Clara nudges her, “Don’t let her bother you. Savannah and I will help run your table. I’ll walk Delaney to the children’s room where she can play and have a snack.”
“Thank you,” she smiles softly watching the excitement on Delaney’s face. Savannah walks up and glances at the table.
“I have just the thing to make this table stand out from the rest, besides you, of course,” she teases and pulls out a brilliant blue table cloth.
“Where did you get that!” Anika gasps.
“I can’t reveal my secrets, but the white doilies on top will just be beautiful.” They begin to set up and place the trays of pastries across the table. “Do you want all of them out?” Savannah asks.
Martha marches over with her Mother, and they stand back watching them set up. Anika ignores her and continues working.
“No, I think I will save the jelly pastries for last. They have to be dusted with the glazing sugar before serving.”
Savannah turns to glare at Martha who sniffs saying, “I can’t imagine anyone will want to buy from the two of you.” Her Mother giggles. “If I remember correctly baking isn’t one of your strong suits, Savannah.”
Rhemi walks up behind them. “I imagine quite a few will want to taste Anika’s wares,” he laughs at his crude joke.
Anika's face loses all color, and she stops moving. Leaning forward she snaps, “That's Ms. Coltrane.”
“That’s a vile thing to say!” Savannah snarls. “You’re just lucky Glenn didn’t hear that.”
Rhemi glances around just in time to see Glenn enter the church hall. He is intercepted multiple times by well-wishers and friendly greetings. “No worries, he’s busy.”
Glenn walks in, and the moment he sees Anika's stunned, pale expression his blood starts boiling. He pushes towards her table. Martha watches Glenn moving towards the table and nudges her Mother. They intercept Glenn before he can get there.
“I meant no offense, Ms. Coltrane. My cousin, Martha explained your circumstances. I’m sorry to hear of your husband’s death. I’d be honored to show you a happier side of our town after the sale, of course. How would you like to ride in my carriage?” Rhemi replies and moves closer to the table.
Anika is thankful for the separation between them. “As I’ve said before, no thank you, Mr. Darlington.”
“Perhaps you misunderstood me.” He straightens his coat, flicking a piece of invisible lint off. “A ride with me could solidify your place in the community. My family owns the bank in town, and we would be happy to put a good word in for you.”
Anika looks at him, hoping to see sincerity in his eyes. He smiles at her, but his eyes don't quite meet hers, they are too busy tracing her figure. His idea of a ride and hers are most certainly not the same. “No, Thank you.”
“That’s it?” His smile flickers out and he glares at her, “No reason why?” Anika glances at Savannah, unsure of how to handle this. “I assure you, Ms. Coltrane, you have nothing to fear from one ride. Certainly, you’ve ridden plenty of carriages before,” he teases.
Fury lights inside her soul. He is drawing to much attention spending time at her booth. Though she doesn't wish to make enemies straight out of the gate, his disgusting jokes are making it harder by the second for her to control her temper.
Savannah waves at her mother behind Rhemi’s back and points at Allen, her father, silently signaling for help. Martha laughs loudly from across the room, drawing the attention of the people who are beginning to trickle in. She is draped on Glenn’s arm and staring up at him adoringly. Anika shoves away the jealousy, thinking of Delaney and continues working on the table.
“I’m sure there are plenty of ladies who would be honored to ride with you, Mr. Darlington. I am busy.”
Anika picks up another pastry, and just before she places it on the tray, Rhemi grabs her hand. It’s sweaty, clammy and he squeezes the bones together, causing her to gasp. Her eyes snap to his, and she hisses out a breath of shock. He leans in, ogling her breasts and Anika’s patience snaps.
Before she can talk herself out of it, she knocks over the jug of water causing it to cascade over the edge and onto the front of his trousers. He leaps back with a shout of outrage, releasing her hand and she can’t help but laugh.
“I don’t owe you or anyone else an explanation,” she smothers a smile and glances away. “You need to learn how to treat a woman.”
The church falls silent, and no one moves for a moment. Glenn walks away from an outraged Martha leaving her standing with her mouth agape.
“You’ll change your tune, Anika.” Rhemi hisses before snapping up a pastry and stomping from the room,
“Don’t bet on it,” Anika calls after him and rubs her throbbing hand.
Savannah bursts out laughing, “Score one for you, Ms. Coltrane.”
Her parents rush over. “Is everything alright?” Daisy asks.
“Nothing Anika couldn’t handle,” Savannah says. “Let’s help her clean up.”
Anika wipes her hand as if she can wash away the feel of his touch. She balls her hands into fists to stop the trembling and begins to clean up the floor.
Allen watches Glenn stalk Rhemi’s retreating form and hurries to stop him. “Don’t do anything rash, son. All eyes are on you. Don’t make it worse for her,” he whispers.
Glenn nods and glowers with rage as Rhemi nods at him before leaving the church. “Cocky bastard,” he hisses under his breath.
“Now isn’t the time, son.” Allen leads the way back to the table, stopping to visit with friends along the way.
“Are you okay?” Glenn asks and glances at his sister, Savannah.
