The Only One for Me(27)

Today’s meeting ended the way they always did, on the subject of men. Tracee stood up and gathered the empty plates from the table.

“Corra, you must be over there thinking about Chris,” Tracee pointed out.

“He’s the furthest thing from my mind right now.”

“Oh, Corra. Drop the act,” Tayler said. “We know how much you like Chris, and it’s obvious the feeling’s mutual.”

“Shoot, Corra, consider yourself lucky. Chris is a catch. I’ve been back for almost six months and haven’t had one date yet,” Tracee added, as she filled the dishwasher.

“Tracee, you need to stop being so particular, and see past a man’s exterior,” Kyla said.

“Chile, please.” Tracee rolled her eyes. “How are you going to give me advice when you’re married to your studies. I can’t even remember the last time I saw you with a man.”

Kyla glanced at Corra before clearing her throat. “You’re right, the University of Kentucky and my studies are my man. And right now I have a date with my research project.” She stood up. “My boss is probably looking for me now. If we’re finished I’ll get back to work.”

“Girl, give it a break. Rollin’s not looking for you. You’re just trying to get out of here unscathed.” Tracee laughed, as Kyla hurried around the table toward the back door.

“My personal business will remain just that—personal. If you need me I’ll be out taking soil samples.” She opened the door and rushed out.

Corra chuckled, “Kyla is such an introvert. If she was dating somebody she’d probably never tell us. But after the way she ran out of here, you never know.”

Tracee closed the dishwasher and turned it on. “So Tayler found Rollin, and Corra, you have Chris. Now baby sister might have somebody. I’m not doing something right.”

Tayler closed her laptop and stood from the table. “You’re not doing anything wrong. Just be yourself. There’s somebody out there for everybody.”

A few minutes later, Corra found Tayler at the front desk alone. She had something she wanted to talk to her about. She valued her opinion when it came to men. Tayler had far more experience with wealthy men than she had.

Tayler looked up. “Is something on your mind?”

Corra took a deep breath. “Actually, it is. I was supposed to see Chris yesterday, but he was busy. Instead, he called and invited me to the Kentucky Oaks.”

Wide-eyed, Tayler stopped typing. “What are you doing here? It’s today!”

“I’m not going.” Corra let out a deep sigh and leaned against the counter. “I told him I didn’t like crowds.”

“Corra, why did you say that?” Tayler asked, looking baffled.

Corra shrugged. “I don’t know. One minute things were moving too slow, then things started moving too fast. He’s not that same cocky kid I used to dream about. He’s this grown-ass man, with a lot of money, who wants to take me places and I’m just not used to that.”

Tayler sat back on her stool. “I remember a conversation we had last year about you finding a man that would love you and your children. Chris is that guy. So get used to it. You two belong together. I can see that, why can’t you?”

Corra shrugged. She could see it, but for some reason she was scared. Maybe it was because Eric was back. Eric hated Chris. But then she didn’t want Eric, so why was she scared?

Tayler crossed her arms. “Okay, Tracee’s looking for a good man. Want me to hook them up?”

Corra’s mouth fell open as Tayler burst into giggles.





Chapter 13

Corra needed something to take her mind off Chris having fun in Louisville without her, so she decided to take inventory for the gift shop. She picked her children up after school and brought them out to the house with her. Jamie and Katie loved everything about the farm, particularly all the wide-open space where they could run and play and just be kids. As long as they weren’t getting into anyone’s way Corra let them explore.

She walked into the kitchen just as Rita was preparing her famous lemonade and water with orange slices.

“What are you doing here at this time? Don’t the kids have afterschool activities to go to?” Rita asked.

Corra shook her head. “Not today. I came back to take a little inventory.”

“Well, grab one of those pitchers, it’s tea time.”

Corra jumped. “Yes ma’am.” She grabbed the pitcher with orange slices and followed Rita into the library.

“So, have you had Chris over for dinner yet?” Rita asked.

Corra bit her lip. “No. Besides, women don’t do that anymore. He takes me out to dinner.”