping her from wanting to date?
No answer came.
She got out of the car with her purse, shut the door, and pressed the lock on the key fob. She placed the purse strap over her shoulder. Keaton wasn’t waiting outside so she went into the bakery.
The interior was light and bright, social media perfect after Garrett had painted the walls and replaced the furniture and fixtures as a surprise for Taryn. That was right before he told her he would be working remotely for his law firm and proposed.
Brecken, dressed in white with a black apron, waved from behind the counter. “You’re in luck. Me and Carl are here tonight. You know what that means.”
“Extra whipped cream?”
“You know it.” Brecken tilted his head. “Though you’d need to order something with whipped cream. Then again most desserts taste good with it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Raine glanced at the daily specials board. Unfortunately, marble cake wasn’t listed. But two other items caught her eye.
“Sorry I’m late,” Keaton said from behind her. He came up to her side. “I was on our weekly family video call and lost track of the time.”
“Absent-minded professor?”
“Only occasionally. We were debating where to spend Thanksgiving.”
Must be nice to have those conversations. She focused on the menu board. “Did you decide where?”
“No, but my parents and Flynn are pulling for L.A. since we’ll be in Silver Falls for Christmas. They’ve invited Margot, Brandt’s parents, and Taryn’s.”
Sounds like a good plan for the Andrews family. The only holiday Raine wanted to focus on was Halloween. Then, she wouldn’t think about another until the Fourth of July. “Know what you want?”
“Pie sounds good.”
“I’m getting the hummingbird cake.”
That was another item not on the daily menu. Ever since Taryn took over running the bakery in August, she’d changed things up. Not huge changes to upset long-time customers, but specials and new items to keep things from seeming staid.
Raine headed to the counter.
Keaton touched her arm. “This was my idea, so on me.”
She remembered about his job. Plus, he was helping her. She reached for her purse. “But—”
“I’m helping you with the Boo Bash and I’m unemployed, but I’ve got this.”
“Did my body language give away what I was thinking again?”
“A little.” His tone was sly. “But I’m getting to know you.”
Raine drew back. “How so? You haven’t been in town long.”
“A week last night, but I didn’t go to the coffee shop until Monday.” He wagged his eyebrows. “I’m that good.”
She laughed. “Participants in a practice date implies going Dutch.”
“Humor me.”
“This time.” Raine nearly cringed at what her words suggested. “Though let’s hope I don’t need a second practice date.”
“So far you’re ahead of the curve.”
