8. Nash

Chapter 8

Nash

“ G uess what it smells like outside?” Hayley asks with a grin as she appears next to me at the empty and closed pub where I was catching up on paperwork in peace and quiet before she appeared like a little leprechaun.

My eyes dart to hers, but I don’t turn my head. She slides a coffee cup across the bar top toward me that looks like fall threw up all over it with leaves and pumpkins. She thinks I hate fall. And Christmas, too. All the seasons. I have my reasons for this, and they’re valid.

“Do tell,” I say hesitantly, taking the warm cup and placing it in front of me as if it were a bug. But it smells really good. It’s probably some ridiculous fall drink that she knows I’ll pretend not to like and then drink every drop later when she’s not watching. But I won’t be caught ordering that for myself or showing her that I like it or anything else about fall.

“Fall,” she says blissfully with eyes that are lit up. “The leaves smell crisp, the air is brisk, and the food and drinks are ten out of ten right now. It’s amazing,” she says as she sinks onto the barstool beside me.

“I’m going to need you to pump the brakes there, pumpkin spice,” I say dryly as I sift through my paperwork.

“Why are you such a Scrooge about fall, anyway? It never used to bother you when we were kids. You participated in everything. You loved the haunted houses, fall festivals, and all of it just as much as I did.”

“I don’t hate fall.” I give her an incredulous look. I reach for more papers and stack them neatly and lay them flat again. “I’ve grown up, unlike some people. I like grown-up things.”

“Could have fooled me. You’re a grump about all things fall. Come to think of it really any of the seasons.”

I stopped liking fall when Everly left. It was her favorite season, and we did a lot of fall stuff together—haunted houses, fall festivals, and pumpkin carving. And it all reminds me of her, so I stayed away from all of that. Ultimately, it’s just better for me not to do the things that remind me of her. I’ve worked hard to avoid the memories.

“Are you doing horse work today?” She nods to the stack of papers in front of me.

“Just finishing up some paperwork, then I’ll head out to see a client and be back to work the pub tonight.” I left out that I’m also going to Everly’s to replace her stairs. I have the stair treads cut and hardware ready so I can do it quickly before she realizes someone is there. I have checked my email repeatedly, and there hasn’t been a response. I shouldn’t have sent the last one. I can’t help it; I want to know how she’s doing. I never ask Hayley any questions about Everly, but I never stop her when she mentions Everly and Willow. And since they’re friends, Hayley does mention her a lot. I secretly love it.

I change the subject and glance at the time on my phone. “What are you baking today?”

“Pumpkin bread. I’ll have them packaged up and ready to go for tonight. Eighteen are spoken for and pre-paid, so they’re just for pickup.”

“You’re killing it, Hayles. Proud of you.” I squeeze her shoulder as I stand and shove my paperwork into my bag. “Save one for me.”

“Are you finally ready to admit that you like fall treats?” she teases, then turns serious. “Thanks. Don’t get sappy on me, big bro.”

I can tell my words hit her where they needed, and she continues. “Speaking of…I need to run something by you.”

“What’s that?” I ask as I shuffle paperwork.

“Everly might be baking for us. She’s been looking for another part-time job, and I can double my baking orders and sell more bread if I have her help,” she says cautiously, watching my reaction.

I swallow, hoping I’m playing it cool. I clear my throat and shrug. “Yeah, that’s fine. Whatever you need.”

“Really?” She eyes me skeptically.

“Yeah, whatever.” I am playing it cool, but inside, I’m anything but cool.

“Okay,” she says slowly as she watches me like she’s waiting for me to react differently.

“I’m going to head out now that you’re here to take over. Gotta get to it,” I say casually even though a million thoughts run through my head.

Why does she want to work here at the pub? Doesn’t she know I’m here, and she won’t be able to avoid me? I need to process this. I have to get out of here.

“Later, Nash,” she says as she ties on her apron and pulls her hair into a knot on top of her head. That means she’s going into baking mode, and we’re done.

When I get upstairs, I flip open my computer to check and see if I have any emails, and I quickly sit and scoot my chair up when I see one from Everly. I read it twice and smile. Then respond.

Ms. Sparks,

I have spoken with the owner, and your rent will be forgiven for the next three months due to the fall on the stairs. We would like to sincerely express our heartfelt apologies for your inconvenience. We hope this makes things a little easier for you for the next few months. If I hear of any part-time positions, I will be sure to forward them your way. Also, feel free to text me at the number on your rental agreement if you need anything. Looking forward to helping in any way that makes things easier for you .

Management

I have a separate phone that I rarely use, but I keep it for my property management. I have gotten away with keeping everything under the radar, but there’s one small issue. I used Anne Marie at the library for my person to leave paperwork and keys with, and when Everly came back, I talked with her and asked her to please keep my business confidential. She had given me a hug and reassured me that she would. I just hope that agreement holds up. She’s the only person in town who knows I own property, and I need to keep it that way. She’s trustworthy, and I hope that still rings true even though she works with Everly. I hadn’t anticipated Everly working at the library when she returned. I run my fingers through my messy hair and head out to take care of a few horses. I’ve been trying to work on as many of my horses as possible before the weather turns, and it gets colder, and the snow comes. We have a big ski season here, and the pub is always busy during the fall and winter. Spring through fall is my time to take care of my client’s horses, and I want to make sure they’re all taken care of and maintained going into winter.

I lean down and trim one of Soupy’s hooves and hear Mrs. Caraway calling her chickens off in the distance. She’s always been one of my favorite clients. Eccentric woman who loves all her animals. Her horse that she named Soupy is not a fan of anyone but me, and she loves to remind me of that. But she also regularly sends me home with fresh eggs and homemade treats in Tupperware and still calls me her honey boy. Like I’m five years old and not thirty and a grown man. I shake my head and chuckle. I set Soupy’s hoof down and leaned over to scratch his forehead and pull him toward me and kiss his forehead. “Love you, too, Soupy.”

“See, I told you he only loves you,” she says from the doorway, and I look over to see Mrs. Caraway standing there watching me and smiling. “My Soupy knows good people.”

“Well, Soupy is a good boy, aren’t you?” I say as I pat his back and scratch his face before I lean down to pick up my tools. “He should be good to go until our next appointment, but you can call me if anything comes up. Still no idea how he got that shoe off?”

“No, no clue.” She shrugs. “I look forward to your visits, honey boy. Now, take this. I made fresh apple cider donuts, your favorite.”

I know that Soupy is rough on his hooves, but I suspect Mrs. Caraway is lonely, and she doesn’t mind when I have to come out extra to fix Soupy’s shoes when he has mishaps. But they seem to be happening more and more often. I play along with it and always come and spend a little extra time chatting with her. I know she’s older and lonely since her husband passed away.

“Thanks, Mrs. Caraway. I appreciate your treats. Keep Soupy here from knocking his shoes off,” I say as I load my tool bag into the back of my truck and shut the gate.

“Drive carefully, honey boy. See you next time!” she happily sings with a wave as she stands next to Soupy, her horse with wild and crazy red hair.

They are by far my favorite clients, and her treats really are the best. I eat all of them on the way back to town. I won’t tell Hayles this, but fall really is my favorite too.