“Blackberries,” she said, like everyone kept blackberries on the top shelf. “I have one jar left, and I want to make a special limited-edition batch for this weekend.”
“Make sure to take some pics when it’s finished,” I said as I swiped through the pics I’d just taken, “so we can promo it. I can post it super quick. I assume it’s going to be local only? No shipping?”
“Yeah, yeah. Hey, want to come with me tomorrow?”
“Where? To the market?”
Hunnie busied herself opening the jar of blackberries. “So it can breathe,” she said. Then she grabbed a jar full of a pinkish honey with flecks of green. Dipping a spoon in it, she shoved it my way. “Here, taste.”
Knowing better than to argue about calories or anything of the sort, I opened my mouth for the spoon. “Mmm, that’s actually amazing. What is it?”
“I took my signature elderberry infusion—which, come fall, will be the most popular honey because it fights colds—and I added a touch of lemon and also mint. I’m calling it Forest.”
“Give me another taste,” I said, and when she obliged, I studied the jar. “You know, it does look like a forest, and the mint is perfect. I need to think of some great copy for Instagram on this. We could do some super-fab reels set to music.”
“Don’t forget we start with all raw Vermont honey, and then we source as much locally as we can.”
“Never.”
As we stood across from each other in Hunnie’s open kitchen, I felt her staring at me, questions swirling behind her eyes.
“You know Ben spoke with his dad, and the petting zoo is going to be a go.” Hunnie did a small twirl, her hair flopping on top of her head, looking like she didn’t have a care in the world. Her attitude was both nauseating and infectious at the same time.
I shook my head. “He didn’t tell me. We’re not on that level.”
Leaning my hip into the counter, I welcomed the biting pinch it created as waves of melancholy washed over me. Ben is just a hookup. We don’t share personal matters on that level.
“Would you stop it?” Hunnie gently grabbed my chin and forced me to look at her.
“Stop what?”
Releasing my chin, she snapped her fingers in my face. “Snap the hell out of it. He likes you, and you like him. Don’t second-guess it. It was my news to tell. Anyway, we’re going to look at animals after the market. Do you work tomorrow? I need you to come and take pictures.”
“I’m off tomorrow afternoon.”
“Great. Now sit down and tell me about the date. Oh, and Ben let it slip you have some fabulous business idea. He was all pimping you out, like you matter to him.” This time she winked and struck a pose with her hand on her hip.
“We’re old friends, you know? And I guess we’re having fun now, but it’s not permanent. I’m going to move eventually, and Ben loves it here in Vermont. He has roots here,” I said, moving over to settle into the velvet armchair.
“Well, you’re growing roots. Now, shoot the shit, Murphy.”
She stared me down, sitting with her legs crossed in front of her, her back to the side of the couch. Matching her posture, I swallowed my shame and started to spill my soul.
“We went to the drive-in, he brought a picnic, and we had fun. I’d never been. Then he came back to my place and took care of me, but wouldn’t let me take care of him.” Although I desperately tried not to do it, the end came out like a question. I didn’t want to admit to my lack of experience.
Hunnie nodded knowingly. “A ladies-first man. I always knew it. They’re the best kind of guy to catch.” Leaning forward with interest, she said, “Was it really good? Divine? Go on.”
“Um, that’s all I’m going to say because I’m a lady, or at least used to be one. But it wasn’t ladylike at all, against the door.”
Frowning, she blew out a frustrated breath. “Don’t you dare leave me hanging like that.”
“Hunnie, you’re my boss.”
“Hush. I’m your friend too. Speaking of which . . .” She popped up again and picked up a little box. “I got you a cupcake. This one is from Gigi. She heard you loved maple syrup, so it’s a maple-glazed vanilla cupcake made just for you.”
My mouth dropped open. “But I don’t even know Gigi . . .”
“Girl, I’ve been singing your praises. She’s desperate to meet you,” Hunnie said, shoving the box toward me.
Gingerly, I opened it up and took in the perfectly crafted cupcake covered in a khaki-colored icing and dusted with gold and pink sugar. “Wow.”
“Look how it matches your nail polish,” Hunnie said, staring at my hand holding the delicacy housed in a shimmery box before going back to her seat.
“Yes, it does. I put on this shade this morning while finishing the book I’m reading . . . To See You. I thought it went well with the cover, especially the pink accent color.”
I closed my eyes as an idea came to mind. Nails, books, cupcakes, coffee . . . was there anything better? No.
“Earth to Murphy?” Hunnie raised her voice, drawing me out of my musings.
Opening my eyes, I sighed. “Sorry, I just had an idea for Zara. Must be the Vermont air. I’m a creative busy bee here.”
Hunnie smiled. “Maybe it’s because you’re happy. You know, really happy? You look happy.”
“Maybe,” I said cautiously. “How would you know?”
“I know,” she said. “Because for a few years after high school, I was really unhappy. Stuck here in Vermont, wanting to do something like Ben did, or the few others who got out for a while. Then one day, I was sick with the flu and stuck here in
