Batter Up

by Robyn Neeley

  But the question was why? And there was the little matter of the cake batter. What kind of magic trick had she perfected? “So, Peggy, what does the cake batter look like when it’s ready?” He brought his fingers up in quotation marks around “ready.”

  “I have no idea.”

  “You don’t? Haven’t you seen the trick?” He stopped and corrected himself. “I mean the spell.”

  “No. Only men are allowed in the bakeshop on Monday night.” She motioned to all of the ladies in the room. “None of us have seen it, have we girls?”

  Agreement quickly filled the room. It was obvious the entire salon had been listening in on their conversation. He needed to be careful what he said. The last thing he wanted to do was piss Emma off any more than he already had. Gossiping about her in a beauty shop full of women might warrant him another one of her special cupcakes laced with hot sauce. He shuddered at the thought.

  “Peggy, I’ve enjoyed our conversation. Thank you.”

  “Take good care of our Emma, Jason. All eyes are watching you.” She gave his shoulders a tight squeeze. He got the message.

  “I’ll do my best.” He swiveled off the chair and paid for his haircut, leaving the salon.

  What had he learned? Peggy had corroborated what Caitlin had revealed on the dock. Batter Up was an actual event that took place every Monday night, and several women in this town had directly benefited from it. The question: why could only men attend, and what exactly did they see in this batter? He’d need to find a bachelor to interview.

  He stared in the direction of the bakery. So, his summer fling had been in a relationship that apparently ended badly. Was it her own inability to find love the reason Emma was so invested in playing cupid every Monday night? Perhaps. But why did she need to dupe an entire town into thinking she had magical powers to do it?

  9

  Emma finished applying her soft pink lipstick with one last sweep across her bottom lip. Giving her big blond curls a final toss, she reached for the hairspray and did a quick mist. She stared in the mirror and scolded herself. For someone you can’t stand, you’re certainly spending an awfully long time primping for him.

  That someone would be here any minute. She dashed into her room and put on a pretty coral necklace that matched her aqua blue top. She decided to go casual with white shorts, as it was still a scorcher outside. The typical August heat wave wasn’t about to let up anytime soon. The aqua blue and white combination showed off her sleek tanned arms and legs.

  She still couldn’t believe she was going on a date with a man who wasn’t Michael. She laughed bitterly. Her date certainly didn’t come cheap. Rummaging through her purse, she pulled out the receipt from the animal shelter and glanced at the total.

  She thought that writing the check was going to be painful, but truth be told, it warmed her heart to help the shelter in such a meaningful way. She glanced over at her feline curled up in a cute ball on her bed and smiled. She adored her furry roommate. After all, he’d been by her side through her angst over running the bakery full-time, not to mention comforting her those first few sleepless nights shortly after her breakup with Michael. The fact that her donation—along with the others—would go toward a much-needed new wing was awesome.

  The shelter staff shared with her this afternoon that they’d raised just enough money to begin construction as early as this fall. They even showed her and Abby the architect’s sketch of the new area. How could she be bitter? She’d rebuild her savings account starting tomorrow. Maybe by this fall everything would be back to normal.

  She sighed. Back to normal. That would mean Jason Levine would be out of her hair and she could continue Batter Up nights without worry.

  Grabbing her phone, she sent Abby a short text, confirming they would meet underneath the big oak tree in the center of the park—their usual meeting place. Her cousin couldn’t contain her excitement over the double date with her veterinarian fling. It’s all she talked about this afternoon.

  Carter seemed like a really nice guy. He was at the shelter when they stopped by and had talked to them for a few minutes. They learned that he was a visiting veterinarian from Indianapolis, staying in Buttermilk until September to train the staff on some of the latest dental care technologies for felines and canines.

  Emma slid her feet into her beige sandals, approving her new hot pink toe polish. At least Abby’s fling seemed like the real deal and wasn’t trying to expose her as a fraud to the entire town—unlike her roving reporter. What had he been up to this afternoon in the beauty shop? She hadn’t had time to investigate but planned on making a special delivery to the salon tomorrow. Her delicious strawberry crunch cupcakes would sweeten them up and get the beauticians talking. She’d make the batch first thing in the morning.

  A knock indicated her summer fling was about to begin. She took a deep breath and headed into the kitchen, opening the door.

  “Hi.” Jason stood in front of her in a red polo and khaki shorts. Did he have to look so handsome in everything? Her gaze slid down his strong, sexy legs and her own began to shake. She held onto the doorknob for support.

  “Hi.” Her heart began to gallop. Not again. “Nice haircut,” she said sarcastically.

  “Thanks. Wonderful little place. The sweetest ladies work there. We had a nice chat.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure you got an earful.”

  “As a matter of fact, I did have a delightful conversation with the woman who cut my hair. Peggy, I believe.”

  She frowned. Worst fear confirmed. Peggy was the queen of gossip. What had they talked about? All the married hairstylists, including Peggy, had personally benefited from Batter Up night. She hoped they’d shown a little discretion. She bit her lip. It wasn’t likely.

  “You ready?”

  “Ready?”

  He smiled and gently pried her fingers from the door. “To go to the movie. You do need to leave the house.”

  “Right. Right.” She pulled her hand away from his. “I’m ready. Let’s go and get this over with.” She grabbed her tan hobo bag from the counter.

  “Wow.” He shook his head.

  “What?”

  “Well, usually my dates are a little more excited about spending two or three hours with me.”

  She shrugged and locked up. “I’m sorry. That was rude. Let’s go and have a lovely time pretending that you aren’t writing a story that could ruin my business and reputation.” She smiled smugly. “Better?”

  “A little bit.” He smirked, but his tone changed. “Listen, Emma. I don’t know how this fling thing works, but I thought tonight we could just . . . I don’t know . . . put our differences aside and enjoy the movie.”

  Put our differences aside. Unlikely. Emma walked down the gravel path, kicking a pebble out of her way. Like she could really have fun with this guy. True, there were worse things she could do than spend a beautiful summer evening with arguably one of the handsomest flings in the history of summer flings. Besides, she did pay for him. Maybe being out with Jason in public would prove to everyone that she was finally over Michael. “So, no talk about my bakeshop tonight?”

  He zipped his lips with his thumb and finger. “Not a word.” Sprinting ahead of her, he opened the passenger side door of his rental. “If I do, you have the right to make me eat a dozen of your spicy cupcakes in a row without water.”

  Emma laughed, thinking back to what she had done and the extreme discomfort on his face. It was a mean trick. Effective, but mean. “If you even mention your story, the date’s over, and I go get the hot sauce.”

  “Deal.” His sexy dimples pinned up his wide smile.

  The ride to the park was short but surprisingly full of conversation. Her fling liked to talk. Something she hadn’t realized, but perhaps all reporters were naturally chatty. He stuck to his word and didn’t ask her any questions about Batter Up. Instead, he recounted his excursion to the local wineries this afternoon, sharing how much he enjoyed learning more
about the area.

  He repeatedly commented on how he loved being away from the city and that he couldn’t wait to explore more of this town. He even hinted once or twice that perhaps she could show him around.

  As Jason turned into the parking lot and searched for an available spot, Emma eyed him. Jason Levine: An incredibly attractive man who just proved he could engage in pleasant conversation. Wow. If he wasn’t trying to ruin her reputation, she might consider this to be a nice start to their date. More than nice, if she was completely honest.

  Once parked, Emma opened her door and stretched her legs. Jason headed to the back and popped the trunk, pulling out a large wicker picnic basket. Blue and white gingham material peeked out from inside.

  “What do we have here?” Emma raised an eyebrow. “Why, Mr. South Beach, I wouldn’t think of you as a small-town picnic basket kind of guy.”

  “No? I know a thing or two about picnics.” He laughed and conceded. “Okay, you got me. It was in the kitchen pantry. The wine and plastic cups are inside. I didn’t think Caitlin’s parents would mind my borrowing the basket.”

  “Probably not.” She crossed her arms and looked around. She’d forgotten all about her high school nemesis. Where was she tonight, and did she know that her new boy-toy was spending the evening with Emma?

  One way to find out. “Where’s Caitlin?” she asked, trying her best to sound indifferent.

  Jason pulled the trunk down. “Don’t know. Haven’t seen her in a couple of days.”

  “Really? But aren’t you two?” She wiggled her nose. “Never mind.” She really didn’t want to hear the sordid details.

  “Aren’t we what?” His phone in his hand rang. “Hold that thought. Hello?”

  Emma turned her back to him. The parking lot was nearly full and soon the lawn would be packed. The town would be abuzz recounting Emma’s night out with her high-priced summer fling.

  Jason tapped her on the shoulder. “It’s my buddy, Brandon. I have to take this. Why don’t you find us a spot? I’ll only be a minute.”

  “Already done.” She pointed to the park’s entrance. “See that big oak tree?”

  He nodded.

  “Abby’s under there. It’s our usual meeting place.” She took the picnic basket from him.

  “Got it. I’ll be right behind you.” He flashed her a smile and turned to take the call.

  She headed for the park’s entrance. It was probably better that Jason and she didn’t show up together. Located in the center of town, the area was a popular gathering place in the summer. Movie night always drew a big crowd. If Jason appeared after she sat down and got situated, perhaps it would minimize the gossip.

  “About time,” Abby called. She sat on her knees on a deep blue blanket that covered the entire area under the oak tree. It would be plenty of room for all of them. Abby had organized the snacks she had brought in colorful trays and small bowls. Always the party planner, leave it to her cousin to have a decadent spread of cheese and fruit for the wine.

  “The movie hasn’t even started.” Emma squatted down next to her cousin, getting a whiff of Abby’s strong floral perfume. “Someone’s gone all out for her fling.”

  “Um . . . Speak for yourself. Those perfectly coifed loose curls didn’t get on your pretty little head without some effort.”

  Emma laughed and pulled her hair to one side. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “So, where’s Jason?” Abby raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you two got into another fight? He’s coming, isn’t he?”

  “Relax.” Emma opened the picnic basket because this conversation called for some wine. “He’ll be here in a minute. He brought us refreshments.” She pulled out a bottle and showed it off to her cousin then looked back inside. Impressive. Jason had even remembered to put it in a wine cooler bag to keep it chilled. Michael would have never thought to do that.

  “Yes! I love that man. Let’s open it now. I’m thirsty.”

  “Hold on a second.” Emma pulled out two plastic cups and searched for the wine opener.

  “Here, try this.” Abby shoved a bowl of celery with orange dip wedged in its middle in front of Emma.

  Emma grabbed a piece of celery, swirling the mixture. The delicious orange cream cheese dip melted in her mouth, causing her eyes to roll back. “Amazing. Is that your mom’s recipe?”

  “The one and the same.”

  “It’s delicious.” Emma found the wine opener. “Where’s Carter?”

  “Running late. He sent me a text about five minutes ago. Told me to save him a seat.” She patted the blanket. “I’ve got one right here.”

  “Maybe Jason and I should leave you two alone,” Emma kidded. “I could go back to the Sugar Spoon and get started on tomorrow’s cupcakes.”

  “Nice try. You’re not getting out of this date, dear cousin.” She leaned back and winked. “Maybe Carter and I will leave you two alone.”

  “Do and I’ll kill you.” Emma meant that statement, but for some reason, her cheeks warmed at the idea of being alone with Jason.

  She went to work on the cork and changed the subject back to Carter. “Your fling was a gentleman for letting you know he’d be late.” Another courtesy Michael would have never thought to do. He always had an excuse, but rarely apologized.

  “I know, right? He’s too good to be true.” Abby looked around and frowned.

  “What is it?” Emma whipped her head over her shoulder and her jaw dropped. Caitlin approached them in a tight purple tank top and denim skirt. With her was Michael.

  “Hi,” Emma said coolly and yanked on the wine opener. The cork flew out, hitting her ex-boyfriend.

  “Hey, Emma, Abby.” Michael bent down and picked up the cork. “How are you?” He directed his question to Emma.

  “Couldn’t be better,” she said, attempting to sound like the fact that her ex-boyfriend was strolling the park with the one woman she despised more than anyone on the face of the earth didn’t bother her at all. “I heard you were back in town.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Is this a permanent thing?”

  He shrugged. “Think so. New York City wasn’t for me.”

  “Oh.” Emma sat with the bottle opener and wine in her hands. She really didn’t know what to say to him nor did she want to do this awkward reunion in front of Caitlin, Abby, or the whole town for that matter.

  Caitlin put her hands on her hips. “Don’t tell me your fling stood you up?”

  “Fling?” Michael asked.

  “You know. The annual Summer Fling. Our Emma paid a pretty penny for an out-of-towner. Looks like they already fizzled.”

  Emma smiled dryly. “As a matter of fact, my fling will be here any minute. He had to take an important call.” Her head was spinning. Why was Caitlin here with Michael? And why wasn’t she even the slightest bit jealous that Jason was with her?

  “Tell him I said hi.” Caitlin turned to Michael. “Let’s put our blanket down over there.” She pointed to a patch of grass a few feet directly in front of them and grabbed his hand. “You’ll have to excuse us,” she said, shooting Emma a smug smile. “Michael and I have a lot of catching up to do.”

  “You two enjoy the movie,” Abby called out. Prying the wine bottle from Emma’s stiff hands, she filled a plastic cup. “Here, drink this. It will numb the pain.”

  Emma tilted it back. It was gone within seconds. “I really couldn’t care less that they are together.” She gave Abby her empty cup. “More please.”

  “Hey there.” Jason came up from behind and slid down next to Emma. He glanced at the bottle of wine now half gone. “I see you ladies have started without me.”

  “Jason! You’re here.” Abby smiled and refilled Emma’s cup. “Not that I didn’t think you two would go through with tonight . . .” Just then, her phone buzzed. “Oooh, that’s Carter.” She began texting. “Looks like he’s having car trouble. I’m going to pick him up.” She put on her flip-flops and stood. “Can I trust you
both to behave while I’m gone?”

  Jason nodded. “I’ll be a complete gentleman.”

  “Bummer.” Abby laughed. “I won’t be long.” She leaned down and whispered to Emma. “You’re with the hottest guy in this town. Just sayin’. Try to have fun.”

  Emma waved her off and gnawed on a celery stick, coating it with a generous amount of dip. Her eyes still fixated on the show in front of her.

  “Everything okay?” Jason scooted closer, pouring the last of the wine into a cup and taking a sip.

  She shook her head. “Sorry . . . yes . . . no. My ex-boyfriend is over there with your sex kitten.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “In front of us.” She pointed to Michael and Caitlin, who had lain down side by side on the blanket, propped up by their elbows.

  “Well, isn’t that interesting,” Jason said dryly. “They’re not dating, are they?”

  She shrugged. “Who knows. It wouldn’t surprise me.” She glanced over at Jason. Was that rage on his face? Oh, God, he did have feelings for the she-devil. “It bothers you to see her with another guy, doesn’t it?”

  “Not really.” His murderous expression suggested otherwise. He must really have it bad for Caitlin. What was it about this former cheerleader that still drew men into her lair? It wasn’t her sparkling personality, that was for sure. She was rude, self-centered, and downright obnoxious. Shouldn’t a smart reporter be able to see past her pretty face and realize she was not a nice person? She glanced over at Jason, studying his cold stare. Apparently not.

  As the movie started, Emma sipped her wine. Jason had gotten comfortable, stretching out next to her, but he’d barely said two words. His attention was unmistakably focused on the other show going on in front of them. Not that Caitlin and Michael we’re doing much, but every once in a while, she’d lean in and whisper something in his ear.

  Emma sulked. It stunk that Michael was back in town and hanging out with Caitlin.

  However, what was bothering her more was Jason’s reaction. Her fling was apparently stewing over Caitlin. Maybe it was the wine—it was probably the wine—but she had this overwhelming need to show Jason that Caitlin Reynolds wasn’t the only woman in Buttermilk Falls worth paying attention to.