Spicy Pickle (Fake Engagement) by J.J. Knight

Author:J.J. Knight [Knight, JJ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-03-16T04:00:00+00:00

17

Anthony

The first spontaneous text from Magnolia puts a smile on my face.

I have samples of Love Relish for you to try!

She sounds happy. I quickly text her back. I’m testing the new sandwich and soup this afternoon. Want to pop over?

I sense her hesitation in the three dots that remain flashing for an inordinately long time. Sometimes I forget that she hates me and my territory-poaching deli.

I quickly text her again. We can meet on neutral ground if you think that’s better.

She finally replies. No, it’s fine. Just weird to think of going into your kitchen.

I’m happy to have you here.

Okay.

My staff has been ribbing me about the televised kiss ever since I returned from New York. Charity kept my dad informed of our plan, so thankfully I never had to clarify to him that everything was fake. He told Jason and Max.

Even so, I saved all the images that surfaced from our date. There are great ones from when I gave her the flowers. There’s the almost-kiss in front of the restaurant door. But my favorite? A whole series from the actual kiss after dinner.

They’re convincing. Sometimes I look at them and wonder how it could have been fake at all. It didn’t feel that way at the time.

I’ve sworn off red curry forever.

Milton’s crew hasn’t commented publicly on our TV kiss or date. Hopefully, he’s decided to back off.

I purposely suggest a time in the afternoon when the deli is minimally staffed. When Marie leads Magnolia through the door from the dining room, I’m surprised at how seeing her here affects me. It’s like the room got brighter just because she walked into it.

Her blond hair is pulled back today, and she wears jeans and a sweater. I like seeing laid-back Magnolia.

She sets her puffy coat on a stool and passes me a small glass jar. “This is the Love Relish. It’s a sweet relish with gherkins, pickled onions, and cranberry.”

I lift the jar to the light. It’s pink and red with hints of green. Perfect for a Love and Pickles line, which Charity has suggested.

“Was this your creation?” I unscrew the lid.

“It’s an old classic I’ve revived.”

“Lots of talent at the Tasty Pepper, and you’re right in the middle of it.” I rummage around for a spoon and dip it into the relish. It’s tangy and sweet. “I love it.”

“It has an apple cider vinegar base that should be shelf stable. I think we could put this one in the online store.”

“Perfect. I haven’t started working on the new pickle yet. But Charity has a team mocking up the branding.” I hesitate. “Unless you have someone you want her to coordinate with.”

Magnolia shakes her head. “No. Our branding has been the same since I was born.”

“Same here.”

I love that these long family traditions are something we have in common. I lead her to a large pot on the stove. “So, the soup I’ve devised is sweet-potato based. It’s savory, with a hint of heat on the backend.”

When she looks into the pot with trepidation, I add, “No red curry.

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