Page 12

“Here you go, hon. Now you ready to order?” Norma placed her glass and a paper wrapped straw on the table in front of her.

“Thanks, Norma, I’ll have the Betty Lou’s fried chicken platter, with mashed potatoes, corn, and biscuits.”

“Coming right up.” The waitress collected the menu and bustled off to the kitchen, smiling at one of the other patrons who waved her down.

Kelly resumed her people watching. The straw slipped out of her mouth when she spied the person in the forefront of her thoughts standing across the street, looking directly at her.

As if an invisible piece of thread grew between them, Tate kept his eye on her as he crossed the street. Within seconds he was standing on the opposite side of the glass. For the first time in her life, words seemed to escape her.

After the abrupt way their conversation finished that afternoon she didn’t expect him to voluntarily approach her. If anything, she expected him to turn away and walk in the opposite direction.

Their eyes met and held. She couldn’t read what he wanted from her. And what did she want from him?

The truth of the matter was, they had to work together. The success of the festival’s new format hinged on them being on the same page. Arguing and being petty wouldn’t achieve that. They needed to talk out what happened that afternoon so it wouldn’t happen again. A good team worked cohesively to come up with compromises and solutions that would benefit both parties.

Kelly lifted her hand and waved it toward the empty bench seat opposite her. “Would you like to join me?” She mouthed the words, and judging by Tate’s raised eyebrows, her invitation was the last thing he expected. But he must have thought something would happen—why else would he cross the street and stop in front of her? Had he planned to stare at her while she ate her dinner? Now that would’ve been creepy.

After a few heartbeats, he nodded and disappeared from view as he headed to the front door. The bell over the door tinkled. She used the few seconds it would take him to get to her table to compose herself. Part of her was regretting her impulsive invitation. The other part was elated she’d taken the plunge.

“You want me to join you?” Tate kept his voice low, no doubt in case she’d changed her mind and withdrew her invitation.

“Yes. Please sit.”

“Thanks.” He took off his Stetson and sat, his leg brushing against hers as he settled in. Even the small contact of his rough denim against her bare skin set it tingling. His hair was suffering from wearing his hat for too long, and her fingers itched to reach over and ruffle it to bring a little life to the flatness. As if he reading her mind, he completed the action for himself.

Damn, maybe it would’ve been better if he hadn’t done that. Now the fine brown strands stuck up, and he looked more like he’d just gotten out of bed instead of sitting down to eat.

“Well, Kelly, I didn’t know you were entertaining this evening. Hi, Tate, what can I get you to drink?”

A warm flush spread across her cheeks. A quick look around confirmed that most of the diners had swiveled in their chairs and were looking in their direction.

“Hi, Norma, I’ll have a Dr Pepper, and, yes, Kelly and I are having dinner so I’ll have today’s special. If you didn’t know, we’re working on the Founders’ Day festival and have a few things to discuss.” Tate said it loud enough for everyone to hear.

Again, this was the downside to living in a small town. Everyone wanted to know everyone’s business. But Tate had effectively squashed the gossipmongers from putting two and two together and coming up with wedding bells.

Wedding bells.

That definitely wasn’t happening.

“Sure, Tate, I’ll be right back. You two go about discussing business.” Norma sashayed away.

“You know she didn’t buy our reason for eating together, don’t you?” Kelly said.

“Sure, but hopefully everyone else will believe me.” Tate sat back, bringing his legs in contact with hers again. This time she didn’t move them out of the way.

Another look around confirmed that the people closest to them were again talking among themselves and eating their food.

“Thanks for joining me, by the way. I hope I didn’t interrupt any plans you may have had.” Like maybe meeting the recipient of his flowers.

“Nah, no plans. I was thinking of hitting Silver Spurs for a quick beer before heading back to the house.”

On closer look, she could see the dark shadows under his eyes. It must’ve been hard to take over the farm after his father’s stroke. She’d seen for herself that it was harvesttime, so she imagined he had long days. The more she considered it, the more she could understand why he was frustrated.

“Did Tyler ask you before he volunteered your place as the satellite location?”

Norma returned to the table with Tate’s drink. Neither said a word, just waited for her to walk away. The waitress looked between them as if hoping to break their silence and get a piece of juicy gossip to share with the staff and patrons in listening distance.

Just keep fiddling with your straw, Tate. Don’t look at her. Don’t give her anything to work with.After a few moments Norma gave up and headed back to the front of the diner.