Kiss and Make Up (Bachelors of Buttermilk #3) (4 page)

J
osh took
a deep breath and headed into the Sugar Spoon bake shop. Since it was Monday evening, he wouldn’t have to worry about running into Caitlin or any of her girlfriends. Batter Up night was an estrogen-free zone.

The spell only worked on men and around men.

He’d come to the bakery straight from the airport. His plan was to go over to Caitlin’s tomorrow and see if he could spend time with the kids. Tonight, he’d deal with his sister and her blue spoon silliness.

“Josh!” Abby squealed from behind the counter. She flew around it and gave him a big hug before slugging him. “I knew you’d come. When did your flight get in?”

“About an hour ago. I rented a car.”

“Why didn’t you call? I could have picked you up.”

“I didn’t want to interrupt Batter Up night.”

Abby rolled her eyes. “You wouldn’t have. It was Gary Anderson’s turn, and we all know Sabrina Keeler is his true love.” She lowered her voice. “He should have proposed years ago. Though, honestly, I think she has more in common with his brother, Chip.”

Josh laughed at his sister’s blatant honesty. It was a trait he loved about her. “Was Adam here?” Josh didn’t see him among the guys heading out, no doubt to the Buttermilk Tavern for a few celebratory brews.

He needed to talk to his dear old pal. As his plane sped closer to Buttermilk Falls, his irritation only grew. He’d trusted his best friend to keep an eye on Caitlin, not make a play for her.

“Hey, Josh.” Emma winked and filled her cupcake tins with the creamy batter. “You just missed my prediction.” She waved her shimmering pink mixing spoon in the air. “Unless you’d like me to do it on you.”

Josh shook his head. That wasn’t happening. “I think I’ll pass.” He came up to the counter and pulled out a stool. “So, where is this magical blue spoon my crazy sister insisted I drop everything and fly home for?”

Rolling her eyes, Abby pulled up a seat next to him. “Like you’d do anything I asked.”

Emma headed toward the swinging doors. “It’s in the safe. I’ll go get it.”

Abby stared at him with a stupid grin plastered across her face.

“What’s that look for?”

“I
knew
you missed Caitlin and the kids.”

“I miss the kids,” he corrected, adding just to make it clear, “not their mother.”

“Whatever you say. Why can’t you admit you have feelings for her and that you two would be good together?”

“When did you become president of the Caitlin Reynolds fan club?”

“You know we’re all friends now.” She gave him a playful swat. “And family, too, thanks to your sperm.”

“You’re welcome,” he said dryly. “Why are you so interested in Caitlin and I getting together? I thought you said she was with Adam?”

“I think it’s just sex.” Abby reached over to the cupcake carousel and pulled two red velvet ones out, waving her hand over one before handing it to Josh.

“What was that for?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“What?”

He motioned with his hand. “That little wave.”

“Nothing. It’s a ‘welcome home’ spell to bring you good luck.” She smiled innocently. “You know I’m not very good at casting spells. It’ll probably turn you into a toad.”

He laughed and took a bite. “I’ll take my chances. Now, back to Adam and Caitlin. Did she tell you they were sleeping together?”

“For someone who isn’t here to see Caitlin, you sure are curious about what she’s doing.” Abby wiggled her eyebrows. “Or is it
who
she’s doing that’s got the feathers under your fancy Armani suit all ruffled up?”

“I couldn’t care less about Caitlin’s sex life.” That wasn’t true, but he’d never admit it to anyone, and certainly not to his sister. “Honestly, Abby, stop stirring up trouble.”

“Speaking of stirring up.” Emma came back from the kitchen, holding the glittery blue mixing spoon. It was the same size as the pink one she held in her other hand.

“I’ll be damned.” Josh gazed at the spoon. “So,
that
is the thing that ransacked the place?” Josh asked. Only in his family would that question not sound farfetched.

“You don’t even know what that spoon is capable of,” Abby shot back.

Josh stood and put his hands on Abby’s shoulders, giving them a rub. “Maybe the stress of new motherhood has you on edge. Why don’t you take a day off and have mom watch Hannah? Go get a massage or something.”

“I don’t need a massage.” Abby swatted his hands. “I know what I saw.”

Emma turned and grabbed a mixing bowl. “I think this might be the pink spoon’s companion.”

“Companion?” Josh raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?”

“Well . . .” Emma paused. “Since it’s a blue spoon, I’m thinking the name will appear in blue and be a guy’s name.”

Abby’s eyes widened. “Oh, my God. You think it could predict true love for the bachelorettes in this town.”

“It’s possible.” Emma nodded, holding up the spoon. “With the right person casting the spell. There’s only one way to find out.”

Josh stared at the sparkly blue spoon. “What makes you think I can do the spell?”

“You do have magic blood in you,” Emma said. “And every time I try to cast it, your name appears.”

“It’s calling you to duty.” Abby grabbed the spoon from Emma and forced it into Josh’s hand.

Whoa.
A vision flashed in his mind, causing him to drop the spoon.

“What’s wrong?” Abby touched his arm.

“Nothing. I just . . .” Josh scratched his head. “Weird. I just had a vision of a woman holding a box. She was soaked.”

“What color was the box?” Emma asked, she and Abby exchanging worried looks between them.

Josh tried to picture the scene, but it was gone. “Light blue maybe?”

“Unreal.” Abby shook her head.

“Why? What’s going on?”

“We found a light blue box on New Year’s Eve.” Abby bent down and picked up the spoon, twirling it with her fingers. “It contained this.”

“Really? Maybe I saw the woman who owned it.” Josh wasn’t naïve enough to not believe in magic. He’d grown up around his mother’s and Aunt Sheila’s spell books, cauldrons, and potions.

Hell, Aunt Sheila had predicted he’d have three kids. When Caitlin had shown up on his doorstep and announced she was pregnant with triplets—well, he knew his aunt’s prediction had come true well before the paternity test confirmed it.

Maybe his gift was seeing the past. Although, he’d never had a vision before. He reached over and grabbed the spoon from Abby.

“Well?” Emma asked.

“Nothing,” he admitted. The flashback was gone.

“We should close up and get out of here. It’s late,” Emma said and busied herself with the cash register while Abby took the cue, getting up and grabbing a cloth. She headed behind the counter and began to wipe it down.

“Okay, you two. Fess up?” Josh had been around his sister and cousin long enough to know they were hiding something.

“What do you mean?” Abby asked.

“You both were all so eager for me to try the damn spell, but now you want to close up and get out of here. I know you two adorable witches well enough to know that something’s wrong. So what if I had a vision of the box the spoon came in. Maybe
that’s
my super power,” he joked.

Abby sighed and tossed her cloth to the side. She bent down, disappearing for a second. When she popped back up, she set a box in front of him. “Is this what you saw?”

His eyes widened at the light blue, rectangular box in front of him. “Yeah, that’s exactly it.”

“Well, good.” She spun it around and placed her finger on the bottom right-hand corner. “Because it belongs to you.”

“
O
kay
, open your eyes.” Caitlin stood next to Adam, excitement pulsating through her. She wanted to share this high with her new best friend.

“Are you sure this time?” Adam asked, sporting a big grin, but eyes still closed.

She knew he was calling her out on her dramatic tendencies. “Well, wait. First, answer me this: If you pictured me doing one thing with my life, what would it be?”

Adam played along, attempting a high kick. “With your legs. Definitely a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall.”

“I need to be more careful with what I say around you.” She giggled because she’d had shared with him recently she’d wished she’d followed
that
dream. There were so many things she’d wanted to be growing up. Actor, dancer, fashion designer—detective, courtesy of Nancy Drew.

“Maybe not Radio City Music Hall.” Stepping behind him, she grabbed Adam’s wrists and pulled his hands away. “But definitely bright lights when it’s turned on. Ta-da!”

Adam’s eyes flew open and they both looked up at the marquee. “Are you trying out for a play? I thought this place was up for sale?”

“It is.” She nodded then shook her head. “Well, not anymore. I put in an offer this afternoon.” Reaching into her purse, she pulled out keys and gave them a jingle. “It’s not official, but Josephine gave me a set so I could stop by tonight.”

The shock on his face was the exact same expression her dad had had when she told him the news earlier today.

“What are you going to do with a run-down theater?”

“I’m going to refurbish it, of course. Give it a complete front door to back door make-over. Then, I’m going to show movies and have live theater productions and maybe offer acting classes. What do you think?” She took a deep breath, waiting for Adam’s answer.

It wasn’t like she needed his permission, but thanks to Josh insisting that Adam keep an eye on her, she and the handsome construction worker and volunteer fireman had gotten close over the last four months.

Not a she-wanted-him-to-hop-into-her-bed kind of close, but a guy pal she could confide in. She’d never had a male best friend before, and Adam Reed certainly made a good one. She wanted his support or, at the very least, for him to tell her she wasn’t totally insane.

Adam grabbed her hand and gave it an encouraging squeeze. “If anyone can turn this theater into the special place I’m sure it once was, it’s you.”

“You really think so?” she asked, her question full with insecurity.

“Caitlin Reynolds can do anything she puts her mind to. What made you decide to buy this?”

Caitlin smiled, not wanting to reveal that a mysterious picture of a woman from 1937, holding a box that had her and Josh’s names on it was the sole reason. She straightened her shoulders. “It’s time I settled into a career, and buying this place is a good business decision. I’ve always been passionate about the arts, and I don’t want to live off my late grandfather’s lottery winnings or take Josh’s money either. I want to support my kids and be a good role model.”

“I think it’s awesome,” Adam said. “And I’ll help with anything you need. I bet the guys down at my dad’s construction company would lend a hand, too.”

“Thank you. You know I’m going to take you up on that.”

“You should.” He threw his hands up in the air toward the marquee. “Picture this: Your name up there in lights.”

“Or Bradley Cooper’s.” She giggled. “But first I have to have the lights fixed. Josephine said the marquee’s been busted for years.”

“You really are happy, aren’t you?”

Was she happy? “You know. I am. I mean, when I first found out I was going to be a mother—to three kids all at once—I didn’t know what to do, but I think I’m doing a good job.” She added, “And I’m so grateful for all the help that you and my parents and Josh’s parents have given me. Not to mention Abby and Emma.”

“We’re all here for you, and you’ll have tons of support in this new adventure.” He glanced at her and smiled. “So, what would you like to do next? Sundaes at the Star Lite to celebrate?”

She swayed in her blue sundress, loving that yummy suggestion, even though she didn’t really need a sundae with all the cupcakes Abby had been stopping by with lately. Every other day she was bringing over a new one for Caitlin to try. Honestly, didn’t Abby have customers in the bakery who could be her testers?

“It’s so nice to enjoy an evening out of the house. I haven’t been out past six o’clock since the babies were born. Maybe someday I’ll actually go on a date.”

Adam raised an eyebrow at that news. “Are you finally over Josh?”

Caitlin didn’t know how to answer that question, so she didn’t.

“He cares about you.”

She shrugged. “I know he loves the triplets. I just don’t think he’ll ever see me as more than the girl he hated in high school who a decade later he managed to get pregnant.”

“You’re that old?” he joked, and she swatted him.

“Please. You’re two years older.” She sighed. “What am I thinking? I doubt I’ll have time for dating any time soon, even if there was a guy in the picture.”

“Well, if I know you, you’ll make room.”

“Maybe . . .” Caitlin stared at the theater’s entrance. “That’s odd.”

“What’s odd?”

“I didn’t notice that the lobby light was on.” She walked over to the front door and put the key in, pushing the glass door open. “Come on in. We’ll go get those sundaes after I show you around.”

“Just what I want to do . . . follow you into a creepy, abandoned theater at night.”

“Stop it. It’s not creepy, and they were showing movies here last winter. It hasn’t even been closed a year. I’d hardly call that abandoned.” Caitlin stepped in and excitement washed over her. She was really doing this. Once the paperwork was signed, this would all be hers. “Anyone here?” she called out.

When no one replied, she walked across the lobby. Josephine must have left the front lights on. She pointed to the dark blue carpet. “So here’s what I’m thinking. I’ll have the carpeting redone to maybe a cool patterned design and expand the refreshments area. I was thinking it would be super fun to put in a little lounge for people to hang out before or after the movie.”

“Sounds like a good plan,” Adam said, looking around. “Man, Josh used to drag me here all the time when we were seniors. I can’t tell you how many old movies we saw.”

“Really? Josh liked the classics?”

“Oh yeah. Probably still does.”

Hmmm . . . something she didn’t know about him. “Well, I definitely want to keep that tradition going. Maybe showing old movies once or twice a week. My grandpa was an actor. He’d done it for a few years, but ultimately moved back to Buttermilk Falls to take over his father’s business. I wonder if Josephine has any of his old movies?” She spun around and headed for the auditorium.

Stopping halfway down the corridor, she pointed to the wall of pictures. “I love all these snapshots from when the theater opened.” She stopped at the last one and smiled at the woman carrying the blue box. “I definitely want to keep these.”

“Yeah, they’re great.”

Adam knew about the blue box. Everyone in their inner circle did. Maybe she should share what she discovered. She’d just leave out the part that it inspired her to put in a bid for the theater right on the spot. “Come look at this one.”

Adam joined her and tilted his head. “A hot woman carrying a rectangular box. Very nice. Yeah, keep that one.”

She gave him a playful swat. “Not the woman. Look at what she’s carrying.”

“A box?” he repeated, eyebrows knitted.

“Yeah, a rectangular box.”

“So . . .”

Did she really need to spell it out for him? “Adam, it looks exactly like the box that was found in the inn’s attic New Year’s Eve.”

His eyes widened. “Get out. Do you think the blue spoon was in it?”

Caitlin shrugged. “Wouldn’t it be interesting if a picture really could speak a thousand words?”

He nodded his head in agreement. “Have you told Emma and Abby about this?”

“Not yet.” She turned and headed down the hall. “But I will. Let’s look down on the auditorium from the balcony, shall we?”

Adam straightened an imaginary bow tie. “My dear lady, please show me to my seat,” he said in his best high-society voice.

Caitlin laughed and pulled the door open that led to the balcony. “After you, fine sir.”

Excited to see the auditorium from this vantage point, Caitlin stepped in and glanced around. The auditorium lights had been dimmed. Maybe Josephine was here, after all?

“Wow.” Adam walked over to the railing. “I don’t think I’ve even been up here before.”

Coming up beside him, Caitlin looked down at all the empty seats. Her heart raced as her gaze leaped over the rows all the way to the ruby red curtains and tall movie screen.

“It’s like we’re up in the sky,” Adam said, pointing at the scattered lights across the ceiling that simulated a star-filled night.

“It’s called an atmospheric theater. They were quite popular back in the day from what I’ve learned.” She took a seat in the balcony’s first of three rows, crossing her legs. “Imagine how fun it would be to sit up here with a group of friends eating lots of buttery popcorn or to be on a romantic date stealing a kiss under the twinkling lights.”

Adam chuckled at her last suggestion. “Maybe you could create some sort of lottery with your tickets for chances to win those seats. That would be fun.” He paused and ran his hand along the balcony’s chipped gold railing. “Although, you should definitely renovate this before you allow people to sit up here. I’m not sure how safe it is.”

“I’d love to hire you and your dad.”

“Consider it done.”

Caitlin smiled and sprung up, taking in the beauty all around her. This historic gem that had given hundreds of thousands of movie-goers over the years enjoyment would soon be hers. She’d be responsible for making so many people happy, and that feeling was simply awesome.

She impulsively wrapped her arms around her friend, and he hugged her back.

All of a sudden she felt a cold rush and pulled away.

“What was that?” he asked.

“You felt that, too?”

“Yeah. Like a burst of cool air shot through me.”

“Maybe it’s the air conditioning,” Caitlin said, not sure what she’d just experienced, but it had felt exhilarating. “So, Mr. Reed, should we go enjoy our celebratory hot fudge sundaes?”

“With lots of whipped cream?”

“Is there any other way?” She could go for a longer run tomorrow to take off those calories as well as the ones from the cupcake Abby would most likely bring over tomorrow.

He laughed as they left the balcony and headed for the lobby. “Another reason I like hanging out with you. Rachel was always watching her weight.” He paused, adding, “Although she does love the nachos Mitch serves up at the Buttermilk Tavern.”

“Who doesn’t?” A beer and nachos actually sounded good, too.

“You know, Caitlin.” Adam pushed open the front door and held it for her. “I envy you for going after the life that you want,” he said while his gaze crossed the street to the sound of laughter.

Caitlin spun her head around to see Rachel heading into the Buttermilk Tavern with a group of young women. “Someone’s got a craving for nachos,” she said, turning back to lock the door.

Adam shook his head. “Or she has a craving for something else. It was Batter Up night earlier. Half the male population in this town is probably in there celebrating the latest bachelor’s news.” His face fell. “Probably why Rachel and her single friends decided to pop in.”

“She’s still not talking to you?” Caitlin asked, suspecting the answer.

“No.” He turned and faced her. “I thought maybe she’d take notice of us hanging out and get a little jealous.” He paused. “Um . . . I mean . . . that’s not why I’m spending time with you.”

“It’s because Josh put you up to it.” Caitlin waved off his foot-in-mouth. “You already told me.”

Adam gave her a sheepish smile. “At first, yeah, but I love spending time with you and the kids.” He sighed. “It gives me hope that one day maybe I’ll have a family. Go after my dream to be a husband and father.”

Caitlin studied Adam. She hadn’t realized he’d wanted to get married and settle down, but it made sense. He was great with her kids.

And he was such a good friend. Maybe it was time to help him go after his dream. Grabbing him by the hand, she led him across the street. They could do celebratory sundaes some other night.

“Where are we going?”

“To put on our first show.” She grinned and squeezed his hand. “It’s a traveling one that will leave Rachel Foster green with envy.”

J
osh pushed open
the door and headed into the crowded tavern. After what he saw in the Sugar Spoon bakery, he needed a drink.

He’d invited Emma and Abby to join him, but Abby wanted to get home to Hannah and Emma had declined to spend time with Jason before he headed out of town on a freelance assignment.

He shook his head. What had happened back there? Sure he’d been slightly intrigued about the blue mixing spoon, especially when he saw it was exactly like his grandmother’s pink enchanted one, but what was the deal with the box they’d found it in? That his and Caitlin’s name appeared on the bottom right-hand corner made no sense. And what about his vision of a drenched woman?

Abby had said that they’d found the box in the inn’s attic. She’d also mentioned that Caitlin had been with them that night. Maybe the sneaky brunette was up to her old tricks and had decorated it with their two names and placed it up there to be found. He wouldn’t put it past her. He’d seen Caitlin’s devious side a time or two. They all had.

Speaking of Caitlin, he’d tried calling her again during his walk over, but no luck. Was she purposely screening her calls and sending him to voicemail? He’d get to the bottom of it tomorrow because there was no way in hell the mother of his kids was going to ignore him.

He realized that thought was a bit hypocritical—okay, more than a bit since he’d spent the last few months avoiding her. Still, she needed to pick up her phone.