Page 52 of Peach Cobbler Confessions
Noah steps up. “I’m glad you’re not upset, Lottie. It’s not good for the baby.” He pulls me in and dots my other cheek with a kiss as the two of them take off.
“The real question is”—I whisper to myself—“will they be speaking to me after I spillmydeep, dark secret.”
I place my hand over my stomach absentmindedly.
A part of me doesn’t want to speak to myself.
Chapter 17
Everett’s revelation clings to my mind as I step out into the foyer of my mother’s B&B. The dark paneled walls and the thick carpeting give it all a homey appeal.
And just as I’m about to head over to babysit Kent Noble, aka the killer, I spot a curious sight—Sammy Brewer and Jade Archibald having what looks to be an amicable conversation.
Collette Jenner gasps as she spots them. “Oh, Lottie, I bet they’re going to exchange fists next. Although Essex didn’t throw a single punch, I think on some level he thought he deserved it.”
I nod over to her. “I think you’re right. But that’s not true. I’m sure he felt terrible keeping this a secret for so long.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. But nothing at the moment.” I tick my head to the giggling girls as we head their way.
“Excuse me,” I say and both Sammy and Jade turn my way. “So glad you both could make it. Is everything all right?”
Jade takes a breath as she looks to the blonde dressed in a bright blue dress and matching heels.
“I think we’re okay.” Jade nods. “I’m not thrilled with the past, but I’ve come to terms that it takes two to tango. Dane wasn’t all that big on monogamy. And I’m moving past it. Before I get into another relationship, I’m going to make sure the man has a track record I can approve of.”
Sammy shrugs. “And I’m all through with being the other woman. The men always say they’re going to leave their wives or girlfriends, and I always seem to get the short end of the deal. I came by to apologize to Jade, and she actually said she thinks we can be friends.”
Jade nods. “Sammy can use a positive influence.”
“Couldn’t we all.” I glance to Collette Jenner when I say it, and she inches back.
“Wait a minute.” Collette attempts to swat me. “Is that a dig at my past?”
“What? No!” I say before landing my fingers over my lips when I realize both Sammy and Jade are looking at me, wide-eyed. “I mean—what? No, don’t tell me you haven’t made your way to the dessert spread I’ve set up in the conservatory,” I say, navigating them in that direction. “Every good friendship should begin with a tasty bite of my peach cobbler.”
Jade laughs. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”
Both she and Sammy head for the conservatory just as Carlotta and my frazzled mother jog my way.
“Oh, Lottie, I’m so glad you’re here.” Mom does an odd little tap-dance. “Lainey was put on bedrest this morning.”
“What?” I howl. “Is she okay? Is the baby all right?”
“Oh yes, they’re fine.” Her blonde curls bob as she nods. “She assured me that the doctor simply wants her off her feet for a few days. They’ve been swelling severely. Anyway, she asked if I would make a quick trip with some of your sweet treats, and you know I can’t deny your sister a thing. Would you keep an eye on everything while I’m gone? I’ll only be ten minutes.”
“Yeah, sure,” I say. “Take my bakery van.” I dig the keys out of my purse and hand them to her. “I’ve still got six full boxes of sweet treats in the back. Give her whatever you want.”
“Ooh.” Mom shimmies her shoulders as she dangles the keys in front of Carlotta. “I’ve got the keys to the delicious kingdom. Be right back, girls.” She takes off, and Carlotta makes a face.
“What’s the matter?” I ask this surly older version of me.
“I asked Ridge Porter out for a date and he turned me down flat.”
A tiny giggle rides in my throat. “Don’t feel bad, Carlotta. You still have Harry. He’s crazy about you.”
“That’s the whole point. It’s my job to go out and find other men in order to make Harry just that,crazy. How do you think we keep the spice alive?”