“Because you butted your way into it.”
“No, because I’m—”
“Excellent at reading people,” I recited from memory.Spare me!
Miller looked completely disgusted. “I hope you don’t get discouraged when this Kamrnn turns out to be a deadbeat.”
“I hope you don’t feel inadequate when he goes to Jasmine’s wedding with me and dances like a dream. And…fetches my cake.”
Miller’s gaze lifted toward the water-scarred ceiling, as if looking for divine help. “He’s going to let you down.”
My phone tinged with a notification, and I squealed. “Oh, what is this?” Victory was my drink of choice, and I was tossing it back. “Kamrnn’s already responded. Wasn’t that fast?”
Miller’s huff was sheer disgust. “You can be agile on the apps when you don’t have a job.”
Miller looked like he’d just lost a deal to a rival company, and I marveled at his competitive nature. Surely that’s all it was…though my runaway imagination that dabbled in delusion liked to believe Miller’s ire was fueled by feelings for me that involved more than friendship. “Kam and I are going to look great together at the wedding.”
“Actually, I hope he is a great guy, Hattie.” All the teasing left Miller’s tone. His expression darkened and lost all its flirty zing. “Because you deserve the very best.”
“I can make my own choices.”
“Indeed you can.” That all-business monotone returned. “I hope you and Kamrnn will be very happy…”
“Thank y—”
“Living with him and his five roommates.”
“Here they are, girls!” Sylvie appeared then, escorting Ava and Poppy with her. “See, I told you Miller and Hattie weren’t fighting. Just having a discussion.” The look my grandmother shot us demanded we straighten up and comply.
Poppy licked icing off her fingers. “But they were loud.”
“It’s hard to talk over all the renovation noise in this building.” Sylvie patted the little girl’s back. “No reason to worry. No fighting going on in here. Right, you two?”
If my side-eye was a fist, Miller would’ve been knocked out on the floor. “Right.”
“Miller and Hattie argue at the farm all the time,” Ava said.
Great, toss the catnip to my grandmother, why don’t you?
“Oh, really?” Sylvie looked all too pleased at that revelation. “Sometimes adults do that. When certain feelings are involved.”
Okay, that was quite enough. “Like their uncle being wrong. But he’s apologized and admitted his deficiencies. Girls, I’m so glad you came to help us.”
“I need to clean up and get them home.” Miller stepped away from me and moved toward his nieces, the tension between us hovering like car exhaust. “Let’s go tell the others goodbye.” He picked up a rag and wiped his hands. I looked like I had rolled in Benjamin Moore, but Miller barely had any paint on him. Did he have to do everything so perfectly?
“We’ll handle the paint mess,” Sylvie said. “I packed up some of Frannie’s cupcakes for you to take. The short one’s had two and has another hidden in her shirt. She’s a little sneaky.” She kissed the top of Poppy’s head. “But you’re my type of girl.” My grandmother curved an arm around Ava’s shoulders. “This one only ate half a cupcake, so she definitely needs some to go.”
Ava’s petulance gave way to a reluctant smile. “My dad and I used to visit a cupcake shop in Texas on Saturdays. Frannie’s cupcakes remind me of that bakery. Thank you.”
Oh, progress. She was talking about good times. I nearly teared up but thought of something negative to chase the emotion away:Miller, Miller, Miller. “You’re now an honorary member of the family,” I told her. “So that means you have access to Frannie’s cupcakes anytime you want.”
“I like extra sprinkles,” Ava said.
Careful to avoid the tiny spot of paint that had the audacity to dot his shirt, Miller picked up the youngest niece and set the giggling girl on his shoulders. “If we shake Poppy, I’m pretty sure we’ll find those extra sprinkles.” He kissed Sylvie on the cheek then hustled his brood to the main room. “Goodnight, everyone. I’ve got to get these two girls in bed.”
“You stop by the shop anytime.” Rosie led them to the front door. “I appreciate good help.”
Miller’s eyes found mine and he gave a small nod. “Don’t stay up too late messaging your new boyfriend.”
