Page 40 of Lessons in Lemonade

“It is. I don’t think I told you, but we’re participating in Charleston’s Wine and Food Festival coming up.”

She didn’t tell me, and I can’t help but feel the sting of rejection. I’m not sure why she wouldn’t want to share this with me; we’ve talked just about everything over the last couple of months—well, the months leading up to the injury. I guess I haven’t talked much since.

“No, you didn’t tell me.” I keep my voice neutral to not let her know this bothers me. “That’s awesome. Isn’t it like a really big deal?” I’m not a foodie and I’ve even heard of this festival.

“It is.” She looks away from me and back to the table. “And it’s our first year being invited to participate, so we are being very meticulous about the details.”

“I can see that.” I chuckle as I follow her gaze and look around at the different place settings and crystal glassware.

“It gets better.” She looks back up at me with the sheepishness in her facial expression now gone and replaced with excitement. “We sold out.”

Of course she did. Anyone who has ever eaten her food would know she is the best.

“I take it back—that’s not awesome, it’s fantastic. I’m proud of you.” I reach out and put my hand on her shoulder. It slides down, and I gently hang on to her elbow.

She’s pleased with my words as a small smile lifts her lips and long dark eyelashes sweep up and down. It’s easy to see the pride radiating off of her, and she should feel this way. She’s a damn good chef.

“Yeah, we’ve been working on the menu and who’s going to be supplying what like the sparkling wines, flowers, et cetera, and I’m just so excited.”

She steps toward the table, and my hand falls as she picks up two forks and holds them out for me to take. Both are a brushed dull metal, but one is silver with a long, skinny square handle and the other is copper with a thin round handle. I weigh them both and instantly like the copper one better. It feels heavier, which I prefer, and honestly I love the color. I hold it up so she knows it’s my choice. She grins, takes them both, and lays them back on the table.

“When is it?” She may be sold out, but I’m certain I can convince her to make me a plate as well. I’ll toss out the best friend card if I have to.

“Sunday, March twenty-second.”

“That’s soon.” I smile, suddenly feeling a little anxiety for her. “I hope I can help you somehow.”

She shoves her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. It pushes her chest out, and I want to groan out loud at the sight.

“Oh, I’m sure you will. It’ll be all hands on deck. Zach and Shelby will be here too.”

“That’s great! It’ll be good to see him.” I push the sleeves of my shirt up, suddenly feeling warm.

She pauses for a second, and I know she’s doing the math. Yes, I hope to still be here then. I know it’s a couple of weeks away, but I already promised myself I’ll stay out of her way.

“So!” She snaps out of her thoughts. “The downstairs is basically a square. The dining room connects to the sitting room”—she points to the next room over—“and the sitting room connects to the family room, which then connects to the kitchen. The stairs you saw when we entered lead up to three bedrooms, but I’m going to put you in a room on this floor.”

She brushes past me, the scent of sugar and oranges trailing her, and she walks down a short hallway that leads to the back of the house. I follow.

“I’m thinking for the time being this one is probably best, even though it’s smaller.”

She opens a door on the right, and as I peek in past her, it feels perfect.

The bedroom is plenty large enough for me. There’s a queen-sized bed in the middle, along with a dresser that has a mirror on top and a chair in the corner of the room. I brought my Apple TV with me and picked up a medium-sized flat-screen TV on the way so she wouldn’t have to worry about me being in her space all the time. The dresser will hold it perfectly.

She’s paused, waiting for a reaction, so I face her and say, “This room is great. Besides, beggars can’t be choosers. I’m just thankful you’re letting me stay.”

And I really am thankful. Sure, I have friends I’ve made over the years spread out across the country, but the only person I want to be with right now is her.

“I told you to come visit me whenever you wanted.” She reaches up, places her hand on my bicep, and smiles. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“I am, too.”

A heavy pause falls between us and my gaze drops to her mouth. It’s free of lipstick, but she’s got some glossy stuff on her lips that makes them really damn inviting. Her cheeks flush pink, and she steps back into the hallway.

“Your bathroom is here, just across the hall.” She opens a door that’s a little down on the left. “When you’re ready and you think you can manage the stairs, the bedroom upstairs has an attached bathroom. It’s up to you if you want to switch or not.”

“Really, this is fine.” I’ll be out of her way but still near her. Quite frankly, it’s perfect.