“I don’t know…that’s different.”
“Oh, good grief.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ve never known you to have a pity party, and you’re not going to start now.”
Backed in a corner, he saw her point. “All right. I get it.”
“Good.” She waved her hands in a pushing motion. “Now go find Glenna and volunteer yourself before I have to fuss at you again.”
“Okay, Mom.”
She winked. “Act like a child, get treated like a child. But seriously, I’m your friend and a friend wouldn’t let you shrink away. You’ve paid your penance. It’s time to move forward.”
“I have, it’s just…” He trailed off, not finishing.
“I know. If anybody knows, trust me, it’s me.”
Standing to his feet, he met her gaze. “Thank you.”
Her smile reflected her understanding. “I’ll save your seat.”
Chapter Eight
Addy walked through the door and swung her arms open wide. “My, it’s good to be home.”
“We’ve missed you.” Beth wiped her hands on the apron then took it off before welcoming Addy with a great big hug. “How was the visit with your cousin?”
“Wonderful. Lots of laughter and memories made.” Addy released her tight hold. “She’s going to come here this summer. We decided we’re getting too old to let much time pass between visits.”
“You’ll always be young at heart.”
Addy’s tinkling laugh filled the air. “Would you mind telling my body that?”
Beth chuckled then gestured for her to come into the kitchen. “Come sit down and have a snack, tell me all about your trip.”
“Only if you tell me how things went here first. The place looks fabulous, like I never left.”
That was a high complement from Addy, who prided herself on the bed and breakfast’s upkeep. “Thank you. Lynne, Hunter, and I make a good team.”
After pouring them each a cup of coffee and putting a cream cheese pastry on a plate for each of them, Beth sat at the table with Addy who had a grin on her face. “I heard you’ve been spending lots of time with Hunter.”
Her neck went warm. “Who told you that?”
“A little bird.” Addy smirked and sipped her coffee, making it clear she wouldn’t spill the beans.
“If we spent more time together, it was only because our work required it of us.”
Relentless as ever, Addy wasn’t giving up. “I suppose that’s why your cheeks are red as a rose?”
“It’s hot in here.”
“The air’s running.”
“Exactly.” She made a show of wiping her dry brow. “Since when does upstate New York reach the eighties in March?”
“I was shocked when I stepped off the plane, but I won’t complain.” Addy swung her hands in an animated motion. “It’s glorious.”
“If this keeps up, the lawn will have to be mowed before April.”
“Hunter won’t mind. He likes being outside.” Addy clucked her tongue. “Although, he may prefer to stay inside now.”
So much for changing the subject. “Even if there was an attraction, it’s a moot point. Nothing can come of it.”
“So, you’re admitting it?”
Beth sighed with resignation. Addy wouldn’t push unless she believed she had good reason, so Beth may as well see what her boss and friend had to say. “He’s a good-looking guy who is easy to talk to.”
“Sounds like a good beginning.” Sipping her coffee, Addy never broke eye contact. “Is his past the brick wall in the way?”
She shook her head. “We’ve talked about it. If not for his time in jail, he wouldn’t be the man he is today.”
“I’m glad you recognize that. Hunter’s a good man who made poor decisions. Goodness knows none of us are perfect.”
“Don’t I know.”
“Is it because you work together?”
Tempted to lie, she started to nod but stopped. “Not exactly.”
Setting her cup on the saucer, Addy leaned back. “I won’t keep prodding if you tell me to stop, but I get the feeling you need to talk.”
It wasn’t lost on her that Addy said need, not want. She didn’t want to discuss Hunter and her growing feelings for him, but she was lost. There was no precedent telling her what to do, how much to acknowledge. She couldn’t even go off past relationships—her track record with those wasn’t exactly stellar. “Hunter’s become a good friend.”
Addy’s gentle smile lit her face. “Everybody needs at least one of those.”
“It’s hard for me to make friends. I’m not talking acquaintances, but true friends you can open up to and share whatever’s on your heart.”
“Are you afraid pursuing a relationship with Hunter will interfere with that friendship?”
“That’s part of it.” She absently tapped a finger on the table. “What if he doesn’t feel the same way? That would put an awkward strain on us.”
“I see.” Addy nodded slowly then crossed her hands in front of her. “Think about what you said to me about true friends.”
She pressed her tongue against her cheek as she recalled her previous few sentences. “Someone you can open up to and share whatever’s on your heart.” A light bulb went off as she understood where Addy was headed, but she didn’t necessarily agree. “This is different.”
“Not from my point of view.” Reaching over the table, Addy laid a hand on Beth’s arm. “If I didn’t believe you and Hunter would make a good couple, I would never encourage it, especially with the complications a failed relationship could cause for the dynamics here.”
“See, the repercussions could be terrible. It’s not worth the risk.”
“You and Hunter are both mature enough to weather whatever comes your way. Of that, I am confident.” Addy removed her hand and straightened her back. “Where are my little ones? I miss those smiling faces.”
“School and Mother’s Day Out.”
Addy tapped her forehead. “That’s right, it’s a school day. My schedule is out of whack.”
“Would you like to go to the office and review all the files?”
“Not now.” Addy downed the remainder of her coffee and stood, took the mug to the sink, and washed it. “People first. I want to visit my friends and settle in. Business can wait another day.”
Beth arched a brow, though Addy still faced the sink. Something had changed in her boss since she’d left. The old Addy, though people-oriented and a social butterfly, would have wanted to see all the reports, view all the new reviews and comment cards. “I’ll be there if you need anything.”
Turning around, Addy wore a fond smile. “I appreciate the long hours and hard work you put in, allowing me the time away. You’re a natural innkeeper.”
The compliment touched her, warming her soul. “I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Addy giggled. “Even when the toilets backed up?”