Page 44

Sydney was suddenly full of ideas. She didn’t want to rush their time at the park, but as soon as she got home, she went to work, mostly to see if what she was thinking about was even possible.

It all started with a call to Birdie, who said she’d have to look into the city ordinances and get back to Sydney but that she loved the idea and didn’t see why it couldn’t work.

While Birdie did that, Sydney did a search online to see what she could come up with. She found a place that built to order but also had a few models ready to be customized that could ship quickly, depending on how much needed to be done to them.

They were in Florida, so shipping wouldn’t take that long, either.

She called them mostly to get some questions answered about what was customizable and what sort of a deposit they’d want.

Turned out they had an art department that would design a logo and everything.

As for the deposit, they wanted twenty-five percent, but she discovered they also gave a discount for cash.

Her heart was racing. Impulsively, she made a reservation. There was a twenty-four-hour grace period in which she could cancel.

She jumped when her phone rang, then laughed at herself. It was Birdie calling back.

“Hi, Birdie. What did you find out?”

“All sorts of stuff, but that’s why it took so long.

Here’s the deal. None currently exist in town, but there are no ordinances against them.

I called Hugh Ellingham, who then talked to his grandmother, who’s the big cheese in town.

They’re all for it. A permit and license would have to be issued, but they’ve promised to expedite it.

They’d really love to have something like this down by the lake.

I think that’s a great idea when you consider how much development is happening there.

All those shops and the theater. It’s a tourist hot spot. ”

“I like that idea,” Sydney said. “Main Street would be too crowded anyway.”

“If you’re cool with the lake, you can pick your spot, and they’ll officially make it yours.”

“Really? Wow, I wasn’t expecting that.”

“If there’s anything the Ellinghams understand, it’s innovation and staying on trend. This is definitely something people will love. Especially tourists.”

Sydney was smiling so hard, her cheeks hurt. “Okay, I guess I have some work to do.”

“You need anything, you holler. I think this is a fantastic idea.”

“Thanks. I’ll be in touch.” Sydney hung up and sat back on her couch. Was she really going to do this? It wasn’t the money she was worried about, but it was still kind of risky. But she’d taken risks before. Nothing with this great of a reward, though. At least potentially.

Should she talk to Adam first? Or just do it? Surprising him would be great, but what if he said no? What if he didn’t think he was ready?

It made so much sense to her, but what did she know about a thing like this? Still, if he didn’t want to, then … she had her answer about whether there was a future for them or not.

She’d have to talk to him today. It was almost time to head over there now. She did a few chores around the house, then put Mackie’s leash on him, and they went next door.

Adam opened the door before she was on the porch. “Ready to bake?”

She laughed, trying to hide her nerves. “Potatoes, right?”

“Yep.”

She came up the steps. “I’m excited to learn something new. Where’s Sugarbelle?”

“Sleeping on the bed. She loves that new step, by the way. She uses it all the time.” He closed the door once she and Mackie were in. “Sugarbear, your boyfriend is here.”

Sydney laughed. “Mackie, do you have a girlfriend?”

Mackie tipped his head like he had no idea what she was saying.

Sugarbelle came out of the bedroom, and the mutual sniffing began.

“You want me to let them out into the backyard?” Sydney asked.

“That would be great. Just leave the door open so they can come and go. Then meet me in the kitchen.”

“Okay.” She snapped her fingers to get the dogs’ attention. “Come on, you two. Backyard time.”

They followed, going right out as soon as she opened the door. They looked so happy, racing around and rolling in the grass. If Adam really did leave, Sugarbelle was going to be heartbroken.

That would make two of them.

She tried not to let that thought take over as she went into the kitchen. The oven light was on, and several potatoes were visible, even though there were more potatoes and other ingredients on the counter. “Hey, I thought we were making the potatoes.”

“We are, but they take at least an hour, so I started those early. We’ll use the bottom oven for ours.”

“Okay.” She went to the sink to wash her hands. She dried them, then faced him again. “I’m ready. What do we do?”

“First of all, we start with the right potato. You can bake any kind, but russets are the best. The potatoes should be firm with no green spots or sprouts.”

“Russets in top condition, got it.”

“Preheating the oven is important, too. I like to set it at 425. I know that sounds high, but that’s how you get crispy skin.”

“I love crispy skin; 425 it is.”

He went through all the steps. Washing and drying the potatoes, poking holes in them so they didn’t burst, rubbing them in olive oil and salting them, then placing them directly on the oven rack to bake.

“That’s it,” he said as he shut the oven door.

“I can do that.”

“I know you can.”

“I see now why you had the idea about the baked potato food truck. It’s such an easy thing to prepare, but the toppings are where it really shines. And you can get creative.”

He nodded. “For sure.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the counter, his gaze growing wistful. “Someday.”

This was the opening she’d been looking for. Nerves ran rampant through her, but she had to take her shot. “What if … it wasn’t someday. What if it was now?”

His eyes narrowed. “What do you mean now?”

She exhaled. “What if we went into business together? Right here in town?”

“What kind of business?”

“A food truck. Just like you said.”

His mouth came open, and he blinked a few times before he spoke. “I … don’t know. I’d have to find out if a food truck would even be allowed and?—”

“They are. We’d need a license and a permit, but I’ve already been assured those won’t be a problem. And the town will give us a dedicated space by the lake, which is the most up and coming part of Nocturne Falls. Lots of traffic, tourists and locals.”

His eyes narrowed. “How do you know all this?”

She pursed her lips innocently. “I’ve been doing some research.”

“Into food trucks.”

“Yep. So what do you think?”

“Syd, that’s really sweet, but food trucks are expensive, and then there’s the cost of those licenses and permits, not to mention the food, and advertising, and insurance, and?—”

“I can handle all of that.”

He stopped talking and just looked at her.

“What I can’t handle is you leaving. But I don’t want to stand in the way of your dream, either, so wouldn’t this be just as good? Getting your own food truck? I would be your partner, of course, but I can learn. I can wait on customers and take orders and?—”

“You really mean it, don’t you?”

She nodded, nerves coursing through her.

This was put up or shut up time. “I like you a lot, Adam. I liked you when I thought you were human, and now that I know otherwise, I still like you. Even more, if I’m being honest. And look, I know I’m probably not the woman you had in mind.

I’m more human than supernatural, but Pandora says there are things I can do to tap into my nymph side and really?—”

“I think you’re perfect the way you are. I liked you when you were human, and now that I know otherwise, I like you even more.” He smiled. “I especially like the fact that you like me, despite who and what I am.”

After a shaking exhale, she managed to smile, too. “I’m glad we’re on the same page about that.”

Truth was, she was falling in love with him. She couldn’t look at him without smiling. Unless she thought about him leaving. “So what do you think about my offer?”

“You’re completely serious about it? Us having a food truck?”

She nodded. “I’m very serious. In fact…” She swallowed. “I already put a deposit down on one.”

His jaw fell open, and his eyes rounded. “A new one? You did?”

“And if we come up with a name and a logo in the next week, the art department will get the graphics together and we can have the truck in six weeks.”

“Six…” He shook his head. “I can’t walk away from the job at the fountain. I’m committed to that.”

“I know, but we could run the truck on your days off. Like a soft opening sort of situation. If you want. Otherwise, I’ll just tell them we don’t need the truck that early.”

“That’s a great idea.” He pushed off from the counter and went to her, pulling her into his arms. He hugged her tight, his voice husky when he spoke again. “I can’t believe you’ve done all this. For me. For us. I don’t know how to thank you.”

She leaned into him, her head against his chest, her eyes closed. “So that’s a yes then? And you’ll stay?”

Laughing, he leaned back to look her in the eyes. “Yes. I’ll stay.”

She smiled up at him, her heart full. Her dream within reach. “I’m so glad. We have a lot of work to do. And I’m not just talking about the name and the logo. We need to come up with a menu and prices and?—”

He kissed her, a long, slow, deep kiss that shivered down her spine and curled her toes. And in that moment, everything else was forgotten.