Ignite (Cloverleigh Farms #6)(56)

“I ran into Mia last week,” my mom said. “She told me the delays with the restaurant have been a big headache, especially because they were hoping to live in France for a while.”

“They’re moving?” I paused with my glass halfway to my lips. “Ellie didn’t mention that.”

“I don’t think it’s for sure, but she said she’s always wanted to spend extended time there, and now that their youngest is off to college, they’re considering it.”

“Interesting,” my dad said. “I wonder if they’re hiring someone new to manage Abelard.”

“You should apply if they are, Winnie,” said Millie. “You’d be perfect for that job.”

I smiled at her. “Thanks. But actually, I think I have an offer somewhere else.”

“You do?” My sister reached over and slapped my arm. “Why didn’t you tell me already?”

“Because it’s not a sure thing yet.” I described Sandra Elson’s email and the position at The Alexander. “I’ll know more next week. She’s going to call me Tuesday.”

“That’s so exciting,” my sister said. “Will you take it?”

“I might, if the offer is right. It sounds like a dream job.” I hesitated, taking a sip of wine. “It’s just far away from home.”

“But you have to follow your passion,” my mother surprised me by saying. “You can’t be so scared of the unknown you let it keep you from taking a chance on something that could change your life.”

“I thought you’d hate the idea of my leaving,” I said with a chuckle. “And here you are telling me to go.”

“I do hate the idea of you leaving.” My mom laughed too, but her eyes misted over. “And I will miss you. But Dad told me about this the other day, so I’ve had time to rehearse my reaction and not say the selfish things I’m feeling.”

“Dad!” I thumped his shoulder. “I asked you not to say anything yet.”

“And I was careful not to make that promise. I tell her everything, I can’t help it.” My dad slung his arm around my mom’s shoulder and kissed her head.

It’s easy to talk to you. Dex’s words from earlier echoed through my head.

“Anyway,” I said, “it’s premature to talk about leaving yet. I want to hear the details from Sandra, and then I can make a decision.”





Later, Millie and I walked out together. “What are you up to tomorrow?” she asked.

“I have to work reception in the morning. Then I’m heading over to Dex’s sister’s house for a cookout.”

Millie laughed.

“What? It’s just a cookout,” I said defensively.

“I talked to Whitney today. She said you guys were at Cloverleigh all morning.”

“We were. She was awesome with the girls. I owe her one.”

“She said they were adorable.”

“They loved it. They didn’t stop talking about it the whole way home.”

“She also mentioned you and Dex looked pretty cozy together,” she said suggestively.

I shrugged. “I don’t know what made her say that.”

“I think it was just a feeling that you seemed comfortable with each other—like old friends,” Millie said. “She was surprised that you guys met recently.”

“Yeah. We clicked fast. Good chemistry, I guess.” I played with my keys. “But you can tell Whitney—like I keep telling you—there’s nothing serious between us.”

I didn’t have trouble meeting her eye, because it was the truth.

But damn.

Being the boss of my feelings was getting harder every day.





Sixteen





Dex





“Want to hear about the new story I’m writing?” Hallie asked Sunday night when I went in to say goodnight to the girls.

“Yes.” I sat down on the edge of her bed.

She hugged Rupert the penguin tight, resting her chin on his head. “It’s about a princess.”

“Oh yeah? What’s her name?”

“Her name is Minnie.”

“Princess Minnie.” Leaning back on my elbow, I pretended to consider the name. “And what does she look like?”

“She’s very beautiful, with long golden hair. She lives in a little cottage in the forest. And she has a cat.”

“What’s the cat’s name?” Luna asked, turning onto her side to face her sister’s bed.

Hallie thought for a moment. “Tigger.”

“Interesting,” I said.

Luna giggled and tucked her hands beneath her cheek.

“Princess Minnie is very sad when Tigger runs up a very tall tree and won’t come down,” Hallie went on. “And she has no one to ask for help.”

“Aren’t there some townspeople about?” I asked.

“No.” Hallie’s tone was solemn. “Minnie cannot go to town because she’s hiding in the forest. Her parents are cruel and they want her to marry a mean prince.”

“Well, that sucks.”

“There’s only one person she can ask—he lives near her in the forest, and she sometimes sees him through her window.” Hallie took a breath. “But she’s scared of him.”