"Yeah, he was," he answered without any inflection in his tone.
Could things be any more awkward between the two of them? She shifted on her feet and decided that she wasn't going to force Kyle to talk to her or try to make more small talk, because that's how it was beginning to feel, like even a basic conversation with her was much too burdensome for him.
She glanced back at his friends, who at least had been far more friendly and talkative. "Well, I'll let you guys finish up your lunch so you can get back to work."
The three guys thanked her for the soda she'd brought out, and Kyle remained silent. But as she started back toward the market, she heard one of the guys say, "Jesus, Coleman, could you be any more of a dick to her?"
Kyle muttered a reply she couldn't hear, which was probably for the best. Hell, maybe it was even for the best that they kept their distance and pretended to be friends. He'd been less than happy when she'd suggested the arrangement last week, and clearly time apart hadn't changed his attitude about it. She didn't like it either, but what choice did they have?
For the next few hours into the afternoon, Ella kept herself busy-and away from the front window-helping William sort through and arrange the produce bins, cycling out the old and bringing in fresh fruits and vegetables. Just as they finished and everything looked neat and tidy, two women she didn't recognize walked into the store. Since Fisher's Grocery was the main grocery in town, Ella pretty much knew everyone in Woodmont, though they did have occasional people who passed through.
Judging by the chic way they were both dressed-one in a pretty spring dress and the other in a fashionable capri-and-blouse outfit-she assumed they'd come from the city. They glanced around the store, looking a little lost and out of their element.
Ella approached them with an amicable smile. "Can I help you find something?"
The curvier woman with the long, wavy blonde hair turned around, her blue eyes sparkling cheerfully. "Actually, yes you can. My husband sent me over here to order some of the butterscotch beer that you sell."
Ella took a wild guess as to who her significant other was, based on his reaction to enjoying the soda. "Max?"
She nodded. "Yes, he's mine," she said, happily claiming him before introducing herself. "I'm Hailey Ellison-Sterling."
"And I'm Natalie Sinclair," the gorgeous, dark-brown-haired woman said with a smile. "And Wes, the smartass of the group if you haven't already met him, is my husband."
Ella laughed at the apt description of Wes. "Yes, I did meet both of them, and Connor, as well."
"I'm afraid I have to claim him, too," Natalie said in a humorous tone. "He's my brother."
"Well, it's very nice to meet both of you." Ella tipped her head kindly at Hailey. "So, how much of the butterscotch beer would Max like to order?"
"Two cases, if that's okay."
"Absolutely." Ella was thrilled that more of the soda was going to find its way into the city. "Why don't you follow me, and I'll take down your order and delivery information to pass on to the supplier."
While Natalie casually browsed the store, Hailey accompanied her to the far-end register that wasn't currently being used. Ella retrieved an invoice pad and wrote down the order while the other woman gave her the home address where Max wanted the cases of soda shipped to. Hailey handed over a credit card for payment, and when they were done, they joined Natalie, where she was trying various samples of shea body butters that were on a small display.
"Oh, my God, this stuff is amazing," Natalie said, her eyes round with both surprise and pleasure as she rubbed a dollop of the lemon-grass-scented lotion onto the back of her hand. "I've been looking for something that doesn't leave a greasy residue, and this cream is so soft and silky on my skin. You have to try it, Hailey."
Her friend applied a small amount to her hand, as well, and they both went on about how amazing the product was.
"It's made with all-natural, organic ingredients and essential oils," she told the women. "It's terrific for hydrating your skin."
"I'm going to take one of each scent," Natalie said, picking up jars of the three fragrances on the shelf, and Hailey did the same.
Ella took them back to the register to ring up their purchases. "So, what made you come into Woodmont today?" she asked, trying to make conversation-because the two women certainly weren't dressed to do physical labor next door.