“I’d love one.”
April heard the desperation in his voice. Bella could be intimidating when she felt like it.
April watched as he hurried over to the drink cooler with Jake and bumped into Susan. Her gaze was pointed in April’s direction and her voice carried. “Oh, Jake, you sweet thing you. You brought me flowers.”
He tipped his head in April’s direction. “I could lay claim to it but, in all honesty, you wouldn’t have believed me anyway. I rescued them when it looked like April was going to drop them.”
Susan gave him a smile and approached the girls. “You must be April. Welcome to our place.” She leaned in for a quick hug then picked up the basket. “And thanks for the flowers, they’re just beautiful.”
“You’re very welcome. I hope you enjoy them.”
“Is anyone getting you a drink?”
“Not yet, no. Can I have a mineral water if you have it, please?”
Susan turned to Jake, frowned at him, and then looked to David, catching his attention. “David, can you bring April a bottle of mineral water please? I know I put some in there.” She turned back to April and Bella. “So, how’s the new shop going? I hear it looks very pretty. You’ve been working hard these last couple of weeks.”
“I’m thrilled with it. I couldn’t ask for a better building and so far everything is falling into place. I’ve dressed the showroom with lots of little antiques and soft furnishings, just to show what I can do with things anyone might have in their cupboards. People have so much stuff jammed in boxes or up in the attic they don’t know what to do with, that only needs to be put with the right furnishings to give a room a whole new look.” She tried not to do a hard sell but her enthusiasm reared its head again and she couldn’t stop talking. “And I got my first flower delivery yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. Everything is looking fabulous. You’ll have to come and have a look now it’s finished. Bring that gorgeous little girl of yours I’ve heard all about. Where is she?”
“Down having a nap at Dad’s place. He came and took her for a while so I could get ready for the cookout. They’ll be along soon I imagine.” She cast her gaze around the garden. “Who do you want to meet, April? I can do the honors if you like or you can just float around and introduce yourself?”
“I’m happy cruising along, thanks. Listen, about David. Does he have anyone hidden away or is he really single? Jake seems to think he might be available and that’s the impression I got from talking to him but I could be wrong. I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes, and he did mention that you two go way back.”
Susan looked between the two sisters and a slow grin spread across her lips. “We need to get together and talk about that. I’ve known David since he was a toddler and although he claims he’s a confirmed bachelor, I don’t believe him. He just hasn’t met the right girl yet.”
April felt herself being scrutinized. Had she opened a big can or worms here or was she being silly? “I’m not sure if he likes me, likes me to be honest. I think I could be too much trouble for him going on how things have turned out since I’ve been here.” She tipped her head a little and watched him talking with another man. “He’s a bit of a dish though. I wonder if I could get past first base if I put my mind to it.”
“I’m not sure he’s your type either, April from what your sisters say about you, but it would be interesting to see you try. I’d love nothing more than to see him settled down.” Susan gave her a wink.
“Ha, I don’t think I have a type, not anymore. At least not one that’s worked for me. Maybe it’s time to switch things up a little.”
Susan laughed. “I agree. I’ll stop into the shop during the week and you can quiz me all you like. It’s time David found someone. Been too long, if you ask me.” She turned away and walked back to the house just as David returned with a drink for April.
*
David held out the bottle for April. She took it and thanked him but didn’t say anything else. For a moment he stood and tried to get into the conversation but they were chatting about things he knew nothing about. Ovens, recipes, publishing, and brands of essential oils April had found for her shop. All over his head.
“Seen the new barbeque that Rick brought, David? Looks like something out of a fantasy magazine.” Jake lifted his bottle and took a sip of beer.
“Ah, no. No I haven’t.”
Jake moved away and David followed him. “Those women will talk nothing but cooking for the next hour, I can almost guarantee it.” He moved over to where Rick was fussing over his new purchase. “Looks like a damned space ship. Why’d you want something this fancy for?”
Rick smiled, wiped his hand lovingly over the hood of the new purchase. “We live outside in nice weather. Makes sense to have the best you can get. At least that’s what I told Susan when I suggested a new grill.” He put his hand on his hip and nodded to David. “So, Susan manage to set you up on any dates lately? I’ve tried to keep her in check but you know her as well as I do. She’s unstoppable and you’re her favorite project.”
“Between her and my mother, they make my life hell.” David stared at his beer. “Perhaps you can try harder, because for the life of me, Rick, I swear you’re enjoying this. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re the one responsible for most of
