“She had to keep them covered the first day, and her eyes were a little swollen for a few days after that, but that’s pretty much it. She claimed she couldn’t see to do anything, so I was cooking her meals and everything. She’s lucky I feel bad for that damn bird. I had to at least make sure she’s treating it well.”
I coo with adoration. “Aww, I love Lola. Forget about Holly, how’s she doing?”
My mom smiles as she lets out a gust of air and a soundless laugh. She pats my arm. “The bird is as talkative and beautiful as ever.”
Holly’s pet parrot was the silver lining to any visit. That old girl is the best thing at the party. She’ll make you laugh so hard you pee a little. Given who she spends all her time around, she’s got a potty mouth like a sailor, but she loves quoting lyrics from her favorite pop songs. The room will be completely silent and suddenly you hear,“Shake it off! Shake it off!”
I finish my breakfast while continuing to catch up with mom.
While I’m cleaning my plate in the large farmhouse-style sink, she asks what my plans are for the day.
“I’m not sure. Tonight is the Super Bowl watch party, but I’ve got all day to do whatever I want.”
She hums with approval. “That sounds lovely.” She glances out the window at the cows grazing in the field and our pig, Tulip, just outside the gate. “I really miss the farm when I’m away.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “Then don’t leave,” I tease.
She smirks. “I hope you have a wonderful day off, sweetheart.” She kisses me on the cheek as she leaves, Thumper right on her heels.
Chapter Fourteen
JOANNA
Ihead out for my second caffeine fix around a quarter to eleven. I’ve been extremely slow moving this morning, but it’s been the most relaxing day I’ve had in ages, so I regret nothing. After breakfast, I finally got to enjoy the hot bubble bath I’ve been craving. It was a glorious thirty minutes spent doing absolutely nothing but enjoying the feel of the silky water on my skin.
After bathing, I sat in bed in nothing but a towel and played a cozy game on my portable gaming system. Then, when I was good and ready, I got dressed and headed out. I wanted to wear something a little more fashionable than what I typically wear around the farm, so I picked out a pair of green corduroys and matched them with a denim vest and a long sleeve, white lace top. With just one glance in the mirror, I felt confident but not overly dressed up. The pants are extremely comfortable, meaning I can fully relax while walking around town looking my best.
A few heart decorations are still sporadically strung along the light poles and street signs, and I wonder who’s going to be the one to eventually volunteer to take them down. I can’t help butlaugh a little, wondering if Raegan will get roped into the next town event, as most of the businesses have already morphed from red to green for Saint Patrick’s Day. But not Double Double. It’s as plain as ever, which is surprising, because I’m greeted by Simone at the counter.
“Hey girl.” She waves enthusiastically.
“You haven’t snuck in a four leaf clover yet?” I ask, sarcastically.
Her eyes focus on me, totally serious. “Oh, they’re coming. I ordered fancy napkins where the repeating print is so small you can’t really tell what you’re looking at.” She smirks and waves a hand flippantly. “Jamie will barely notice.” Then she leans in, as if this next part is a secret. “I do have something a bit more garish though. I’ll wait to spring that on him the day of.” She winks.
I love that Simone has made such an impact with her addition. Hiring her was a great decision on Jamie’s part, even if he pretends to hate her decor.
She finishes what she’s been working on at the espresso machine. “Wait, why are you here so early?”
I puff out my chest and declare the momentous occasion proudly. “I took off today.”
Simone’s hand flies to her chest. “You’re kidding! Joanna Shepherd has a day off?”
I bite my lip and shrug, previous conviction fading. “Yep. My mom’s back, so I’m taking a belated birthday break.”
She reaches across the counter and grabs my arm. “Are you going to the watch party tonight?” I nod, and she tilts her head back, letting out a huge breath toward the ceiling. “Yesssss, thank god. I need more women to hang out with.” Her head lowers to meet my bashful expression. Hers has turned stoic. “Not that I don’t like being around everyone here.” She glancesaround the shop, then whispers, “I just need some feminine energy for balance, you know what I mean?”
I shake my head, perplexed, but beam from ear to ear. “Somehow, I know exactly what you mean.”
I sitby the window and enjoy my pistachio latte for a while.
People-watching in Shadow Hills is one of my favorite past times, but I rarely get to immerse myself in the comings and goings of the town. Small town life has been nice, but sometimes I crave the excitement of the city. I’ve visited Nashville a handful of times in my life, and the people-watching there is exquisite. Though I can’t deny, the drama in Shadow Hills is way more entertaining, given I actually know the people behind it.
I’m still sitting in Double Double when Layton comes in for his shift. He smiles and waves politely, then goes to the back to get ready. I check the time and realize I need to get going if I want to meet Raegan. I haven’t been in Bound and Buried in ages, but maybe I’ll find a new manga I’d like to read.
I toss my empty cup in the trash, and as I’m leaving, I’m stopped by Casey entering at the same time.
“Whoops.” I step aside clumsily.
