Somebody's Baby--A Darling, VT Novel by Donna Alward

Author:Donna Alward
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

CHAPTER 11

Oaklee and Emily took Oaklee’s car to Burlington for their sushi date. Oaklee was relieved to get out of town for a while, and when they hit the highway a sense of freedom flooded her. “I’m glad we’re finally getting together,” Oaklee said, looking over at Emily. “I feel like it’s been forever since we caught up.”

Emily nodded, her dark ponytail bobbing, and smiled. “Me, too! The café’s been crazy. And Willow’s offered me a manager position. I’m sorry I’ve been MIA. We’ve actually just started interviewing new staff.”

“You’re happy with the promotion?” Oaklee couldn’t imagine working in food service full time. She’d done her share at coffee shops and some waitressing in college. It hadn’t been bad work, but it definitely wasn’t something she’d wanted to do on a permanent basis.

“Oh gosh, yes!” Em’s smile was wide, and her dark eyes sparkled. “I love The Purple Pig, and Willow’s a great boss. I know I’m not going to get rich there, but I like it, I really do. I like the cooking and I like the people.” Her grin went a little lopsided. “Well, most of the time.”

Oaklee laughed. Being in the service industry did mean dealing with the odd complainer. Just Emily’s luck that she was cute and friendly. All she had to do was smile and say something sweet, and the grumpiness evaporated.

They got to the restaurant and ordered miso to start, then a platter of assorted rolls to share. They were about a third of the way through the platter, and Oaklee had just popped a sweet potato roll into her mouth, when Emily casually asked, “So were you going to bring up the dog? And Rory Gallagher?”

Oaklee nearly choked. A grain of rice came away from the roll and lodged in her throat, and she frantically chewed and swallowed to avoid coughing. Emily waited patiently while she took a big drink of water and then pressed a hand to her collarbone.

“I nearly died,” Oaklee said.

Emily laughed. “Hardly. So seriously. You keep me in the dark? I know I’ve been busy, but gee, Oaklee.”

Guilt slid over Oaklee. “Okay, I know. I just wasn’t sure what to say. I change my mind about what I want five times a day.”

“You’ve never let a guy get under your skin like this. Not since Jeff.”

Oaklee put down her chopsticks, her appetite waning. “I don’t know what to tell you, Em. I’ve known Rory a long time. You know I had a crush on him in high school. But that was all it was. Now, though … I like him. A lot. And it scares me to death but I can’t seem to help myself. Seriously, I’m boomeranging all over the place.”

“And the dog?”

Oaklee sighed. “He’s much easier, now that he’s settled in. But he’s not staying, you know?” She frowned. “I live in an apartment with a tiny front yard. He’s cooped up all day. He needs a place to run around and chase squirrels and snooze in the sun.

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