Sandy chuckled. “No, you are my only child. I never found the right person after your mother. I’ve been a bachelor for most of my life, although I had a brief marriage that wasn’t a happy one. And I think you already know I’m quite close with my brother’s child, my niece, Barbara Jeanne.”
“Yes. She let me know right away she’s very protective of you.”
“Don’t mind her. She’s a wonderful girl, although she can be a bit rough around the edges. Her mother has tried her hardest to turn her into one of those society snobs, but that’s not who she is.”
“Well I don’t blame her for being cautious; I would be the same way if the roles were reversed. I’m just glad she figured all of this out for me.”
“So am I, little one.”
Sally laughed. “I’m not so little. I’m forty years old, and not petite.”
“Well, you’re my little one, and thank you for the picture. You look just like your mother. It took my breath away.” His voice sounds full of emotion, and I suspect it’s choked with tears.
“Thank you. Everyone has always said I look just like her. Some people even called me ‘little Linda’, which I hated when I was younger. My mother actually called me Sally. Would you mind calling me that?”
“Sally it is. So, Sally, I want to hear all about my daughter. Barbara Jeanne said you own your own business.”
“I do. I have degrees in fashion and business. I own a boutique in the shopping district here in Chicago. That’s where I am right now, at my store.”
“Seems you took after me with your head for business. I’m proud of you. Maybe you’ll take an interest in the Patrick family business at some point. My only brother went to work for Uncle Sam; he’s retired from the military now. And, so far, Barbara Jeanne has shown no interest in taking over once I retire.”
“Well, we have plenty of time to talk about that, and I’d love to learn more about you and the family.”
“Yes, we do. And I should let you get back to work. If you’d like, I’ll plan a trip to Chicago soon.”
“I’d like that very much. And you can call me anytime, Sandy.”
“Ditto, little one. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Sandy hangs up and I’m grinning like an idiot.
Chapter 10
Nolan Green shut down his computer, then locked up the cash drawer and his office. It was the end of another day at Green’s Garage. All his days seemed to be the same. Open up the shop, fix cars, close up the shop, go home. He could do it on auto pilot. Since his wife, Brooke, had died, he’d lived a pretty lonely existence. Most of his friends had stopped calling since he always declined social invitations. One of the few people he considered a friend these days was Drew. Drew Moyer actually felt like more of a younger brother than a friend. Nolan had needed someone to focus on and Drew had needed a positive influence when he was on a self-destructive path. Drew now worked for Nolan part time at the garage. The rest of the time, he worked for his grandmother at her motel.
“Hey Drew, it’s quittin’ time.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m almost done here.”
“You can finish tomorrow.”
“I need to help Nana with somethin’ tomorrow, so I’d just as soon get this job finished tonight. Not like I have anything else goin’ on.”
“Yeah, we’re a sorry pair, aren’t we?”
“Nana thinks so. She’s always tryin’ to fix us both up on dates.” Drew’s grandmother was known as Nana, not only to Drew, but to everyone in town.
“You’re not kiddin’. And I’m not interested in anyone around here. All the single women are either Brooke’s old friends, now divorced, or youngsters half my age. I’m not goin’ down either one of those rabbit holes.”
“I hear ya. Every time I run into Miz Patrick, she tries to get me to take out her daughter, Barbie.”
“She’s a bit young for you, ain’t she?”
“Yeah, and I’m not into beauty pageant queens and trust fund babies. Not my type. I mean, she’s pretty and all, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready for somethin’ serious, and knockin’ boots with Barbie could never be casual.”
Nolan shuddered at the thought. He preferred to live the simple life of a country boy, and his roots in Green Springs ran deep. His great-great-grandfather, Doctor Gerald Green, founded Green Springs. He’d arrived in Mississippi looking for a more moderate climate for his ailing wife, Fiona, and discovered the area lying outside of Tupelo had natural springs running through it. He bought as much land as he could afford and built a large home that also served as a doctor’s office. Doctor Green named the town Green Springs for the beautiful landscape and the natural springs. People wanting to escape the city life in Tupelo were welcomed to the small town and it became a popular place to put down roots and raise a family. Other families, many with established pedigrees, and business owners in Tupelo soon followed, and had remained for generations. Nolan’s great-grandfather had started the garage and it had been run by a Green ever since.
“Well I’m gonna head out. Stoppin’ by the Blackened Skillet to pick up some dinner on the way home. Lock up and set the alarm when you’re done, will ya?”
