Page 85 of Traces Of You

23

CROSS THAT BOUNDARY

“I’m right behind the bar if you get overwhelmed,” Ford said two weeks later.

“Why would I?” The doors opened and people were walking in for the open house at Ridgeway Orchard Barn.

“It’s a lot more people than you’re used to being around at once. Or working with.”

Reenie was next to the bar and tucking her shirt into her black jeans better. Everyone working today had the same attire. A red T-shirt that Clay provided with their own black bottoms.

“I’m not taking orders,” she said. “I’ve gotten good carrying trays and that’s all I’m doing other than cleaning up when I see empty glasses or plates.”

She hadn’t thought Ford could be any more protective but she’d been wrong. It wasn’t just in what he did, but in what he said. He encouraged her constantly. To trust herself, stay sharp, and find strength she hadn’t realized was there.

Things she’d never had voiced to her before.

That was wrong. Ford had done it years ago.

In the two weeks since they’d taken their relationship to the next level, he’d only spent the night with her a handful of times.She hadn’t seen his house once, and when she brought it up to him, he’d said they could spend the night tonight.

She wasn’t sure why he hadn’t offered to bring her once, or have her drive there.

It’s not as if it was a secret they were together. At least she didn’t think so, but maybe only a few knew what really was between them other than him walking around the area shopping that one day.

“You have. Clay really appreciates this.”

“I’ve got to go,” she said. “Your mom is waving at me.”

Brooke had pushed her and the other servers out of the kitchen, saying they were in her way and underfoot.

She didn’t want to be hurt over that since she’d been working with Ford’s mother for just shy of a month now and they made a great team.

Not just the way they moved around the kitchen to get the job done, but the motherly talks they shared.

How to get a stain out of a shirt better, recipes, and words of wisdom.

Things she’d never had with her mother or any other older woman in her life.

She was getting it with Brooke. Someone she could go to for anything, she was positive.

Even questions about Ford, though she wouldn’t cross that boundary. At least not anytime soon.

It felt like everything was finally falling into place but she knew better. Whenever life started to settle, the dam always broke, and the flood came rushing in to drown her all over again.

She hated not knowing what was going on with Oliver, but it appeared maybe he’d just given up at this point.

“These trays are ready,” Brooke said. “First, come here.” Brooke pulled her to the side out of earshot. Lexi had frowned over that move, but she didn’t care. “I’m sorry if I was rudeearlier. This is big for the family and Clay. I wanted everything perfect and it’s hard for me to do that if too many hands are touching things.”

“It’s fine,” she said. “I understand. It’s important and feelings need to be pushed aside, but I wasn’t hurt. Please don’t think that.”

Ford’s mother ran her hand on Reenie’s arm. “Lexi was complaining. Or so I was told. You’re a good girl. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings. Nor do I need Ford on my case if I did.” Brooke smiled at those words, then continued before Reenie could reply. “You’re doing a great job in the cafe. I’ll relax after this, but the first event will set the stage for the future.”

She turned her head to see the trays of hors d’oeuvres. Apples, hard cider, and other farm produce comprised almost everything. She thought it was a nice touch and theme and Brooke and she had been chatting about recipes that sounded good for weeks.

Her job along with others was to walk around with these trays, when one was empty, go back and get another, changing it up, and gather as much feedback as they could.

The whole thing was fascinating to her and she was so ecstatic to be part of it.