I fumbled urgently for words, horrified to be rendered completely speechless. 'Angela, what I’m trying to say- very poorly, but trying all the same- is that-I think I’m in love with you.' And then I met you, and all that changed.' He sighed, and then started again. I thought that nothing else in the world could be so intricately complex, and as…perfect as a recipe. I’ve never done this before, so bear with me, all right? OK, so, I’ve been back at this town for…what, a year? All the time that I spent away, the only thing I ever fell in love with was food. 'Listen, Angela… I can’t think of any way to tell you this, so I’m just going to say it, okay?' I nodded, my brow creasing, but motioned for him to continue. 'Just… never mind.' He blushed, and I could feel myself smiling at his sweet uncertainty. 'Goddess, you’re beautif-,' he interrupted himself and ducked his head. Instead, he reached for my hand and smiled at me, this time his expression mirroring how I felt- bashful and awkward. As we reached the tree, Chase did not release my hand as I expected (actually, I expected him to grimace at me, shake off my grime, and then bolt). 'Please, please, please, Harvest Goddess, do not let my hands be sweaty!' I prayed silently. He laughed, then, to my surprise, he grasped my hand, and led me up to the tree. I made the mistake of telling Annissa about our little convene.' He leaned over, and then gently rubbed the color off of my cheeks and lips. Why, why, why can’t I form words? In the vanishing sunlight, I could see him frown, and my heart skipped a beat. I smiled weakly back at him, mentally cursing myself. He met me about five feet away from the tree. Chase turned around, and spotting me, waved boyishly, which made me smile. Shyly, I hesitated, but only for a moment. I hurried along to Alan’s Tree, hoping desperately that the family who lived in the house nearby wasn’t glancing out of their window by chance.Īs I walked up to the tree, I spotted a dark silhouette, sticking out sharply in the fading sunlight. I bit back my fear and just kept putting one foot in front of the other until my feet grazed the lush grass of the ranch. (Not that those conversations contained much substance: I was more concerned with forming words than what I was actually saying). I really liked Chase, and he seemed to be interested in any exchange we ever held. On my way to the Brownie Ranch, I had to lock my hands in front of me to prevent myself from scrubbing the makeup off of my face, because after that, I would probably take off running in the other direction. He liked you well enough when he asked you to lunch, and then he asked you out again? That’s not pity, hon, that’s affection. 'Relax,' Annissa continued, repeating herself. I needed to stay home with my livestock and crops, where I belonged. She should be the one going on this stupid date, laughing and making small talk with Chase, the culinary protégée. Remember, confidence is the biggest aphrodisiac.'Īnnissa always seemed so poised and composed. You look gorgeous, thanks to me, and Chase will love it. I look ridiculous! Chase will see right through me.' I calculated my appearance for about three seconds, and then whirled around in a panic to face my good friend. Even my comfy sneakers had been swapped for a pair of elegant pumps. My comfortable farming clothes, required for climbing up those pesky rainbows and removing the crusty mud that comes about with the mid-spring’s rain from my millk cow Cerylia's foot, had been replaced with a glamorous dress, the color matching the crimson tint of my lips. What had happened to my choppy, boyish brunette hair that hung in loose layers by my ears? I was not used to pastel barrettes and hair gel. I gaped at the reflection, not sure at what point I had disappeared and this girl had infiltrated my body. 'Voila,' she stated, and then motioned to the mirror. When she was finished, she stepped back to admire her masterpiece, and grinned, her smile lighting up her soft face. Annissa smiled, and continued her reign of terror on my barely feminine features. Painted on,' I complained, looking at myself in the mirror. Annissa had guaranteed that I would be out of my comfort zone with the complete package of makeup, hairspray, and the works. I definitely didn’t feel quite like myself that night, that’s the one thing of which I was certain.