Page 13 of Ember’s Heart

Ember

“ C ut!” Owen yelled excitedly, lowering the camera. “That was perfect, Mom. You’re a natural.”

We were in the kitchen, the air thick with the rich aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs.

Mom had just finished demonstrating her famous homemade Bolognese sauce, using a mixture of peppers, zucchini, celery, mushrooms and carrots fresh from our farm.

It’ll be the first cooking video I post on our social media sites, showcasing Mom’s culinary skills and the quality of our produce.

Owen, surprisingly, was a natural behind the camera, his digital media skills coming in handy.

“It’s just like making it for dinner,” Mom said, wiping her hands on her apron. “Which, by the way, is what we’re having tonight.”

Owen grinned. “Mmm, can’t wait. I’m going to start editing this right away,” he said, hooking a thumb over his shoulder indicating he was heading to his room.

“I should have it ready for you to upload in a couple of hours, Em.” He gathered his equipment and headed out, leaving Mom and me alone in the kitchen.

I reached for a spoon, eager to sample the sauce, but Mom swatted my hand away playfully. “Patience, young lady. Dinner’s not for a few more hours, and it still has to simmer for the flavors to go through.”

I grinned and waited until she turned away to grab the lid before sneaking a little taste.

“So, how are those farm-to-table meal kits coming along?” Mom asked, turning to me just as I pulled the spoon from my mouth and smiled, “Ember Rose.”

“Pretty good,” I replied, leaning against the counter, after putting the spoon in the sink. “I’ve got the menu planned, all the ingredients sourced, and I’ve even designed the packaging. I just need to finalize the delivery logistics and figure out the best way to handle online orders.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it all under control,” Mom said, her eyes filled with pride.

“Almost,” I admitted. “Just a few minor details to iron out.”

She nodded, then her expression turned thoughtful. “Have you talked to Avery lately?”

Avery had just moved to Rose Valley a couple months prior. She was a single mom, with a bubbly personality and a quick wit. We met at Rose’s Bean and Brew, where she worked part time, and instantly clicked.

“Yeah, we’re supposed to go out on Saturday,” I said. “If she can find a sitter for Lila.” Lila was her incredibly sweet and smart nine-year-old. I loved when Avery brought Lila out to the farm to see the horses, the smile on her little girl’s face was priceless.

Mom’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I’d be happy to watch her! Tell her I’d love to have Lila overnight.”

“Really?” I asked, not surprised because mom loved having Lila here. She missed having kids running around the farm. “That’s great, Mom! I’ll let her know.” I checked my watch. “Speaking of Avery, I was actually about to head into town. I need to stop by the cafe anyway, so I can tell her.”

“Alright, honey,” Mom said, giving me a quick hug. “Drive safe.”

“Seriously, Ember,” Avery said, leaning across the counter, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “It’s been ages, right? You need to get out there. Get yourself some… relief .” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. “Even single moms like me have needs, you know. It’s called self-care.”

I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress a grin. “I don’t have time for that, Avery. I’m busy with the farm, the business…”

“Girl, please,” Avery scoffed. “Everyone has time for that. I’m surprised BOB still works, you must be giving him quite the workout.”

I groaned at the mention of my battery-operated boyfriend.

But she wasn’t wrong, lately my vibrator wasn’t quite hitting the “spot” - if you know what I mean.

And it’s not like it wasn’t a powerful little toy, it could lick, suck, and vibrate.

It could suction to your nipples or insert it to feel like a vibrating tongue inside you!

My god it was like the Rolls Royce of sex toys- for me anyways, it’s not like I was that experienced in them.

Just then, Marge wandered over. “Girls, what’s all this talk about ignoring urges?” she asked, her voice laced with playful curiosity. “Ember, honey, you look like you need to get laid. Who knows, maybe it’ll make that soldier of yours a little jealous.”

I felt my cheeks turning red. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Marge,” I said, my chin raised defensively. “I don’t have a soldier.”

Avery and Marge burst out laughing. “Oh, honey,” Marge said, patting my hand. “That’s a lie. Now, getting back to the juicy stuff, even I have needs. They keep Larry on his toes, if you know what I mean,” she said, wiggling her eyebrows.

My blush deepened, and Avery choked on her soda, sputtering with laughter. “Marge!” she gasped. “That’s… that’s too much information! ”

Marge shrugged, her expression innocent. “What? I’m old, not dead. Kids these days,” she muttered, shaking her head as she wandered off to wait on a customer, who no doubt heard everything she said, leaving Avery and me in a fit of giggles.

After we’d calmed down, I remembered what Mom had said. “Hey, about Saturday,” I said, a hopeful tone in my voice. “My mom said she’d love to watch Lila overnight.”

Avery’s eyes lit up. “Seriously? That’s amazing! Are you sure though? I don’t want to put her out.”

“Are you kidding?” I said, waving a dismissive hand. “She jumped on the opportunity. She loves Lila. And honestly, I kinda think she misses having kids around.”

Avery grinned. “Alright, then,” her tone playful. “We are going to paint the town red. No, scratch that, we’re going to set the town on fire! We’re talking drinks, dancing, maybe even a little… eye candy .”

A wave of excitement washed over me, a feeling I hadn’t experienced in far too long. I needed this. I needed a night out. A night to cut loose and forget about Colton. Avery and I both did.