Page 61 of Booked on You
“Mom read Scarlett?” I ask, having no idea.
“Everyonehas.”
I pause, glancing at the book sitting on the counter where I left it last night. “I bought a copy for her to sign. I’m planning on reading it.”
She lets out a dramatic gasp. “You better. Plus, I’m sure it would impress her to know you did. A man who reads isattractive.”
“I don’t need pointers.”
“Maybe you do,” she offers.
“No, I just know what I want. And it hasn’t been anyone you’ve tried to matchmake me with,” I explain like I have a million times before. This conversation isn’t new. “And what does this have to do with Scarlett, anyway? She’s just renting the cottage.”
She clears her throat. “You’re gonna lie to me like this?”
“Aunt Millie.Please.You’re adding too much pressure. Let things happen as they will. I don’t need any suggestions, and honestly, the less I know about her, the better. Right now, we’re getting to know one another, that’s it. So tell the rumor mill tostop spinning lies before this spreads around and gets posted online somewhere. I promise you, that’s the last thing Scarlett wants. She needs privacy.”
The line is silent for a few seconds, and I place some toast on another skillet, ensuring the butter is melted on the bottom first.
“No one here is gonna say a thing. You know we protect our own. But all the ladies around town know about Scarlett’s past. We also know she’s had a rough couple of years.”
“Is this what you do at book club?” I’m frozen in place. “You keep up with Scarlett Collins gossip?”
Millie’s voice softens. “When a woman writes about the perfect man, you can’t help but wonder about her relationship. We loved Scarlett’s book. We love Scarlett. But this news was on the cover of every gossip magazine. It couldn’t be missed.”
“Imissed it,” I admit.
“Youdon’t read romance. Anyway, just be yourself and you’ll have nothing to worry about. I’m so excited to meet her!”
I flip the eggs and the toast. “You’re rushing things.”
“If I were, I’d ask you when’s the wedding.” She hums.
“Millie!” I scold.
“Okay, I’m not tryin’ to antagonize you. I’ll stop with this as long as you visit me at the bakery soon.”
The eggs sizzle. “This isn’t a negotiation.”
“Yes, it is. It’s been too long, and I want you to bring Scarlett one of my pecan pies as a thank you.”
“A thank you for what?” I ask, setting a plate on the counter.
“For makin’ my nephew’s cold, dark heart pitter-patter again. I can tell something’s changed in you,” she says.
“Okay, I don’t want to talk about this. Making breakfast, so I gotta go,” I singsong. “Love you, Millie.”
“Love you more,” she says cheerfully, and I end the call.
I slide the eggs onto the plate. I place the thick slices of buttery toast on the side. I slather homemade strawberry jam onone slice because she liked it so much, and leave the other plain so she can dip her eggs.
When I glance over, I seeMy Everythingon the counter, staring back at me. Millie’s warning echoes in my mind.
Whatever happened in Scarlett’s past, whatever heartache made her stop writing, it’s in those pages. I have to read it so I can understand why so many people are warning me. First Bailey at the bookstore, then my aunt, and even Scarlett herself.
I’ll read every word. I want to understand what happened so I can guarantee the past won’t repeat itself.
I grab a fork and a napkin with an embroidered red rose, then return to the cottage with food in hand. The morning sun has climbed higher, warming my skin as I cross the stone path toward her.
