Page 74 of Stronghold

"How old do you think I am, Judson Hale?"

I laugh and run away to my room before I get hit with a spatula.

With all my stuff packed in the car, I head over to the bar. I'm still early, so I plan to sit at the bar drinking soda and chatting to whoever is on the first shift.

The bar isn't too packed, so I don't feel bad for taking a seat. Molly sees me straight away and comes over.

"Hey, there's a guy with an accent asking for you. British, I think. I can never tell," she says.

"Where?"

She points to the booth on the opposite side of the bar.

My stomach sinks when I find myself staring at Pierre.

28

Skyler

"Hey, Talia. I have your delivery for you."

The petite owner of Gourmont claps her hands when she sees the box in my hands.

"Ooh, thank you, thank you. I ran out last week, and people have been going nuts for it, especially after seeing you on TV."

I smile at her. It feels strange to be recognized, and I have to remember people are just now seeing stuff that was filmed weeks ago.

"That is so crazy. I'm only a sugarmaker. Jud's the chef, the one with all the talent. I hope people don't expect us to become some kind of crazy celebrities.

"Hmm…I'm not sure he's the only talent. Your Maple Sky was selling well enough before the show. Can you fix me up with four boxes next time you're out this way?"

"Sure. I can come by next week."

"Perfect."

I send her the invoice I have in my email drafts and make a note to bring her a new order next week. I also pick up a bag of dried herbs that my mom says are a pain in the butt to grow herself.

The next stop is Tuxbury, where I not only get a new bigger order, just like Talia's, but the owner also gives me the card of a friend who has a store down in Rutland and would love to sell Maple Sky.

I can't believe the show hasn't even finished airing and it's already making a difference.

On my drive back to the farm, I decide that I'm going to have a conversation with my parents. I can't tell them we've won the show, of course, but it's no lie that I need to focus on my business.

I want to expand my tubing system so I can tap more trees. If my current demand continues this way, I will be close to running out of syrup before the next season.

And if I'm going to supply the restaurant, I definitely need to make sure I have enough syrup to cover that and my clients.

My phone rings, so I pull over to answer when I see Miles's name on the screen.

"Hey, Miles."

"Hey yourself. A little bird tells me you're shacking up with Judson Hale."

I laugh. "I didn't realize you were now part of the gossip mill."

"Hell no, if that gossip was turned into energy, we could power Burlington for a year. But you still haven't answered my question. Is Judson really back?"

"Yeah."