don’t think I’ve ever seen such good production rates. I’ve got a couple more organic chains I’m meeting with next week.”
I grinned. “Maybe I should start watching my supplies?”
“Not a chance. I won't be at your production level anytime in the next twenty years. Maybe then we can have a good old fashioned shootout, but let's hold off on counting steps just yet.”
“Well, I’ll be happy to help you get to that point. I like a little competition. Are you ready for the auction next week?”
He nodded, his eyes flickering down to my phone and lighting up. “Hey! I went to that opening!”
My heart pounded. “Oh? My brother's wife is having a piece done, I was thinking about having one done too.”
“She really is something. I hear she’s already booking up months ahead of time. Who knew that our little town would become such a hotspot for art? I bet the ladies at the country club are having heart attacks right now.”
I chuckled. “She definitely isn’t the quiet southern belle they all know and love. She’s friends with my sister-in-law, Hailey.”
“Boy, she sure is a stunner. A buddy of mine is friends with the guy who sold her the building. I guess she doesn’t want anything to do with him or any man for that matter.”
“Maybe she just hasn’t found the right man.”
“Or maybe, she doesn’t like men at all. The same friend said she’s rejected every man who’s ever asked her out. Of course, she’s a mom, too, so I guess you gotta take that into account.”
“You seem to know a lot about her.”
Greg shrugged. “It’s a small town, and she’s the new ‘it’ girl. Everyone wants to buy her work. A single mom making it on her own? Of course, tongues are gonna start wagging. Why are you thinking of making a play for her?”
I shrugged. I wasn’t sure what to tell him. Knowing that other men were asking her out stirred a jealously inside of me that I didn’t like. Stacy wasn’t mine to claim, but it still felt like there was a link between us. I didn’t like feeling like I wasn’t in control of my own emotions. The universe seemed to be taking delight in sending me after a woman that wanted nothing to do with me.
“I don’t think so, you said she isn’t looking to date, so why bother?”
“Well, maybe she just hasn’t met the right man yet, or she’s still holding a torch for her sons’ father.”
“I reckon it wouldn’t hurt to ask her out,” I said. “Maybe I will stopover at her place today and see if she’s got anything I’d like. God knows I could use some new pieces for this place.”
“I wouldn’t bother stopping today. I saw a sign on the window when I was getting coffee that they are closed to set up for her son's second birthday party tomorrow. But I’m happy to see you are getting out there.”
We talked for a few more minutes before Greg took his leave. Life on the farm meant there was always something to be done. I forced myself to focus on work and not Stacy. Otherwise, the unknown would have driven me insane.
Chapter Five (Walker)
“So, I just told her, you need to add the baking soda first. Otherwise, the bread is never going to come up with that little extra crunch.” She said.
I nodded. “Sure, so do you like your work? My mother said you were a receptionist?”
The woman shrugged. “I like it well enough. Honestly, I’d rather just be a stay at home mom though. It doesn’t feel right not to be settled down at this age. What about you? Do you like being a rancher?”
“I like the travel that comes with it. There is a lot of fascinating places in the world.”
She gave me a queer look before turning her attention back to the salad in front of her. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t remember the woman’s name to save my life. I’d picked her up right on time from her parent's estate. It was large and grand; both her parents there to greet me like we were going to the prom. I’d blissfully forgotten what it was like to be a Wheeler until that moment.
“So, do you just like to travel alone?” She asked.
“I wouldn’t mind having someone to travel with, even a family to travel with. I just don’t want to sit at home all day counting cows.”