“It’s not, but evidently the papers are legal. She was young and didn’t know better.”
“I’m sorry for her troubles.”
“That’s why she took the job planning the gala for the hotel. And after that gala next week, she’s going to start working at the cafe when it opens. She’s a talented baker and…well, I hope it works out for everyone. Olivia needs a baker. Evelyn needs a job.”
“She’s never let it show that she’s going through all that. She’s worked long hours pulling off the gala for the opening. She never even looks stressed with juggling all the details.”
“That’s Evelyn. She’s rarely ruffled over anything. Can juggle a million things at once. But this…it’s hit her hard and I want to do anything I can to help her.”
“If I can do anything—anything at all—you’ll ask me, right?”
“I doubt if there’s much any of us can do. I already offered to help her financially, but she said no. She wants to do this on her own. At least she accepted my offer to live here while she sorts things out.”
“You’re a good sister.”He smiled.
“Anyone would do that for family.”She shrugged off the compliment.
“Maybe. Maybe, not.”
The more Barrylearned about Donna, the more he was…
He was what?
Attracted to her? He admitted that. He considered her his friend now after all the time he’d been in Moonbeam and all the time they’d spent together. It was comfortable being with her. Fun. Familiar.
And yet there was something between them. An undercurrent. A pull. He was certain.
Well, fairly certain.
“So, I heard from Emily that you got the final go-ahead permit-wise on opening The Cabot.”
Her remark pulled him from his thoughts.“We did. Delbert has moved in through the opening, helping with the last-minute things. And, of course, Evelyn has everything almost ready for the gala. I’m hoping everything goes smoothly.”
“I’m sure it will.”
They sipped their wine until he saw Donna smother a yawn. He took his last sip and stood.“I should go and let you get some sleep.”
“I’ll walk you out.”She stood and grabbed the wine bottle and her glass.
He followed her into the kitchen and reached around her to set his glass on the counter. She stood just a foot from him and slowly turned, looking up at him.
He should back up. Give her some space. He should.
He stared at her, at her warm hazel eyes and the somewhat questioning look on her face. He took a quick breath and reached out a hand—
“Grams? You here?”The front door banged opened and he recognized Emily’s voice.
He quickly took a step back and Donna sidestepped away from him.
“In the kitchen, Ems,”Donna called out.
Emily rushed into the kitchen.“Sorry to bother you. Oh, hi, Barry.”
“Hi.”He nodded, still trying to collect himself after the tumultuous interruption.
“So, Mom borrowed the blender yesterday, but didn’t bring the blade or that rubber gasket thingie for it and our new one still hasn’t come. Miss my smoothies in the mornings.”
“Oh, it’s probably still in the drawer.”Donna pointed.
