There’s only one car in the parking lot when I pull up out front. I don’t even bother to lock the doors as I head inside. A small bell on top of the doorframe dings as I step inside, although there isn’t a single soul in sight.
The store isn’t big. There are only three small isles of wine, liquor, and beer, and three walls lined with fridges full of cold beer, wine coolers, and some hard seltzers. I find the cooler with the stuff I know Noah and Finn like to drink and grab a six pack.
“Say it ain’t so.”
A slow smile tugs on my lips as I let the refrigerator door fall closed and turn around. “Hey, Mr. Jenkins.”
“I heard you were back in town, but wasn’t gonna believe it until I saw ya with my own eyes.”
“Here I am, in the flesh,” I say, shrugging my shoulders as the old man gives me a lopsided grin. “How are you? How’s Mrs. Jenkins?”
“I’m good as always. My knees aren’t what they used to be, but such is life. Mrs. Jenkins is good,” he says, turning to head to the checkout counter. I fall in step behind him. “She’s been busyin’ herself at the garden center. Can’t get her to get rid of those damn goats, though. She’s been downsizing, but then every spring, there’s more babies!”
A chuckle rumbles in my throat as I stop across from him and set the beers down on the counter. “I wish I could say I’m surprised, but I’m not.”
“Not much has changed around here,” he says, shaking his head. “That woman drives me batshit crazy sometimes, but man, I love her. After all these years, I think I love her more than I did before.” He pauses, a grin breaking out across his face. “Well, most days, that is.”
I reach into my back pocket to pull out my wallet, but Mr. Jekins immediately shakes his head at me.
“This one’s on the house,” he says, dipping his chin as he gives me a smile. “We’re just glad to have you back and to hear you’re helping your aunt out. Did you come back alone or is there a lucky lady you brought home with you?”
I snort, shaking my head back and forth as I grab the six pack off the counter. “Nope, just me.”
Mr. Jenkins clicks his tongue. “I’m sure you’ll find someone and settle down one day. Maybe a nice young woman here, from the Hollow.”
“Yeah, I’m not sure about that, Mr. Jenkins.”
His eyebrows tug together. “Don’t count yourself out, son. I used to think the same way as you, but then I met Heidi and I couldn’t get her out of my head. When you meet the right person, you’ll know.”
I slowly nod at him as I back away from the counter. “I’ll keep that in mind,” I say, dipping my chin once more and lifting the six pack up to eye level. “Thanks, Mr. Jenkins. I’ll see you around.”
“Have a good night, Jace,” he says, lifting his hand in a small wave.
I turn around and head out of the store, making my way over to the truck. When I climb in, I set the six pack on the center console and pull the door shut behind me. Pausing for a second before pulling out of my parking spot, I stare at the outside of Mr. Jenkins’ store.
He may have found love in the end, but I’m not so sure that’s something in the cards for me. Any women I’ve been with in the past were just fleeting moments. None of them felt like someone I wanted to stick around. It was just one failed relationship after another.
Love is supposed to be something great and grand. That turn-your-world-upside-down kind of experience. I’ve never experienced that with anyone and I have little faith that it even exists, at this point.
And even if it does, I guess it’s just not something that’s meant for me.
CHAPTER SIX
WILLOW
The hot pan sizzles as I press down on the grilled cheese. Out of the three Alder siblings, I am not the one you want to pick to make dinner. The options of what I can successfully cook without burning are rather minimal, however, my brothers love a good grilled cheese sandwich and that is one thing I’ve mastered over the years.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve managed to keep myself alive for the past few years with my limited cooking abilities and a few new recipes along the way, but take-out will always be my number one.
“Are you making fancy sammies?”
A giggle bubbles in my throat as I throw a glance over my shoulder at Finn. “You know it.”
“Can I have one with pickles and spicy mustard?”
My eyebrows raise as I tap the spatula on the sandwich in the pan that’s turning a nice toasted golden color. “Already got it right here.”
“You’re the best little sister I’ve ever had.”
