by Katie Carver
Ginger shot Andy an annoyed look. “So maybe he didn’t sabotage me, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have the right to be angry by the whole fiasco.”
“You can do what you want, but if you saw how concerned he was about you when it was his place that got charred, you might feel differently.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“He asked about you first. I had to almost hold him back from running in there to check on you. You might want to cut him a little slack,” Andy said evenly.
“Why should I cut him some slack? It’s not as if my being homeless is the only thing he’s responsible for.”
“Are you talking about that flyer? You know he didn’t write that, don’t you?”
Great, Ginger thought, he’d seen it, too. By now, the entire town must have either heard about it or received one. “Did he tell you that? I’m sure he’s not going to own up to it.”
“He didn’t have to tell me he didn’t write it,” Andy said plainly. “I just know he didn’t.”
“How can you know that? You may think you know him, but what do you really know about him, Andy?”
Andy looked at Ginger for a moment thoughtfully. “I know he didn’t because he wouldn’t have said anything that would hurt you. He may want to win the contest, but you didn’t see him, Ginger. You didn’t see his face when he thought something bad had happened to you. Besides,” Andy raised an eyebrow, “Jake wouldn’t have written anything so cheesy. A vote for Jake is a vote for Spruce Valley? C’mon, Ginger. That doesn’t sound like Jake, that sounds like something Franklin would say.”
Ginger rolled her eyes. Andy did have a point. The wording didn’t seem at all like something Jake would concoct, but she had already ruled out Franklin. “I talked to Franklin already. He didn’t write it. From the sound of it, he might actually vote for me. He doesn’t seem to care much for Jake.”
“Fine. Not Franklin then, but someone else.” Andy looked at Ginger intently. “You should at least apologize for accusing him the way you did. He didn’t deserve that.” He stood looking at her a moment before continuing. “Can I ask you something, Ginger? I want you to be honest. Do you regret selling Leah and me your old home?”
Ginger looked at Andy amazedly. “What would ever make you think that?”
“It just seems you are so intent on getting the Baxter House that I thought maybe it was because you regretted letting Leah and me move into your old home. I just figured you missed having a place away from the bakery,” Andy said quietly.
Her desire for the Baxter House had nothing to do with Andy and it certainly didn’t have anything to do with missing the home she grew up in at all. When she made the decision to give up her home, it wasn’t something she decided on the spur of the moment. She felt she needed a new beginning, somewhere where the memories of her mother weren’t everywhere she turned. Her mom wouldn’t have wanted her to dwell in the past and Ginger was determined that she would respect that. When Andy and Leah found out they were having twins, their tiny rental home wouldn’t have fit them all. Because Andy was the Fire Chief, he needed somewhere close to Main Street and to the majority of the residents. They had fallen on hard times due to Leah’s complications during pregnancy. They were drowning in medical bills and couldn’t figure out a way to make a move to something larger. Ginger knew they were in need of some help, so she sold it to them for a fraction of what she would have gotten otherwise. It was a perfect fit for her and for them. She loved visiting them and seeing all the new and happy family memories they were making together in the house and thought it was a perfect way for her to pay tribute to the place that brought her so much happiness. She shook her head sadly. She wondered how long Andy had been worrying.
“I’ve never regretted it for one moment. I don’t want you to ever wonder about it again, Andy. It’s your house now and nothing makes me happier than knowing how you all love it as much as I did.” Ginger smiled as she saw a look of relief wash over Andy’s face.
“We do love it there. We will be forever grateful to you for what you did,” Andy said softly.
“It was meant to be,” Ginger said reassuringly. “Getting the Baxter House would be a new start for me somewhere else. There are so many possibilities. I could even run baking courses out of there. I don’t know for sure what I’ll do, but something about that place just makes me feel like anything would be possible.”
“You heard that Sam dropped out of the contest, didn’t you? Now it’s just you and Jake in the running,” Andy said. “I don’t know how much chance Jake has against you.”
“With your help, it seems like he’s got a pretty good shot.”
“We’re okay, aren’t we? You understand why I have to help him?”
“No, I really don’t, but if you feel like it’s something you have to do, who am I to tell you otherwise?” Ginger said evenly.
“You are my friend, Ginger, and one of the most important people in my and my family’s lives. That’s who you are.” Andy smiled. “I have to help him. If you weren’t in the position you are in, you’d feel exactly the same way. He needs it. Sometimes we are thrown into people’s lives to give them a little support at times when they need it most. He just gave up his entire life, and from what he’s told me, a life that he really enjoyed. He couldn’t have picked a better town to help him get settled. I just want him to see that. One day soon, this contest is going to be over and everyone will go back to their normal lives. Just make sure you don’t do anything that you’ll regret later.”
Ginger had wanted to be angry with Andy from the moment he began to help Jake, but couldn’t bring herself to feel any resentment towards him. Somehow, she had known that Andy’s intentions were pure and in no way a slight against her. She also let her hard feelings toward Victoria about giving Jake the benefit of the doubt go, too. Just like her twin, she had a way of trying to see the best in everyone. If Andy had given her the same argument, she understood a little better as to why Victoria acted as she had. Nevertheless, she was still grateful to Leah for not budging over the vote and giving Andy a little grief. Ginger took a few steps toward Andy and gave him a tight hug.
“You’re a real pain, do you know that?” She laughed as she released him from her grip. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For reminding me of what a person who deserves good things in life sounds like. You are a good guy, Andy.” She smiled at him. “I don’t know that I will ever see Jake in the light that you do, but you are right that I should at least apologize.”
Andy nodded approvingly. “I’m glad you will. Don’t let this change you, Ginger.”
Ginger rolled her eyes. “For some reason, he just gets under my skin and brings out the worst in me. I make no promises.” She gave a short laugh.
“Well, I have a feeling you do the exact same thing to him. You sure there isn’t more going on with the two of you than just this contest?” Andy asked suspiciously and raised his eyebrows.
Ginger shot him an irritated look. “I’m more than sure.” She hadn’t been a few days ago, but that feeling had passed as quickly as it arose.
“Mmmhhhm,” Andy teased.
“Don’t you have something else to do?” she asked in irritation.
“No,” Andy smirked.
“Whatever. I can go back to my bakery now, correct?”
“Yes,” Andy said and continued to smirk.
“Then it seems that I have something else to do.” She pushed Andy gently back out the door. “Give Leah and the kids my love. Bye,” she said and shut the door on him. Ginger could hear his laughter as she walked back to the kitchen.
Ginger wrapped up the dough that she had started and set out to return to the bakery. It would be nice to be home again where she had her full arsenal of hair products and a matching wardrobe selection. She’d leave a few goodies for Victoria before she left as a thank you for letting her crash the past couple of days.
The memory of Jake’s hand on hers seep
ed into her thoughts and she quickly brushed it away. It didn’t matter what Andy thought. Whatever had happened between the two of them that night, if anything truly did, was a one-time occurrence unlikely to ever be recreated. She agreed with Andy about apologizing for her behavior after the fire. One day the contest would end and she’d still have to deal with him in town, whether he had the Baxter House or not. Keeping things polite would be the best option. The hopes of anything more than that was now just a memory.
Chapter Twenty-Four
It had taken Jake six hours to clean up from the mess the fire had caused. Still, he felt lucky that the damage hadn’t been any greater than a burnt pan and disintegrated towel. There was still a faint smell of smoke a day after, but now that had even subsided. Things were finally back to normal and a dinner crowd was slowly returning. Sandy had let him know that Ginger had been allowed back into her bakery as of yesterday, but he was careful to avoid any confrontations with her. His only focus now was to keep his restaurant going the best he could and to try to find a place where he and Kacie could live in peace. The long task of cleaning up the mess caused by the fact his mind was distracted by Ginger taught him an important lesson. He would never make the mistake of changing his focus to her again. Once the contest was over, he wouldn’t give her or her mood swings another thought. Sandy had been extra supportive to Jake in the last few days. Jake figured the guilt from thinking he was responsible for that idiotic flyer had something to do with her eagerness to help. In his mind, it wasn’t warranted. She hadn’t done anything other than believe the lunatic from the antique store and he knew from experience Matty had a way of being a bully.
Two orders lay on the counter ready to be picked up. It wasn’t like Sandy to wait so long to check on their completion. He could only figure that something was holding her up. He scooped up two plates and set out for the dining room. When he walked in, he saw that it wasn’t something holding her up but, in fact, someone. Mayor Curtis to be exact. He saw Sandy nodding politely as Mayor Curtis spoke.
“Sandy, can you grab these?” he asked loudly from across the room.
Sandy said a few words to the mayor and came rushing to Jake’s side. “Sorry. I couldn’t get away.”
“I know the feeling,” Jake said and smiled.
“He wants to talk to you, too. Just a heads up,” she said quickly taking the plates from Jake and heading off to a nearby table.
He took a deep breath and walked in the direction of the Mayor. He felt it would be better to just get it over with now instead of waiting it out. Mayor Curtis had yet to pay for a meal and Jake had a sneaking suspicion that the true reason he was calling him over was to assure that he would get one again. He wasn’t in the mood to listen to whatever the mayor deemed to be of the utmost importance today, but he knew he was unlikely to avoid the conversation in the end.
He sat down at the table with Mayor Curtis and smiled slightly. “What can I do for you today, Mayor?”
“Ah, Jake. I was just telling Sandy how wonderful the brisket is today. You really do have a knack for the culinary arts. I commend you, really.” Mayor Curtis smiled jovially.
“Thank you. Complimentary of course.” Jake sensed the reason the mayor was laying his praise on thicker than usual wasn’t just a ploy for free brisket, but could only hope it was just his over the top way of plying a free meal out of him.
“You are too, kind,” he said happily.
Jake stood up to leave, but the mayor motioned for him to stay seated. “I need a moment’s time from you, Jake. I know you are extremely busy. The restaurant seems to be doing well and I won’t keep you from the kitchen long.”
“I do have to get back.”
“Yes, yes.” The mayor waved a hand. “I’ll get right to it. I wanted to speak with you regarding your plans for more exposure for the contest.”
“I’ve given it some thought, but haven’t settled on anything yet.” It was true, Jake had been trying to come up with something that would give him some more exposure. He and Ginger were the only two remaining participants, so he had at least a fifty-fifty chance at winning.
“I think maybe something grandiose would be in your best interest. Ginger is pulling ahead! Now is the time to make a splash!” He banged a fist on the table emphatically.
“Well, like I said, I haven’t settled on anything,” Jake said noncommittally. Even if he had, he doubted that letting the mayor in on his plan would be a good idea.
“I’m rooting for you, Jake. I want to see you win. A win for you would be good for the town.”
“How would that be good for the town?” Jake wondered.
“Welcoming a person whose new business venture is taking off can only be a boon for the town. If we can show everyone how friendly and accommodating we can be, then maybe we can draw other proprietors to our beautiful town. Commerce is key,” Mayor Curtis explained.
“Where would these new proprietors open up their businesses? Main Street is at capacity and I don’t know of any other buildings that are available.” Jake knew from his search that the only place in town that was available was the one that he purchased.
“Exactly! If we can create a demand, we can create the properties to draw the new business. There are some lovely properties outside of Main Street that would be perfect for places that are currently housed on Main Street. Did you know that just on the other side of the town square are houses that are rental homes? If there was a need, we could convert those properties to commercial buildings. Wouldn’t it be lovely to see commerce on both sides of the square?”
“Aren’t people living there?”
The mayor nodded sympathetically. “Yes, and sadly they would most likely have to find other places to reside. However, I’m sure the owner of the properties would ensure they would have enough time to do so. It would all be very friendly.”
“Who is the owner?” The mayor seemed to have some inside knowledge as to how this plan would work and Jake wondered how long he’d been kicking around the idea.
“Franklin owns quite a few and I inherited two others from my great aunts many, many years ago.”
The plan was making more sense now. Jake guessed the commercial properties would bring in a greater rental amount than the ones that were currently being paid. “I’m not sure my winning would do anything to draw in more business, Mayor, but I do appreciate your support.” He didn’t want to burst his bubble completely because he did need all the votes he could get, but there was no way that any other business owner would see such a correlation.
“Only time will tell,” the mayor said unconvinced. “In order for that to happen, we need to come up with something that will show everyone that you, and not Ginger, deserve the Baxter House. Right now, I’m afraid whatever you had planned with that fire has only benefitted Ginger. She’s getting what I would call, a sympathy vote, for being turned out of her building.”
“I didn’t plan anything,” Jake said forcefully. “It was an unfortunate accident.”
“Yes, an accident,” the mayor said and winked. He then stared at Jake intently, placed his elbows on the table, and folded his hands under his chin. “Well, due to the accident, Ginger would win if a vote were done today.”
“Then I guess it’s a good thing the vote isn’t until Christmas Eve.”
“Quite right. What about a donation for the library restoration? That garnered a lot of support for her. If you do the same, you may be able to offset that gain.”
“I’m afraid that whatever I’d be able to donate right now wouldn’t make much of a difference with support. Everything is going back into the restaurant right now,” Jake said sincerely. A donation wasn’t a bad idea, in fact, it had crossed his mind as well, but the logistics of getting a sizable sum eluded him. He was flat broke.
“You must know someone who could help, surely. All those big city fellows you’ve dealt with over the years must have some interest in charitable donations,” Mayor Curtis argued.
Jake t
hought for a moment. The idea of getting the money elsewhere hadn’t occurred to him before and he did have someone in mind that could help. “It’s possible,” Jake said simply.
The mayor smiled broadly. “Excellent. I’ll keep working the old noggin to see what other ideas I can conjure up, but in the meantime, make sure to keep up those meal deliveries. With the gossip that is being spread to tarnish your character, you can’t afford to start slacking now.” Jake gave the mayor a curious look, but the mayor shook his head dismissively. “It’s not important. What is important is you keep plugging away.”
“What is being said?” Jake didn’t think that someone going around telling the people around town that he looked down on them as something that could be so easily overlooked.
“Nothing to worry about. Just silly rumors about you not viewing the town residents in a flattering light. It’s a ridiculous attempt to discredit your dedication to the town.”
“I see,” Jake said coolly.
He had a good idea where the rumors began and felt a rush of disgust with himself. It was due to his earlier perception of the town. He knew now it wasn’t that there was anything wrong with the town, it was the fact that he needed time to adjust to a new place and a different way of life. Jake had wondered why Ginger hadn’t started that tack earlier as she had threatened, but she must’ve been holding on to that card until closer to the vote. He regretted the comment she’d overheard. The town was odd, but it was a good kind of odd.
He looked to the door to see a couple entering. Jake stood from the table, “I’ll leave you to your dinner. I better get back to the kitchen. Thank you for stopping by tonight.” Jake tried to sound pleasant.
“I do enjoy dining here.” The mayor smiled up at Jake. “Remember, try to get that donation and you’ll be back on track in no time.”
Jake nodded and turned toward the kitchen. He had a phone call to make and he wanted a little privacy. He began dialing as soon as he was away from the dining room. Jake was just about to hang up after five rings when Phil answered breathlessly. If there was one person he could always count on, it was his oldest friend.
