36. Daisy

CHAPTER 36

Daisy

"I t was so great to run into you today."

"I'm happy we had a chance to chat and work out the final details for Mixing Our Spirits in a couple of weeks," Daisy says. "And thank you again for agreeing to host a few tours for our group."

"Not a problem. We're always happy to see people at the orchard, and it will be a perfect time to do some pumpkin carving as well," Barker replies. His hands go into his pocket as he awkwardly looks down at the ground. Daisy senses something else is coming, but rather than ask, she waits him out, seeing if he'll have the nerve to do what she's anticipating. "So, Sloan didn't seem too happy when she stopped by the table."

Daisy crosses her arms over her chest, trying to protect herself from the cool fall wind gusting along the front of the building. Seeing her shiver, Barker moves in front of her to take the brunt of it on his back. "No. I think she was having a rough day. She's been busy with work, and the stress of that and finalizing our plans may be getting to her," she says.

"I'm not sure that's it," he replies, looking down at her as he steps closer.

"What do you mean?"

"I think she was jealous. There was something there in the way she was acting. The kind of surprise in her eyes. I think she thought we may have been together."

Daisy replays the interaction in her mind, recalling Sloan's scattered behavior, the briskness of her words, and the speed at which she tried to flee. Holy shit!

"Huh."

Barker smiles, friendly but with a hint of told you so . "Does Sloan have a reason to be jealous?" he asks. "As I said when we first met, I'd love to take you out, Daisy, but I don't want to interfere if something is happening between you two." His hand moves from his pocket and gently brushes her cheek. The heat from his touch is comforting in the chilly air, but it doesn't cause a spark inside her like Sloan's touch does.

She looks away from him, not wanting to cause him any hurt, but she knows she can't agree to a date with him. Not with whatever's going on between her and Sloan.

"I'm sorry," she says. His hand falls away, and he takes the slightest step back, preparing himself for the incoming rejection. "There is something between Sloan and me. It's messy. So fucking messy. But there's something there."

He takes another step back, increasing the distance between them. His shoulders tighten as he pulls himself into a more rigid and protective stance.

Daisy reaches out a hand and places it gently on his arm, hoping the gesture is reassuring. "You have been so kind, and I hope this won't hinder our agreement, but I don't want to lead you on. I need to figure things out with Sloan. I hope you understand."

"Thank you for your honesty. I can't say I'm not disappointed, but I understand."

"I'm sorry."

"No need," he says. He looks down the street before releasing a sigh of resignation. "I should probably go."

"Oh. Okay."

"I'll see you guys in a couple of weeks?" he says.

Daisy smiles. "Absolutely. Thank you again."

"Anytime, Daisy Hale," he responds before turning and walking away.

She stays momentarily, watching him walk down the street, wondering if what he said was true—was Sloan jealous? If so, why? Wasn't she the one who initiated their little arrangement?

A cool burst of wind blows down the street, scattering leaves as it goes. Daisy wraps her coat tightly around her and heads into the wind, ready to face whatever the day has in store for her.

* * *

Sitting at the table, iced coffee in hand, Daisy double-checks that she's checked in with every vendor and support personnel she needed to and verifies their response. She still has to meet with a couple more to discuss menus and such, but seeing the outpouring of love from the community has been amazing. So many of the businesses she reached out to for welcome bag goodies or help with activities have told her that they think an event like Mixing Our Spirits has been needed in Leeside for a long time. Some even hoped it would become a yearly thing—to which she said she would love for it to be, but ultimately, that was up to the council, and they needed to get through this one first.

Picking up a piece of paper with tallies and figures that start to blur the longer she looks them, she hears her front door open. Her magic sparks to life, dancing under her skin, recognizing Sloan's presence.

Sloan's head peeks around a corner, followed by a box of cupcakes and what looks to be an apology face. Her eyes are red and puffy, as if she's been crying for an extended period, and her luscious brown hair is up in a messy bun. She looks far more casual than usual, and it's absolutely endearing.

It's been two days since the run-in at the coffee shop. Three days since Sloan told Daisy she missed her. All of it too long since she's laid eyes on the woman who has charmed her. Sloan has helped Daisy open up and, in turn, has laid herself bare before Daisy.

"Hi," Sloan squeaks. Clearing her throat, she tries again, "Hi."

"Hi," Daisy responds, eyeing the box of cupcakes.

Sloan's mouth faintly quirks up as she slides the box across the table. "I thought you might like a pick-me-up."

"You thought right," Daisy replies, opening the box and choosing a double chocolate fudge piece of perfection. She peels the wrapper off the bottom and licks her thumb to get the smudged icing off, not missing how Sloan's breath hitches as her eyes follow Daisy's every move.

"I'm sorry."

"I'm surprised to see you."

They speak in unison, then laugh like awkward teenagers.

"You first," Daisy says, motioning with her hand.

Sloan nods, sitting opposite her. "I'm sorry for how I behaved the other day. When I saw you with Petra and Barker," Sloan begins, her voice small, "I was taken by surprise. I know we haven't agreed to anything exclusive, and I had no right to act like I did." Sloan's eyes glisten with tears. At this moment, whatever is going on here is clearly hard for her. But why is it hard?

"Thank you? I guess." Daisy's eyebrows pull together in confusion. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what you're apologizing for."

Sloan tilts her head. "You don't know what I'm talking about?"

"Not really, no."

"Oh. I thought I was rude and kind of skittish, like a scared animal. I wasn't sure what I had walked in on, and if we're being honest, I was worried I had intruded on a date you were having with Barker."

"Do you think I regularly go on dates and bring my best friend along?" Daisy asks.

Sloan pauses, and with the look that comes across her face as her features soften and relax, it's clear that she now realizes it wasn't a date. That it was merely three people having coffee.

"Oh" is all Sloan manages to say.

"Why did you think it was a date?" Daisy asks.

Sloan looks down at the cupcakes between them, picks one up, and places it in front of her on a napkin. "I saw him give you his number at the orchard. And his arm was draped around your shoulder."

Daisy feels heat rise up her neck. "Ah. And that means we're dating?"

"Well, no."

"But?"

Sloan picks at the wrapper on the cupcake, nervous energy radiating from her. Daisy's magic calls to her, urging her to reach out to Sloan. It's electric and consistent, awaiting her to answer its demand, which she ignores. "I… Look, this is hard for me."

"What's hard?" Daisy asks, pushing her power down while trying to source out what exactly it is that Sloan is trying to say.

"I…"

Daisy waits, picking up the pen she was using before Sloan entered and starting to spin it around her thumb.

Sloan's voice is a whisper, barely audible over their breathing and the hum of the electricity in the room. "I like you."

"Sorry, I didn't catch that," Daisy says, needing to hear it again to ensure she heard correctly.

A little louder this time, Sloan repeats, "I like you."

Daisy smiles, feeling that bud of hope start to bloom.