You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) - Melanie Jayne Page 0,47
beef sure smells good,” Hale exclaimed. “I can’t wait for a ribeye sandwich.”
“Let’s make it our next stop,” Izzy agreed. His long legs picked up speed, the others followed.
A three feet tall, hand-painted sign listing the offerings stood at the tent’s entrance. “Miguel is supposed to be working at the grill, I should go say hello.” Hale stood on her tiptoes looking for her farm manager.
“Why don’t you wait until after you’ve eaten, then we both can go say hello.” Major tried to take her hand.
“No, you don’t need to come with me, just hold my place in line.” She headed around the side of the tent.
Hale returned to the group. She was filled with plans. “I told Bob Williams that I’d be happy to work a couple of hours tomorrow. Miguel brought up our idea about leasing animals, so more kids could get involved with 4-H projects. Bob was enthusiastic about the idea.”
“You want to involve yourself with 4-H?” Major looked horrified.
“Sure. Why not?” Hale drew her eyebrows together.
“I would think that you would be more interested in planning the Spring Ball,” Major continued.
“No, I want to work with Miguel on this project. It will get more kids involved with farming, and since we have the animals it’s a great match.” She gave him an aggravated look.
Major let out a loud sigh. “Darling, you are so full of surprises. I tend to forget that you are quite comfortable with your farming roots.”
Hale stared at Major. “I’m sure you meant that as a compliment, but somehow it didn’t sound that way.”
Major started to sputter.
Izzy cut in. “Hale, you mentioned the ribeye sandwich, are you sticking with that?” He smoothly diffused the tension.
She said little during dinner; Jasmine and Izzy did most of the talking. Major tried to smooth things over with her. The foursome made their way up the street to take their seats in front of the law firm’s building for the parade. The employees, friends and families of Benton and Lee were able to sit on the elevated bleachers that had been reserved for them.
“I need to go visit the ladies’ room. What about you?” Jasmine whispered to Hale as they neared the bleachers.
“Sure, I’ll go with you.” Any opportunity to get away from Major. God, why did he have to smother her?
“The code hasn’t changed, honey. Use the one on my floor.” Izzy recommended.
The two headed to the large, glass front door.
Jasmine punched in the four numbers on the security keypad and the light turned green. “We’re in.” Hale pulled open the heavy door and followed Jasmine inside. Jasmine paused to make sure the door closed and locked behind them.
Jasmine led the way to the elevators, the motor rumbled loudly in the quiet building.
“Do you think we’re the only people in here?” Hale scanned the shadowed foyer. “It feels a little creepy.”
“I’m sure that if anyone else is here that they’re friendly,” Jasmine reassured. “I’m used to the quiet in here when it’s closed to the public. Sometimes I visit Izzy when he works weekends.
“Before you say anything, I know that bringing him was a mistake.” Hale said.
“So, why did you? I don’t understand why you can’t say no to that man.”
“Because I’m an idiot.” She let out a low growl full of frustration. Because being around Finn makes me realize how much I want him. Major’s a poor substitute but he keeps coming around.
The elevator door opened and they entered the car. Jasmine pressed the button. “You are an idiot. You don’t like him, he’s a total prig. So, again I’ll ask, why are you still going out with him?” She leaned against the wall and crossed her arms.
Hale frowned and looked at her feet. “Because he asks and nobody else does.” She looked up at Jasmine.
“Honey, I know that you aren’t telling me everything. I wish you would, maybe I could help.”
The elevator door opened and Jasmine followed her out into the hallway. Hale paused. “It’s all messed up, Jazz.” She shook her head.
When it became obvious that she would say no more, Jasmine took the lead down the hallway, the thick carpet muffled their steps.
“You can use the ladies’ room on down the hall and I’ll use the one in Izzy’s office.” Jasmine motioned to the door a few steps away. Her cell rang; she pulled it from her pocket and checked the screen. “Damn, that’s Kitty, I hope she doesn’t have a problem.” Jasmine made a shooing motion.