We go slow enough that the kids can come close and get their presents. When we're almost at the end, I see some of the bikers start to do stunts on their bikes. My gut churns in distress. This could lead to an accident. Things quickly get dangerous, and of course, the guy driving my motorcycle tries to do a wheelie. The ice on the road is too slippery, and both he and the bike are thrown against a tree.
The firemen from my car rush to help the idiot who just crashed my bike, so I turn the engine of the firetruck off.
"I'll be right back, baby girl. That was my bike that got thrashed."
"Oh, that's awful. I'll spend some time with Elena and her daughter while you sort things out."
"Great idea. I'll see you soon."
It takes me about thirty minutes to be able to get the bike towed to August's Auto Body & Repair, where Clarissa, the bike specialist, is already waiting for me.
"Hey Clarissa, thanks for meeting me here."
"Yeah, I saw everything. Knew you'd need me to check out the damages."
As Clarissa notes what needs repairing on my bike, a young man I don't recognize comes over to us.
"Hey, was that Marci Sweeney with you on the firetruck?"
His tone is combative, so I bristle.
"What of it?"
"I need to talk to her."
"Who is asking?"
"Do you know where she went or not?"
"I have no idea." I lie.
The young man turns around and leaves without saying anything else. I've got a bad feeling about this.
"Clarissa, I need to check on my girl. Just send me the quote after the holidays."
"Your girl, huh? Finally got up the nerve to talk to her?"
"Jesus, this town is something else. Does nobody mind their own business?"
"Just make sure you're good to her. Otherwise, a lot of us will take exception and have to do something about it."
I know a serious threat when I hear one, but I'm glad my baby girl has the town on her side. She deserves it. I know shevolunteers a lot and has made many friends here. I leave Clarissa and head to Perfect Brews. I know the women are probably gossiping there, and I need to hold my girl close.
The scene that unfolds in front of me as I open the shop's door raises my hackles.
The man who was asking about Marci is dragging her toward the coffee shop entrance against her will.
Chapter 9
Marci
Ileave Jacob's side to find my friend Elena. She's the one who mentored me in medical transcription, and thanks to her contacts, I was able to get jobs quickly. We've become good friends, and I can't wait to tell her that I was finally able to talk to Jacob.
I don't know if I'll tell her the dirty details of our morning encounters, nor that we're engaged. We'll see how the conversation flows.
I hurry along, waving to a few of the folks I know from around town, and look into the coffee shop's glass window.
There, sitting together are Elena and Carly, and I'm sure they are gossiping. Not about me, I hope. I turn the handle and stepinside. I hang my coat on the hooks provided and walk over to them.
