As Good as the First Time Read online

  Liv had to stop her eyes from bolting out of her head at her aunt’s slightly loaded statement.

  Clayton looked at her straight on and gave a nod.

  Breathe. Just breathe. You remember how to do that. It’s supposed to be automatic. Suck in air and then you blow it out. It’s not so hard to do, you’ve done it more times than you can count. She started to feel light-headed. This should not be so hard. Look at his hand. Remember he’s married. Remember the past. Liv looked down. Where the heck was his ring? Ugh. She hated married men who didn’t wear their rings. They were so darned confusing. She let her focus go back to those liquid eyes of his, and he smiled. Liv clenched her fists at her sides so as not to fan herself at the sight of his gorgeous dimples popping into view. Lord, she’d nearly forgotten about those.

  Dang it!

  “Yes, ma’am. I will say that they definitely do. It’s good to see you again, Livia.”

  Livia? Why all the nerve. To act all familiar and call her Livia as if he’d just seen her last holiday or something. As if they were still old friends. As if he’d just told her he loved her. Said he’d wait for her only to have her return to Sugar Lake to find him gone and moved on to a whole new life without an explanation or a word.

  “Well, there you have it. In that at least we can agree on something today.” Aunt Joyce was happily directing her remarks to Clayton and thankfully giving Liv something else to focus on besides drifting to a twelve-year-old past best forgotten. “And as for the rest, you can see with my nieces here I have more than enough help in the shop, so you don’t have to go giving me unsolicited advice about working or not working in my so-called condition, not that I particularly have a condition.”

  It was Aunt Joyce mentioning her not quite condition that caused Liv to pull her attention away from Clayton’s eyes and disarming dimples and bring her firmly to the problem at hand, and the situation they were supposedly there to remedy. “Speaking of,” she said, “what is going on here, Aunt Joyce? What’s with the fire trucks and all the uproar?”

  Aunt Joyce waved an impatient hand in front of her face. “Oh, it’s nothing, honey. Just a little fire in the kitchen.” She cast a sharp eye Clayton’s way. “Nothing to get in a twist about, even though our fire chief here seems to be getting quite knotted up about it.”

  “Now, Miss Joyce, you know any fire is a potentially serious situation. And I wouldn’t be doing my job properly if I didn’t look out for your safety.”

  Aunt Joyce rolled her eyes skyward. “Well, you just get on and keep doing that, Chief Morris. You do your mama and us taxpayers a good service taking everything so very seriously.” It wasn’t lost on Liv how mocking Aunt Joyce’s tone was, and it brought to mind past minor feuds between Aunt Joyce and Clayton’s mom, Mrs. Morris. It also wasn’t lost on Liv the extra rich bass that had deepened the tone of Clayton’s voice over the years or the immediate charge that it brought to the air around her.

  But thankfully, or not, Aunt Joyce continued. “Like I said, this is all a little bit of nothing. I will have the oven checked out thoroughly and see what’s going on with the temperature controls. I know what I set that oven to, and there was no way that thing should’ve gotten out of whack like it did. You know me, I’ve never had any sort of incident like that in my kitchen, and I make that same batch of pies often, so something must’ve just gone faulty. No worries, I will get it straight. I’ll have Errol come by and give it a good looking at.”

  “Well, just be sure that you do,” Clayton said, his voice stern, and Liv noted his eyes full of concern as he looked at Aunt Joyce.

  But her aunt was having none of it. “Now, if you don’t mind, can you just move on and get all these overgrown boys and equipment out of my place? It is definitely not good for business. You will have folks thinking I really have a problem. And you know I don’t need that with tourist season just starting to heat up. Heck, people nowadays practically live on the Internet and that Yelp.”

  Liv watched the corner of Clayton’s lip quirk up. “Yes, ma’am. We’ll be out of your way in no time,” Clayton said.

  He turned back toward her and Drea. “It really is good to see the both of you.”

  “Oh really, is that so? The both of us?” Drea chimed in coyly.

  Seriously? The itch to reach out and give Drea a good pinch as if they were middle schoolers was coming on strong and hard.

  Clayton seemed amused by this, and once again his dimples came into view as he nodded his head. “Yes, both of you,” but he turned toward Liv. “Though I am especially happy to see an old friend back in town.”

  Do not blush. Do not blush. Put it on repeat and keep it there, Liv.

  She forced her expression to stay neutral as she tried to keep her voice in the neutral zone too. “I won’t be around too long. Just helping out Aunt Joyce in the shop for a bit, then it’s back to the city for me. But it was nice seeing you today too.” See, that wasn’t so hard. She could do this. She could play it cool. She was an adult now, doing adultlike things. First hurdle, the most unexpected, and probably the hardest, was done. The rest of her time in Sugar Lake would be a piece a cake. Besides, she’d probably never even run into him after today. With any luck, he’d live on the other side of town and not visit his mother all that often. He was grown and no doubt a busy man, with a kid and a wife. Sugar Lake was clearly a growing and bustling town. Being the fire chief had to keep him hopping. There was no reason to get her knickers in a twist over running into Clayton Morris. A one-off was a one-off.

  “Oh Clayton, before you go, just so you don’t think I’m the worst grouch in town, you take a few pies for you and the boys back to the station. And I’ll be seeing you tomorrow with my usual honey order, right?”

  Tomorrow? Usual order? What was happening?

  Clayton turned Aunt Joyce’s way and gave her a nod. “Yes, ma’am. Tomorrow it is. Unless you want me to bring any by after my shift tonight.”

  “No need,” Aunt Joyce replied. “Rena has done all the shopping, and you put in a long-enough day. I have enough to get me through the morning’s baking. You give Hope and your mama my regards tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  And with that Liv’s mind did catapults and a few summersaults as Clayton’s guys quickly packed up and made their way out of the shop. Then after one last sweep of the shop, Clayton left with a wave and a smile and, not to mention, an arm full of pies.

  Liv bit back a groan. Yeah, so much for not running into him. From the way Aunt Joyce was talking, it seemed as if she’d be practically living next door to Clayton Morris.

  Wait. Would she really be living next door to Clayton Morris? Again. There was no way a grown man like him was back in town and back to living with his mama. Was there? Why, he was a fireman. And a good-looking, strapping one at that. Of course he’d have his own place. Goodness. She wasn’t thrilled about the thought of his wife, but she wouldn’t wish having to live with his mama on the poor woman. Saying Mrs. Morris could be a tinge prickly was putting it mildly. She must be thinking crazy. There was no way Clayton was back living next door with his mom, and that was final.

  Chapter 5

  “So I see you New York girls still bringing the heat!” The Gale sisters turned toward the booming sound of their cousin Rena Goode’s voice. “The big city comes to town and our place practically burns to the ground!”

  “Hey, don’t blame that on us, cousin,” Liv said as she wagged a finger and gave Rena a grin. She would have given her cousin a hug, but this time it was Drea who beat her in the race toward their family member’s open arms.

  “Look at you, all grown up and everything,” Rena said to Drea as she gave her a quick assessment. “Looking good, girl. I like what you got going on with your hair. Those twists are banging.”

  “Thanks, cousin, you’re looking good yourself,” Drea said, and she wasn’t lying. Rena did look good and still so very Rena. Never one for downplay. She was wearing tight, ankle-skimming jeans and a white shirt tied in a k
not to accentuate her small waist and amply curved hips. There were quite a few buttons undone on her top to show off the red lace camisole that she was wearing underneath, which matched her red plastic hoops perfectly, but clashed with her bright purple lips. Her hair was piled high in tousled, wild curls on top her head. The only bit of comfort Rena seemed to allow herself were the high-top retro-style sneakers on her feet.

  Rena turned her gaze from Drea to Liv. She raised a brow, which made Liv feel immediately self-conscious and wonder what she was thinking. In true Goode woman blunt form, she didn’t have to wait long to find out. “And look at you, Miss Fancy. Check you out.”

  Liv frowned. She didn’t think that was quite a compliment the way Rena said it. Even with the smile. “And how am I supposed to take that?” Liv asked.

  “Take it well, cousin,” Rena said. “Girl, you are looking great. Like a stack of new money. Like you could take over a corporation at any moment. But I always knew you would do good for yourself. There was never any doubt about that. You were always a smart one.” She grinned wide and waggled her brows. “And don’t think I didn’t notice Clayton Morris bringing up the rear of the departing firemen. Arms full of pies and smile as wide as Sugar Lake. I bet that’s due to you, Miz Livy.”

  Liv pulled back sharply and gave Rena a frown. “What would Clayton’s smile have to do with me? I’d think he’d be saving any smiles for his wife.”

  Rena gave a smirk, and Aunt Joyce started to laugh as she came forward with two bowls of bread pudding and ice cream handing them to Liv and Drea. It had been ages since Liv had bread pudding and she was already salivating but Rena pulled her attention away with her next comment.

  “What wife?” Rena said. “You mean the one that off and ran out on him and his daughter to find herself? Whatever in the world that means.”

  Liv blinked, pudding spoon poised by her open mouth.

  Rena nodded.

  “From what I hear it had been over for quite a while,” Aunt Joyce said, picking up the story. “According to his mama, his wife just up and was gone one day. Said she wasn’t cut out for marriage. I don’t think Delia is any bit torn up about it. Though that poor child of his was devastated. And when Clayton’s dad passed away and his mama fell ill last year, Clayton made the decision to head back home and help her out over leaving her with that house to tend on her own. It wasn’t like his brother was being all that much of a help. Poor thing he just hasn’t been himself since he’s returned home from serving. Still he don’t have to put his mama to worrying like he does.” She let out a weary sigh then as if the whole sordid mess exhausted her to tell it.

  Liv was stunned. Her mother filled her in on practically all the happenings in Sugar Lake. How could she leave out a juicy story like this one?

  But once again, Rena picked up the story getting right to the bottom line. “So you see, the Clayton Morris field is all clear. That is, if you have any interest.”

  Liv got her wits about her and gave her cousin a sharp look. “Now, why would I have any interest in that direction?”

  Rena tilted her head and curled her lip in response. “You did say you looked at him and your eyes are working, right?” She put her hand to Liv’s chest. “Are you breathing? Are you dead? Why would anybody not have any interest? The man is fine with an O and not an I, is all I’m saying.”

  Liv shook her head. “Well, say all you want. That ship has long sailed. I’m here to see family and help Aunt Joyce. Clayton Morris is a nonfactor in my plans.”

  “That’s her story and she’s sticking to it,” Drea said, hardly able to keep the giggle out of her voice.

  “Oh, shut up, you,” Liv said as Rena joined in on the giggles.

  Suddenly Rena sobered and looked from her cousins to Aunt Joyce. “Wait, help Aunt Joyce? She’s got me.” She turned to Aunt Joyce then. “Did you call them? Do you really need more help?”

  Oh goodness. Would she and Drea’s being here insult Rena? She didn’t want to put her cousin out or put Aunt Joyce in an awkward situation with their presence.

  “Rena, you know we can use some extra hands here in the shop,” Aunt Joyce chimed in. “You’re as busy as a one-armed paperhanger chasing after those children of yours. I do appreciate all your help and you know it, but your focus can’t be in a million places all at once, and with me being slowed down because of this bum hip and tourist season picking up, we just need a little bit more help in the shop.”

  Rena’s smooth smile instantly slid into a frown, causing Aunt Joyce to continue. “Now, don’t go getting your lips twisted, gal. You know we need the help, and I can’t rely on strangers to do it. It’s no disrespect to you.”

  “Oh, it definitely isn’t,” Liv chimed in. She looked down and then back up at her cousin. “And besides, I was kind of looking for a bit of a break from the city for a while. Not to mention I get to spend time with you guys.”

  Rena looked skeptical for a moment, but thankfully her cell rang, diverting her attention. Reaching into her back pocket, she let out a growl after glancing at the screen. “That blang it Troy. He’s been blowing up my phone nonstop after having the nerve to hang out with his boys at those clubs out on 77 till well past three a.m. the other night. Like I don’t know ain’t nothing but wild women with wrecked weaves out at that hour.” She shook her head, and Liv and Drea glanced at each other, then over to Aunt Joyce, who just gave Rena a pot meet kettle once-over that said her point was proven.

  Rena shrugged. “Well, he’s just going to have to suffer a little longer. He needs to know that our money is not for flossing at the club, but for shining bright over at the gas and light company.” She smiled wide. “If he don’t learn easy, I’ll make him learn hard. Shoot, I got my cousins in town from New York now!”

  “Oh, he definitely is,” Drea chimed, in agreement.

  Liv’s eyes went wide as she started to shake her head.

  “Oh, don’t start with your fuddy-duddy ways even before the party has begun, sister dear,” Drea said. “Our cousin here is in need of a pick-me-up, and we are just the people to give it to her. Looks like we’ve come just in time.”

  “If you recall, we’re here to help Aunt Joyce with the shop, not help Rena get back at her man,” Liv corrected.

  “Hey, don’t let me stop you young folks from getting into some good old mess,” Aunt Joyce said, chiming in. “Just so long as you remember to get to work on time, I have no problem with it. Rena, get on in there and see if we can’t set things straight for the day. I’d like to go and get the girls settled in at the house, if you don’t mind.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Rena said.

  “We don’t mind pitching in now if you need some help setting up,” Liv said.

  But Rena shooed them off. “There will be plenty of time for that. You two go on and get settled.” She glanced at Aunt Joyce. “And maybe get her off her feet for a bit too. I’ll be seeing you later. I’m sure the whole family will be stopping by at some point to welcome you.”

  It was then that Aunt Joyce started to laugh. “Oh yes. Come on and let’s get you girls settled at the house. I can’t wait to call Kath and tell her that you’re in town. She’s gonna be just about bursting with jealousy when she hears you’re staying with me.”

  “Now, don’t go in on Aunt Kath. No need to get her riled for nothing.”

  Aunt Joyce snorted. “When have I ever been the riling type?”

  * * *

  They started off slowly, Liv offering to bring the car up, but Aunt Joyce insisting that the short walk up the street to the car would do her good and make her doctor happy. Liv now took the more leisurely moment out on Main Street to take a look at just how much things had changed in the sleepy town. It would seem Sugar Lake was definitely starting to wake up. There was now a large CVS on the corner where Baker’s dress shop used to be. Next to that, she could see there was a trendy-looking art gallery. But Liv was happy to see there was still a hardware store, though it didn’t look to still be run by the
Millers and had been converted to one of the bigger chain franchises.

  “Hey, at least the old ice-cream shop is still here. That’s good to see,” Liv said, pointing toward the bakeshop’s near neighbor and friendly rivals in sweet treats. She, her siblings, and their cousins would go to get a fifty-cent scoop as a rare treat when their uncle Clint was feeling splurgy. Also when he was feeling brave enough to sneak them over since it was a half unwritten rule that pies and cobblers ruled in the Goode family.

  Suddenly, Liv’s mind drifted to the memory of sharing a cool cone on a hot day with Clayton Morris. She was coming out of the shop with her ice cream, and he was walking beside her, asking if he could have a taste. Lord, those words alone, coming from his lips, just about had her teen self melting right there on the pavement faster than the ice cream. Liv shook her head to clear it. Did she ever really stand a chance when it came to him?

  “Yep, it’s still there,” Aunt Joyce said. “The Clemenses were ready to sell and move to Miami when their daughter up and married a rich”—she snapped her fingers in the air—“what do they call them with the man buns?”

  “Hipster?” Drea said, and Aunt Joyce nodded.

  “Yes, that’s it. Hipster type who for some reason thought living out his life scooping ice cream would be the best thing since sliced bread.” Aunt Joyce let out a bit of a huff then. “A bit too friendly for me though. All that smiling, and I’m all for helpfulness but, I don’t know. There’s something about that hairdo of his I just don’t trust.”

  Drea laughed at that. “Man buns can be cute on the right guy, Aunt Joyce.”

  Aunt Joyce snorted. “Says you. And I suppose I’d look good in a Mohawk.”

  “Wait a minute,” Liv cut in on what she suspected was about to turn into a heated debate on male versus female acceptable grooming between Drea and Aunt Joyce. “You mean Deidre Clemens, that rough gal you and Aunt Kath used to go on about, the one who used to chase Brent around. She took over the ice-cream shop?” Liv asked.

  Aunt Joyce shook her head no, but responded with the opposite. “Yep, that’s the one. She ran off, disappeared for a good two years, leaving both her parents wondering where in the world she got to. We all were sure she’d joined up with a cult or some such thing. But no. She came back with a husband who seemed pretty much just as flighty as she was. But shock to us and her long-suffering parents, the flighty husband was loaded. He is an ex-Internet guy who’d cashed in. So she, the husband, and their baby moved in with Rick and Lucy Clemens. They darn near drove Rick and Lucy out of their minds in that little bungalow of theirs.” Aunt Joyce got wistful. “I do miss Lucy, though. Miami is so far and we shared so many laughs over coffee during the quiet times. She loved coming and sitting a spell with me, and vice versa. I could always count on her and Rick when the chips were down. Rick was like a second brother the way he watched over me. They’d even watch the shop when I’d be in a pinch. Yeah, you don’t come across friends like that every day.”