“Thank you for understanding. I’m trying to get used to small town protocols. It’s hard to break the old habits of life in the big city, and I’m sorry if I came across as rude and unfriendly. It wasn’t my intention at all.”
The waitress approaches to take our order. Before I can speak up, Nolan takes the lead.
“Hey, Chris. We’ll have two coffees and two slices of your cherry pie.”
“Comin’ right up,” she chirps.
Before she turns to leave, I add, “can you bring some milk for my coffee, please?”
“Sure thing.” She spins on her heel and heads for the kitchen.
I reach into my purse and take out my peace offering, handing it to Nolan.
“What’s this?”
“Just a little something for you.”
He looks down at the book wrapped in a red ribbon, laughing wholeheartedly as he reads the title.A Big Book of Quotes.
Our eyes meet and my throat catches as I’m mesmerized by the sparkle in his hazel ones. I try to tamp down the fluttering in my stomach and that pleasant buzz as I blurt out, “I figured this would give us inspiration for future conversations. Go ahead and open it. My mama taught me that when you give someone a book, you write in it.”
The moment between us passes as Nolan opens the book and reads what I’ve written.
To Nolan.
Here’s to many years of friendship. And one of my favorite quotes is by Linda Grayson: “There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.”
Your friend, Sally.
“Wow, I don’t know what to say. This is very thoughtful.” Nolan trails off, as if unsure about what to think of my gesture.
Chris saves the day by showing up with our coffee, milk, and pie. We dig in and spend several moments in comfortable silence, enjoying our treats. I decide to jump start the conversation. “Sandy told me you lost your wife to cancer. I’m really sorry. Cancer is such an evil beast. My mama passed just a few months before I found Sandy. I miss her terribly. If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here for you.”
I think I see mist in Nolan’s eyes as he puts down his fork and gives me a somber look. “Thank you. I really appreciate that. And the same goes for you. If you ever want to talk about it, I’m here for you, too. By the way, that’s what I meant when I told you I don’t date. I haven’t been interested in meetin’ anyone since Brooke died. Until you. You’re different from the women around here, in a good way. I enjoy talking to you. And, quite frankly, your spitfire is refreshing. It makes me feel alive again. I hope you’ll take that as a compliment.”
I can see the sincerity in Nolan’s expression, so I assure him. “Thank you, my friend.” We linger over our coffee and make pleasant conversation over the next twenty minutes or so. Much too soon, Nolan brings our small talk to an end.
“Well I need to get back to the shop. Those cars aren’t gonna fix themselves. I really enjoyed this. I hope we can do it again. Soon.”
“I do too. And see? We can carry on a conversation without getting into a disagreement,” I say in jest.
“Seems we can. Hey. Let me give you my cell number so you don’t have to try to reach me at the garage. Hand me your phone and I’ll type it in for you.”
I realize my phone is in my purse, and I haven’t looked at it the entire time I’ve been with Nolan. It’s usually glued to my hand, and I haven’t even given it a second thought. I feel around in my purse for it and pull it out, passing it across the table to Nolan. He quickly types in the digits and hands it back. “Thanks. I’ll buzz your phone so you have my number, too. Feel free to call me anytime.”
I also grab my wallet out of my purse, but before I can open it, Nolan throws some bills on the table. “Don’t you dare. I got this.” He gives me a stern look that does not intimidate me in the least. He rises from the booth and extends his hand to me. “Let me walk you to your car.”
I take his hand and allow him to help me up. I feel a tingle again as we make the physical connection. “Thank you, kind sir,” I say breathlessly, hoping Nolan doesn’t notice.
“My pleasure, ma’am.”
Chapter 17
The next few months fly by as I prepare to open my new shop, the Southern Boudoir. I wanted to bring a touch of city class to Green Springs, while injecting some country charm as well. Sandy was able to help me find a turn of the century home on Route 78 that was zoned commercial and had the perfect look for a boutique. The store will carry everything the fashion-conscious woman needs, including lingerie, accessories, formal wear, work essentials, and some country-style casual things such as western style boots and jeans.
Nolan and I text regularly and meet for coffee or dessert every now and then. We enjoy spouting off quotes and debating the meanings. He’s given me the nickname city girl, so I’ve taken to calling him country boy. I still smile every time I think about Nolan attending my grand opening, looking extremely uncomfortable surrounded by lacy lingerie. I do my best to keep things squarely within the friend zone, praying my body doesn’t betray me by revealing my physical attraction to him. I’m in desperate need of a friend with benefits; my battery-operated boyfriend always leaves me wanting more. I just don’t know how to approach the subject without ruining our friendship.
Barbara Jeanne and Aunt Saundra are among my best customers, spending a great deal of money, even with a generous family discount. They’re walking advertisements for my shop, so the discount actually saves me a ton on marketing. Typically, on Wednesdays we meet at the club for a girls’ lunch, so I’m heading there now.
