Page 57 of The Cinnamon Spice Inn (Maple Falls #1)

FIFTY

MADISON

Later that night, Madison and Gram were cozied up in the great room.

Gram sipping spiced tea, Madison with her coffee, unwinding after one too many hours of computer training.

Gram was right—maybe she should stick to pencil and paper.

The new hires would probably pick up the computer more quickly, and it would be less stressful for everyone.

“Can’t believe you’re staying in tonight. I heard there was a dart tournament down at the tavern.”

Madison looked up from the food magazine she had been skimming. “Oh?”

“Kit was getting a team together. I’m surprised she didn’t ask you.”

“Come to think of it, she did. It’s just… there’s been so much going on that I kind of like just staying in. You’re not trying to get rid of me, are you?”

“Nope. In fact, I could use the company. Hank’s been pretty busy too, but I’m hoping to catch up with him soon. What about you and Zach?” Gram looked over the rim of her teacup, bouncing her eyebrows.

“Can we not talk about that now please, Gram?”

“Hm,” Gram said, narrowing her eyes.

Madison checked her phone and saw a new text from Zach: Just saying hi. Want to hang out later?

Madison stared at it, thumb hovering over the screen. For a second, she almost texted back something reckless like, I miss you. But instead, she tucked the phone under a cushion, out of sight.

“I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but you can’t avoid him forever,” Gram said.

“Don’t worry, I won’t.”

Gram gave her a long, assessing look. “I suppose this means you’re taking the job offer?”

Madison nodded. “I already have. I start in two weeks.”

Gram gave her a knowing look. Madison forced a smile and changed the subject. “When’s the next craft club meeting?” she asked abruptly.

Gram’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, that won’t be till next month. We only meet once a month. Maybe if you’re back in town for a visit…” Her voice trailed off. “We’re making snowmen this time, and I’m hosting.”

Madison could picture it… Mrs. C. bossing everyone around. Mrs. Bishop keeping everyone full of hot cocoa and peppermint bark.

Kit would probably be there, and maybe Cassidy, too. Madison had heard a rumor the newcomer was thinking of staying.

It would be lovely.

But could she really live her life between two places?

“Maybe.” Madison sighed. For the first time in a long time, the coffee in her mug tasted bitter.