“Tomorrow?” he asked.
“I’ll be in the conservation area tomorrow. I won’t need your help. So you’re free of me.”
He nodded, but looked a bit disappointed. “Okay.”
“I’ll see you the day after that though.”
“Right. Have a good rest of your day.” Finn turned and instead of heading back to his houseboat, he headed inside the Monster Catch storefront.
She did notice a little bit of disappointment in his voice, but maybe she was hallucinating things.
She was disappointed.
Margaid let out a sigh of regret. She was going to actually miss seeing him tomorrow. They’d laid some groundwork today. Perhaps they could be friends. Then she wouldn’t be as lonely and maybe this year wouldn’t be quite as bad as she thought?
Chapter
Six
The storm raged for the rest of the day. Margaid worked on her reports and went over her findings with the samples she collected, but then knew she needed to go get some more groceries.
By the time she headed out, the rain was light and there wasn’t thunder and lightning. Pearl had talked about the farm market, so she looked on the little map that Hetty provided for her short-term rental and easily found her way to the outskirts of town. The farm market was a low red barn building, surrounded by orchards and crop fields, and it was so picturesque just outside of Harmony Glen.
It was like something out of a Rockwell painting. Just cozy and twee, as her mother would say. She made sure she had some reusable bags packed and headed inside. The moment she stepped in, she was greeted by a tall green fellow, whom she assumed was the owner.
“Let me know if you need any help,” he offered.
“Thanks.” Margaid walked through the aisles and picked up some fresh eggs and produce. Then she found the little spot where Pearl and Hetty sold their stuff. There were the squishy crocheted penises, which made her chuckle, but also cuteamigurumi monsters and woodland creatures. There were some beautiful beach glass beaded bracelets, but Margaid was drawn to the little paint horse. The yarn was in the colors of Finn.
Don’t do it. It’s weird.
Except, she couldn’t resist and she put it in her basket and made her way to the till to pay for her items.
The troll owner was there and she set her basket down.
“You new to town or just visiting?” he asked.
“I’m here for a year. I’m the marine biologist studying the fish populations in your lake. Have to make sure they and the lake are healthy. My name is Margaid.”
“Oh, I see. Well, welcome to Harmony Glen. I’m Ogram. This is my farm market,” he said as he rang the items in. Then he got to the horse. “I’m glad you’re picking up one of the animals. Many tourists buy the…others.”
Margaid stifled a laugh. “Pearl told me that it had something do with good fortune. Historically, phalluses were used to dispel the evil eye.”
Great. Way to nerd out on one of the locals with your useless facts.
Ogram blinked a couple of times, seemingly stunned, perhaps at the flurry of useless information she’d just imparted on him. “Interesting. Maybe I’ll tell that to the next person who buys one.”
“Maybe.”
Ogram finished ringing in her order and she paid. She headed straight for her truck and drove back to her place. When she got there, Finn was standing outside and holding a bag. Her heart fluttered as she put her truck in park and climbed out.
“Finn?” she said in surprise. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“I was in the area. I had to pick up some scones for my mom from Dorvak’s. It’s not far from here and I thought I’d stop by. Itwas quite the storm today and…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I wanted to see if you’re okay.”
“I’m okay,” she said gently. It was so cute how he was concerned about her, but he’d been the one terrified of the storm because of what happened to his father. Still, it was nice he was checking on her. No one checked on her. It was comforting.
“I’m glad.” He lingered. “Actually, I do have a favor to ask.”
