“Hi,” Sadie greeted, plopping down into the cushioned chair before reaching for the mocha latte already awaiting her among a plate full of muffins.
Lori leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “So, we were just talking about the most interesting news in town—Dale Taylor is back.”
Heat rushed into Sadie’s cheeks. She should have known they’d bring him up. News traveled fast in Harland County, especially when it involved a former high school football star, no doubt.
Loni, ever the observant one, noticed Sadie’s reaction and smirked. “I see some things haven’t changed.”
Groaning, she set her cup down and buried her face in her hands. “I know! Stupid body.”
“I think it’s cute.” Lori chuckled. “So, tell us, how does it feel to have your childhood crush back in town?”
Sadie peeked out from between her fingers, giving them both a playful glare. “Hey! I thought we agreed to never speak of that again.”
Loni grinned. “That was before he came back, and you started blushing at the mere mention of his name.”
“Just so you know, both of you do that when your husbands are around,” she stated.
And why wouldn’t they? The twins were married to two very hot former SEALs who now worked at ESI. It was cute to see them flustered, and she was happy they’d married men worthy of her friends.
“That’s because they make our hearts race,” Lori said. “Don’t try to deny that Dale does that to you, too.”
With a sigh, she acknowledged there was no way out of this conversation. “Fine, fine. Yes, he does. Yes, I may have had a tiny crush on him when we were kids. But it’s not like he ever noticed me back then. He was a senior, and I was a lowly freshman, so, basically, invisible.”
Memories of that awkward time and the stupid unreasonable longing washed over her. She winced. Thankfully, that was all in the past.
Loni and Lori exchanged a knowing look, the kind that only twins could master. It was a look that said they knew more than they were letting on.
“Oh, come on,” Lori teased. “You were adorable back then. How could he not notice you?”
Sadie rolled her eyes, finally taking a sip of her latte. “Maybe because he was too busy being cool and gorgeous, running around with his older brother and their friends. Besides, I was more interested in books and crafts than boys.”
It was mostly true.
Loni nodded thoughtfully. “You were always crafting something. But still, now that he's back, maybe it’s time for a second chance. I mean, he’s not just back, he’s staying at his dad’s place, and you’re now neighbors.”
Heat returned to her cheeks with a vengeance. “Yep. He’s staying next door. But he’s got a lot on his plate with Sam’s recovery and everything. The last thing he needs is me and my old crush getting in the way. Besides, my channel’s expanding, which means I need to put up more content more often.”
It was a double-edged sword.
“Success does have its drawbacks,” Loni said. “We’re happy for the volume of clientele, but in order to keep up, we’ve had to hire two more people.”
She nodded. “Exactly why I’m trying to talk my cousin into relocating here.”
The sisters sat up.
“Harper? Really?” Lori blinked.
Loni grinned. “That’s a great idea.”
Like the twins, Harper used to spend her childhood summers in Harland County, and the four of them had become fast friends.
Sadie lifted a shoulder. “I think so, too. I’m hoping now that my aunt and uncle are getting ready to retire and move to Florida near my parents, she’ll give it some serious thought.”
“Good,” Lori stated. “And a change of scenery will be good for her.”
Loni nodded. “I agree, although I’m sure it’ll be a tough step for her, so be patient.”
“I know and I am.” She sighed.
