All the same sounds that Sullivan has when he talks about Molly.
Dixie’s Denver’s daughter. But I don’t get why he never talks about her to me. We’re together all the time. I sigh as I wander around the store, my enthusiasm gone.
Denver’s no longer at the cash register when I walk up to it and place my basket down.
“Having a feast?” The old man chuckles as he starts ringing everything up and placing it into a brown paper bag for me.
“My dog is.” I gesture to Monty, and the man leans over the counter, peering down at him.
“That a wool sweater?”
I lift my chin in preparation to defend Monty’s wardrobe choices.
“No, it’s fleece.”
The man purses his lips. “Our cat doesn’t like wool, makes him itch. He’s one of them hairless ones. My wife can’t stand the shedding.” He scrubs a hand around his jaw. “Fleece, you say?”
“It’s really soft. Monty likes it.” I lift Monty up so the man can see.
He fusses Monty, admiring his outfit.
“I’ll bring you a couple next time Denver and I come in,” I say, giving him a bright smile.
“That’s kind of you…?”
“Sinclair,” I say, kissing Monty on the head as I hold him.
“Sinclair.” The old man’s eyes crinkle. “I’m Buck. It’s nice to meet one of Denver’s friends.”
“Does he not have many?” I giggle.
Buck chuckles, wagging a finger at me. “I can see why he likes you, young lady. Bet you keep him on his toes.”
“Where else would I want him?” I reply, happily, watching Buck as he bags up my groceries, his eyes moving to something behind me.
I turn and spot the source of his attention. Denver’s talking with a woman with bright pink lipstick and a laugh that has a weird screechy pitch to it. She touches his forearm as he says something to her.
“Excuse me,” I say to Buck.
Denver’s voice is low as I get closer. “Georgia, now’s not a good time.”
“It’s been too long, Denny,” she purrs, stroking his arm. “I know we’re not… dating, but we have fun together when you’re here. Don’t you miss me?”
His response is so quiet that I can’t hear it, but whatever it is, it makesGrabby Georgiatake her hand off him and pout.
“Hey.” I beam, coming to stand right beside him. “Who’s your friend, Denny?”
I blink up innocently and Denver’s eyes darken as he looks down at me.
I smile brightly at the woman. Her attention is fixed on Monty in my arms, so I step closer. “He’s really friendly. Do you want to stroke him?”
“Is that…? Is that a piglet from the farm? I thought they drowned the wrong ones at birth.” She stares at Monty, her face screwed up in disgust.
I pull him close to my body, sucking in a sharp breath. “They drown them? God, that’s barbaric.”
“It’s nature, Sweetie,” Georgia replies, still eyeing Monty like he could be riddled with disease. “And it can be cruel.”
“So can dating in the middle of bumfuck nowhere, I imagine,” I snap, rubbing Monty’s ear reassuringly.
