Page 67 of The Bitterroot Inn (Jamison Valley 5)
Mom gasped. “No. Not again.”
“Yep.” I nodded. “She’s persistent. It’s been over a month and she hasn’t stopped.”
“Who is she?”
“Heck if I know. I keep hanging up on her.”
“Good for you,” she said. “Just give it a bit more time. I’m sure she’ll get bored and stop soon. And if it doesn’t, you might have to stop by the sheriff’s office.”
“Yeah. I hope you’re right and it doesn’t come to that, but if it keeps up, I’ll tell Milo or Jess.”
“Good.” She patted my hand. “Is Hunter still bringing Coby tonight?”
I nodded and went back to my brownie, this time taking a normal-sized bite. Then I walked around the side of the stand and through the narrow door, smiling and greeting all of the ladies who were unloading cookies, pies and more brownies.
Without delay, I got to work. Because work was good. Work meant I couldn’t dwell on Hunter’s text, his secret career or why this stupid reporter was so set on how I’d killed Everett.
An hour and a half later, I felt better. Every inch of the counter was covered in sweets and Mom’s club had descended into full-fledged gossip mode.
“Did you hear they’re getting a divorce?” one of the women whispered.
“After thirty-four years?” another gasped.
“I heard she’s been cheating.”
“Nooooo.” That shocked the whole club.
I just shook my head and kept loading the register with cash. They were gossiping about my retired high-school math teacher whose wife had been having a secret affair with my retired high-school science teacher for the past six months. This I knew because they’d rented a room at the motel for one of their torrid rendezvous. Personally, I was glad Mr. Palermo was kicking his wife to the curb. He was a nice guy and deserved better.
I sighed as I loaded the cash register with bills.
The Palermo divorce wouldn’t be the only topic of gossip tonight. The annual rodeo ranked second behind high-school football games for local attendance. Nearly the entire county would be here. Everyone would come to enjoy the event and talk about their neighbors.
The brownie I’d scarfed earlier wasn’t sitting so well in my anxious stomach. What were they going to say about me and Hunter? How were my friends going to react to my secret boyfriend?
I’d find out soon enough.
Taking my phone from my purse, I checked the time. With less than thirty minutes to go, the arena was starting to fill with people. Hunter hadn’t texted yet but I was expecting him and Coby any minute.
“Mom?” I patted her shoulder, stealing her attention from the huddle. “The register is loaded. I’m going to head out.”
“Okay, sweetie. Thanks for your help and the brownies. Are you going to bring Hunter and Coby by later?”
“Sure.” I smiled when she turned away and told her club mates that I was dating a “dreamboat.” The women erupted into questions and excited clapp
ing, but I ignored them all, waving good-bye and ducking out of the booth.
I made my way to the stands, smiling and chatting with people as I shuffled in line and up the ramp to the bleachers. Turning the corner, I stood at the base of the steps and looked for an open space.
Gigi spotted me at the same time I saw her above an empty metal row.
I waved and climbed the stairs. “Hello, Cleary family!” I gave my best friend a hug before doing the same with her kids.
“Maze,” Jess said as he hugged me too. “Where’s Coby?”
“He’s coming. He’s, um . . .” I looked to Gigi as I trailed off.
Gigi’s beautiful face smiled down at me from the row above. “He’s what?”
