Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
I t had been a long time since Shiloh had felt like a nervous teenager, and it wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t over a man who wasn’t really her boyfriend.
“Your fake boyfriend,” she muttered as she wiped down her dining room table. “You’re fan-girling over a fake boyfriend.” Shiloh sighed. “You’re ridiculous.”
The front door opened before she could scold herself more, and Shiloh spun, walking out of the kitchen while drying her hands on a towel. “Serenity?”
“Here!” Serenity called. “Just a second.”
Shiloh came around the corner, and her eyebrows shot up. “Whoa. I didn’t realize you were bringing the whole dinner.”
Serenity shot her friend a look.
“Hey, Luca. How’d you get roped into this?”
“The wife gets what the wife wants,” he said dryly.
Shiloh laughed while Serenity whacked her husband’s massive shoulder. “You two are sickeningly cute.” She came to the door to help pick up the dishes that Serenity was juggling. “Seriously, though. It’s a potluck so that the work is shared. You have like six things here!”
Serenity huffed and shot her husband another glare. “ Someone I know has a buffet paranoia.”
Shiloh frowned. “What?”
“Have you ever stopped to consider the amount of germs that are spread at potlucks?” Luca asked as he set his load on the counter. “I have no idea what the kitchen looks like where that food was created. What if it’s covered in cat hair? What if the person doesn’t wash their hands?”
Shiloh blinked. “If it’s covered with cat hair, then don’t eat it. Wash your own hands and pray the germs are baked out of everyone else’s. I’ve survived a long time on communal food, Big Guy. Don’t see me complaining.”
Serenity snickered.
“So he made you bring an entire meal that he would be willing to eat,” Shiloh deadpanned.
“Pretty much.”
“And then you blamed it on your wife when you came in,” Shiloh continued.
Luca shrugged. “She likes to cook.”
“You, sir, will be lucky if you’re not sleeping on the couch tonight.”
Serenity grinned and stood shoulder to shoulder with Shiloh. “I knew you’d be on my side.”
Shiloh gave Serenity a look. “You, Miss, need to stand up for yourself. If he wants a full meal, let him cook it.”
Serenity bumped Shiloh’s shoulder. “And you need to quit thinking you have all the answers. I can’t wait to see how you react when you have someone you’re in love with.”
“Of course, I have all the answers,” Shiloh said, directing the conversation away from falling in love. “I’m single. I’m also the best parent ever, or haven't you heard?”
Serenity laughed, and they began unpacking the food.
“We’re going to be able to feed an army,” Shiloh teased as more people came in.
“Shiloh! Serenity!” Ivory came in, her dark hair pulled up in a tight ponytail, swinging with every step. “Pearl’s here!”
Shiloh stepped away from the kitchen to offer a hand to Pearl. “Seriously, do you Miller sisters ever age?”
Pearl smiled. “Unfortunately, the answer to that question is top secret.”
Shiloh grinned, and Serenity came up to her side.
“It’s been a long time, Pearl. How are you?” Serenity asked.
Pearl nodded. “Fine, thanks. Still trying to get my feet under me with everything that’s going on.”
“Well, we’re glad to have you.” Shiloh waved toward the food. “As you can see, there’s plenty for all, so feel free to dish up. Drinks are in the coolers. Seating is anywhere you find a chair.”
Pearl nodded.
“Do you plan to reopen soon?” Serenity asked, keeping the women in place a few moments longer.
Pearl took a deep breath and shared a look with Ivory. “Maybe? Thing is…I’ve never really run a shop, and I’m not a glass artist. I’m trying to set things up to use the equipment in the back, but I’m completely out of my depth when it comes to finding someone to work there.”
Shiloh made a face. “Yeah…glass work isn’t exactly something you find on every street corner. I’ll keep my ears open, but otherwise, good luck.”
Pearl shrugged. “I’m stalking social media,” she said. “There are a few artists who have followings, and I’m gonna see if I can get them to come spend a week or two here. Maybe try to create a rotating schedule of artists.”
“That sounds amazing,” Serenity breathed. “Make sure to send out the schedule, and we’ll share it in our stores.”
Pearl’s tight posture softened a little. “Thanks, I appreciate that.”
Shiloh directed them toward the food again, then headed to the front door to check on the parking situation. She hoped Pearl was able to make the resident artist thing happen. That would be a really good addition to Main Street. The equipment had sat empty for a long time under Mrs. Pendergast’s ownership.
“Shiloh!”
“Whoa…” Shiloh barely kept her feet when Zane plowed into her. She wrapped her arms around the boy and immediately searched for his father. “Granger,” Shiloh said by way of greeting.
Was her voice breathy? It sounded breathy. Why was it breathy? And why were the butterflies back? This was fake. Fake, fake, fake.
“Shiloh.” Granger gave her a nod, his brows pulled together slightly.
“Just a sec.” Bending down, Shiloh directed Zane to the kitchen. “Go eat, sweetie. There’s tons of food in there. Anything you could possibly want.”
“Dessert?” Zane asked, his hazel eyes wide.
Shiloh smiled. “Even dessert. But make sure you eat dinner too, huh?”
Zane rolled his eyes but took off, leaving Shiloh and Granger alone.
“So what’s with the face?” Shiloh asked, putting her hands on her hips.
“The face?” Granger frowned. “It’s the only one I’ve got.”
Okay…she knew it was fake. But still…Granger was just so much fun to tease. How was a woman supposed to resist?
Closing the couple of feet between them, Shiloh brought them toe to toe and looked up. “When you said my name you frowned,” Shiloh said softly. “I don’t think boyfriends are supposed to frown when they say their girlfriend’s names.”
Granger’s lips twitched. “Should I be worried about how good you are at this? I’m half afraid every jealous guy in the town is gonna come after me, and our secret will be out before we get Arthur off your back.”
Shiloh jerked back. “What?”
“Come on, Shiloh,” Granger said. “You flirt like a pro. I mean, I know I’m out of practice, but it’s not like I can’t recognize when someone else has had a lot of practice at it.”
“So…because I’m good at flirting, you think I flirt with anyone and everyone.”
Granger shrugged and nodded. “Probably.”
“And you think I string along men, and they’re going to come after you because we’re fake dating,” Shiloh continued to clarify. If Granger had any sense of self preservation, he’d say no.
Granger sighed and took a long breath. “Truth is, I don’t know, Shiloh. I barely know you. I jumped in this afternoon, and now I’m not really sure what to do. You’re attractive and confident, and in my experience, that means you aren’t the type to settle for a single admirer.”
Shiloh’s anger drained faster than a balloon with a hole in it. Once again, they were back to his ex-wife. It should have ticked Shiloh off, but instead she just felt sad. “Then get to know me,” she challenged.
Granger stared. “What?”
“You said you don’t know me. Get to know me.” Shiloh leaned in a little. “I’m not the bad guy here, Granger. And while I appreciate your help with Arthur, I can handle it on my own without this facade. So, if you’re not all in, that’s fine. Let’s end it here and now. If you still want to help, then take the time to get to know me before you determine who I am simply because you’ve met a bad apple in the past.”
As Shiloh stood, challenging and staring him down, Granger once again realized just how wrong he’d been. She’d already pointed out that he was judging her based on another’s actions. And he was doing it again.
Funny enough, he’d actually been looking forward to tonight. Shiloh, in all her sass, had already shown Granger that she wasn’t quite what he expected. She’d apologized when in the wrong. She was blunt but not a bully. She cared about Zane’s feelings and about holding up a moral standard.
He owed her the chance to show him who she really was.
“Deal,” he said, purposefully shoving the screaming voice in the back of his head away. Maybe he’d given Ella too much control over his life. Even with her gone, she was still calling the shots, and Shiloh was giving him a chance…and a reason…to take his life back.
Shiloh’s smile was the exact one that always made his heart thump oddly. “Great. Then let’s get started.” She tilted her head toward the kitchen. “You can buy me a drink.”
Granger chuckled. “Be patient with me. It’s been a long time.”
Shiloh shrugged. “I’m pretty sure you’re a quick learner.” With one last grin, she spun and headed toward the back of the house where all the noise was.
Just before Granger could move, he felt a shove from behind.
“Well, well, well…” Tate drawled, stepping up to one side of Granger. Jett crowded in on the other. “I do believe I spy a little…something…”
Jett rolled his eyes. “You didn’t spy anything, idiot. We heard them talking, and half of it didn’t make sense.”
“Which meant we did what every good best buds would do,” Tate finished for his brother.
“You eavesdropped?” Granger offered.
“Exactly,” Tate said unapologetically. He threw an arm around Granger’s shoulders. “It sounded like you and Shiloh are up to something.”
“Did it?” Granger might be working up the courage to get to know her, but he wasn’t about to have a heart-to-heart with Tate. In fact…he might never be willing to have a heart-to-heart with Tate. That had disaster written all over it.
Granger knew he took too many things seriously, but still.
“How about you go find the little man?” Jett told his twin.
Tate was unimpressed. “Just because I enjoy life doesn’t mean I’m stupid, Jett. You’re trying to get rid of me.”
“Pretty much, yeah.”
Granger shook his head, but couldn’t quite stop a small smile from emerging. “Look, while you two argue, I’m going to eat. I’m starved.”
“Fine,” Tate continued. “But we’ll be finding you later and having a big brother discussion…you’ve been warned.”
Granger raised his eyebrows, but kept walking. What would the twins say if they knew it was a fake relationship? Granger actually kind of cringed inside at the thought. They’d have to be careful with this. It was for protection. No one needed to get hurt.
Granger grabbed a plate and looked over at a very quiet Jett. “What’s on your mind?” Granger asked.
“I’m not sure yet,” Jett replied, picking up his own eating supplies.
The chatter of the room took over, and the men loaded up their plates without continuing to talk. It wasn’t until they were settled on the patio that Jett started in again.
“I hope you know what you’re doing.”
Granger stopped with a fork halfway to his mouth. “Excuse me?”
Jett looked around, then back at Granger. “Grange, we’ve been buddies a long time, but I’m also friends with Shiloh. I”m not exactly sure what’s going on between you two, but something is and I just don’t want anyone hurt.”
Granger finished bringing the bite to his mouth and chewed slowly. “I don’t either,” he responded carefully. “And weren’t you the one encouraging this only a few days ago?”
Jett kept up eye contact for a few more heartbeats, then nodded. “Okay, then. As long as you know what you’re doing.”
“You’re not going to beat me up?” Granger asked with a smirk.
“I’m going to let Tate beat you up,” Jett said with a grin.
Granger chuckled, enjoying the light feeling of joy again. “I’ll keep that in mind.” The men ate in silence for a few more minutes before Shiloh and Zane came outside, each with a plate in their hands.
“Dude.”
Frowning, Granger looked at Jett, who was pointing to something. Granger turned and nodded. He grabbed the empty chair sitting a few feet away and pulled it to his side.
Shiloh caught the movement and smiled wide, coming his way. “I think I can get used to eating with a handsome man at my side,” she teased, sitting down.
“Here, bud.”
Granger had been so caught up in watching Shiloh that he had barely acknowledged his son. Luckily, Jett had enough common sense to help Zane find an empty chair and join their little group.
“How’s your dinner?” Shiloh asked, bumping her knee against Granger’s.
“Uh…fine,” Granger said with a head bob. He stopped moving when he heard Jett try to cover a laugh.
“How’s the yardwork coming at the house? I didn’t bother to ask earlier,” Shiloh continued. “And I haven’t done a walk through in several days.”
“Fine,” Granger said again.
“Did you try the broccoli salad?” Shiloh pressed. “I made that one.”
Granger’s head started bobbing again. “Yeah, it’s?—”
“Fine?” Jett offered.
“Good,” Granger said too loudly. He immediately slunk back in his seat. Geez, he was bad at this. “It’s good.”
Shiloh smiled while she chewed. “Glad you’re enjoying it.” She pointed her fork at his plate. “Because it doesn’t look like you’ve eaten any.”
This time Jett didn’t even try to hold back his laughter.
Granger tugged on his collar and worked to curb the impulse to smack Jett upside the head. Just what had he gotten himself into?
“Granger.” Luca’s deep voice interrupted Granger’s embarrassment. “Long time, no see.” The men shook hands, and Luca handed Jett his plate so Luca could grab a couple of other chairs for himself and his wife.
“Ah,” Serenity sat down in the chair closest to Shiloh. “It’s such a nice evening. Thanks for hosting, Shi.”
Shiloh shrugged, her mouth full.
“The landscaping business been busy?” Luca asked Granger.
Granger sat up a little taller. “Not as busy as I’d like, but we’re doing okay.”
Luca nodded.
“When’s the opening day for your gym? I heard it’s coming soon.”
Luca grinned, the skin around his eyepatch wrinkling. “Probably next month. It’ll be good to feel productive again.”
Jett snorted. “If you get any more productive, you’ll put the rest of us out of business.”
Luca just shook his head. “How about you, Big Z?” He nudged Zane’s foot with his. “I see your cast. What happened?”
“I fell off the swings,” Zane said, mimicking the shrugs of the men, as if the break hadn’t been a big deal. “I can’t go to daycare, so I’m helping Dad at work.”
“He’s helping at my latest project,” Shiloh clarified. “Been pulling weeds like nobody’s business.”
Luca leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. “I didn’t realize you were helping out over there. I knew Jett and Tate were gonna be doing some stuff. Was the yard bad?”
“It was huge!” Zane jumped in. “I found three snakes when Dad was cutting the grass.”
Luca chuckled. “Did you put them in a bucket?”
“Nah…Dad says we have to let them be wild.”
Shiloh shivered. “I am not a fan of snakes. The wilderness can keep them.”
Zane leaned forward, dropping his voice, but not really getting quiet. “Dad said that. He said Shiloh wouldn’t like the snakes..and she doesn’t.”
“And just how does your dad know so much about what Shiloh likes?” Luca teased.
Uh, oh. Granger felt panic hit him like a freight train.
“Because they’re dating,” Zane said matter of factly, then turned to his dad. “Right? That’s what we’re supposed to say?”
If ever the heavens were going to strike Granger with lightning…he wished it were now. Right. Now.