Page 51 of Lessons in Lemonade

Zach, taking advantage of this opportunity to the fullest, decided to surprise Shelby with a large hotel room and tickets to one of the event dinners tonight. Since they spend so much time secluded at the winery, he thought it would be a nice date night for the two of them. Of course, Meg was a little disappointed that Shelby wouldn’t be here like old times, but she understands.

“Me too,” she says quietly. “But she’ll be there first thing tomorrow, and that’s when I really need her.”

“So, I know you’re heading to bed early, but tonight I am going to cook us dinner while you sit back and relax.”

“Oh, really?” Her mood is already shifting back to normal. She eyes me suspiciously. “There is that new fuzzy robe Shelby brought me, too. It’s so soft, and I could totally use some cuddle time on the couch with it.”

“Hey now, I’m a good cuddler, too,” I tease.

Her cheeks turn pink and she looks away. “I suppose you’ll do.”

With that, she heads to the living room, and I head to the kitchen. Dinner isn’t fancy—I’m just grilling chicken and some vegetables—but it’s work she doesn’t have to do and I know it’ll taste good. I also bought some peanut butter cookies for afterward. Dip them in a little milk and it’ll put her right to sleep.

Laying everything out on a plate, I walk outside to turn the grill on. While waiting for it to heat up, I look around at her beautiful garden, taking in the delicious smells of the early evening air. Across the fence, my eyes catch on something in her neighbor’s yard, and I’m struck with an idea—quite possibly a great idea.

Prickles of adrenaline and excitement move down my arms into my hands. Meg said she wanted unique Southern arrangements, and this just might be the solution.

First, on the sly, I call Taylor and ask her what she thinks. She loves the idea but doesn’t see how I’m going to pull it off. I tell her not to worry, and she agrees to meet me an hour earlier than planned in the morning.

Next, I call Eddie. He picks up on the third ring.

“Hey, man,” he says.

“Hey. Are you busy tonight?” Eddie’s been married for almost five years and has a toddler at home.

“Not really, why?” The sound of clinking weights echoes in the background.

“I need some help with something, and we’ll probably be out late.”

“I’m intrigued. Keep talking,” he says, closing what I assume is his office door as silence descends on his end.

I tell him my idea, describing what it will entail, and he’s totally on board.

Hot damn.

Peanut Butter Cookies

THIS MORNING, I choose to walk to work. Yes, it’s dark out and I know Jack will be mad when he finds out, but I need the cool air and the extra time in my head to sort through my excitement and anxiety about today.

I know there’s always a possibility of something going wrong, but we’ve planned, organized, and rehearsed the flow; the only thing left to do is execute it. Clutching the box of the place card menus under my arm, I visualize each step and each course of the brunch. I’m certain people will be pleased with what they’re served, and if they’re not, well, then my style isn’t for them. But come on, the menu is delicious—at least that’s what Jack told me as he tasted it all.

Jack.

What am I going to do about him? Letting out a sigh, I shift so my bag sits higher on my shoulder.

Every day it seems to get harder and harder to keep him in the friend zone. I knew he was charming, but I never expected him to be this charming and sweet. He’s gotten under my skin, and although I keep reminding my heart of the promises I made to myself, I don’t know what to do about it. Yes, he’s still a little off from the injury, not as exuberant as he once was, but I like him. In fact, I really can’t think of anything I don’t like, from his face, his laugh, and his hands when they hold mine to his thoughtfulness and his sense of humor. There’s a reason he quickly became my best friend, but lately I just don’t know. I like him living with me, way more than I should, and I worry about how I’m going to feel when he leaves.

But this, him, these feelings—I need to think about all that another day. I can’t do it right now as I need to focus on the brunch, and I know this. So, I shake my head, as if that will rid my thoughts of him, and go over in order the things I need to do first today. I have to focus on OBA.

Rounding the corner of the block, I see the lights are glowing from inside the restaurant. Taylor must already be here—seriously, the poor girl is going to need a raise after this. She’s worked her butt off, and I’m so grateful.

Through the window, I see movement from several people, which confuses me, then as I open the front door, I’m met with a sight and a floral scent so wonderful my jaw drops and I freeze.

“Surprise!” Taylor yells, throwing her arms out.

As I take a few tentative steps in, the door swings shut behind me.

“I don’t understand. What . . . ? How?” I look from her to Jack—which throws me off because I thought he was at home sleeping—to a guy I don’t know, and then to Diane, the florist.