Page 38 of Inside Out

“I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but I see you are unarmed.”

~William Shakespeare

“You can’t fix stupid.”

~Romeo Bradley

There was no denying I walked with extra pep in my step that morning nor was there doubt as to why it felt like I was floating instead of walking.Julius.I’d earned a quirked brow from Lily when I dropped Dolly off, but she didn’t ask any questions.

“By the way, your marinara sauce was the best I’ve ever had,” I said when I released Dolly from the leash before handing it to Lily.

“I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Would you like another jar? I have plenty.”

“I will graciously accept your generosity when I pick Dolly up tonight. I’d really like you to teach me how to grow the right tomatoes and make the sauce myself. I’m ruined for jarred spaghetti sauce from the store.”

“Really?” Lily asked. “I’d love to teach you this summer if that’s really what you want.”

“I do.”

After dropping off Dolly, I stopped at Books and Brew to pick up a cup of coffee and a pastry for both myself and Priscilla. She was partial to their blueberry and cream cheese Danish, and I wanted to bring her a treat to get her week started off on the right foot. Milo was working the counter and eyeing me speculatively. I gave him my order and paid for it while Maegan started making our drinks.

“That looks really good on you, Rome.”

“Thanks, this tie is my favorite,” I told Milo, although I suspected he meant the sappy grin I couldn’t wipe off my face.

“You know darn well I wasn’t talking about your yellow paisley tie.” It was said with so much derision I had to study my choice to see if it looked as bad as he implied. I loved the pastel colors in the paisley print and thought it looked sharp against the lavender shirt I’d chosen.

“What’s wrong with my tie?” I asked, scowling at him.

“Milo, we don’t insult our patrons’ clothes,” Maegan said from the espresso machine. She turned and faced me. “Your tie looks as lovely as the glow you’re wearing.”

“Mae, he was being deliberately obtuse,” Milo countered. “I guess we’ll let the man keep his secrets.”

“In this town?” Mae snorted. “Good luck with that, Rome.”

I hadn’t planned on keeping my relationship with Julius a secret; I just wasn’t willing to reveal my feelings to people I hardly knew. Did Julius want us to keep our relationship a secret? If he did, we’d have to be extraordinarily careful and have all our dates away from Blissville, and there could be no overnight stays at either of our houses. That sounded horrible to me, but I would try if it’s what he wanted.If he had a valid reason for denying us.I just wasn’t sure how long I could pull it off. It wasn’t like I expected him to hold my hand or kiss me at the school, but the thought of not being able to smile at him in the hallway or share lunch with him during our break bothered me more than it should.

“Uh-oh,” Milo said. “Mae didn’t mean to diminish your sunny disposition.”

“Me?” Maegan said, placing her hands on her hips. “You’re the one insulting his tie, so you started it.”

That quickly, the clouds parted and allowed the sun to shine bright again. I clutched my stomach and laughed at their antics. “Oh, you two are something else. I bet you kept your folks on their toes.”

“Kept?” asked an amused voice from behind me. I turned and saw a smiling older version of Maegan. “I’m Jackie Miracle, and the mother of these two hooligans. There is never a dull moment with Milo and Maegan.”

“I’m Romeo Bradley,” I said, offering my hand.

“I know who you are, Dr. Bradley,” she replied, firmly shaking my hand. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”

“Likewise.”

Maegan placed a carrier with my drinks and a bag with the pastries on the counter. “Have a great day. Sorry again that we hijacked your good mood the minute you crossed the threshold.”

“You did no such thing, guys. I always feel like I’m getting free entertainment with my coffee and pastries when both of you are working behind the counter. I’ll be back for more tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow then,” Milo said with a devious smile. It looked like he was already coming up with a scheme to irritate his sister and entertain me at the same time. I had every faith he could pull it off.

“Good luck with them, Mrs. Miracle.”