There’d be no more frigid winters or gossip around every corner. Life would go back to being simple, moving from one job to the next. My ties to this small town would be broken.
Things were getting a little too comfortable around here for my taste. Too many people knew my face, knew where to find me, and called out my name when I walked past.
I hated every second of it.
Yet, here I was standing with Josie, on some woman’s doorstep, waiting to eat cookies and have tea.
The door swung open and an older lady opened the screen door, grinning from ear to ear.
“My, my, Josie. What did you bring me today?”
“Mrs. Bennett, this is JR.”
“Au chaunte,” she whispered, holding out her hand in some weird, feminine way that wasn’t really a handshake.
“Uh…you too.”
I gripped her hand firmly and gave it a good shake, ignoring the way Josie giggled.
“Well, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
“I have your delivery,” Josie answered, holding up her basket.
“No, dear. I mean, why is this handsome specimen here with you?”
“Oh, he’s just wandering around town, taking in the sights…”
The old lady leaned in close. “I’ve got you covered. I’ve heard about your little problem. I’m touched you would come to me for help.”
“Jesus—”
“He’s not really constipated,” Josie said, cutting me off. “I was teasing him and it got a little out of control.”
“Oh.” The woman’s shoulders fell in disappointment that, for just a moment, made me consider lying to her about the whole damn thing. “Well, I suppose it’s still wonderful that you came for a visit. Follow me, dear. I have tea and scones today instead of cookies.”
“What the hell are scones?” I asked, leaning in as we walked through the door.
“Little bread thingies with blueberries or sugar. That sort of thing.”
“So, garbage.”
She shushed me, elbowing me in the side as we made our way back to her kitchen. I tried to avoid all the pink as best as possible, but it was the tiny plates all over the wall that really got to me. And then there were tiny dog figurines placed on shelves scattered all over the walls.
“What’s with the plates?”
“They’re collectors.”
“Collectors of what? Dust?”
I warily took the seat Mrs. Bennett pulled out for me, avoiding her hand just as she was about to brush it through what I hoped was my hair and not over my face.
“Well, I think you’ll really love the tea I made today. I mistakenly made it withsomeonein mind, but it’s still delicious.”
“You know how the town loves to gossip,” Josie grinned. “Here’s everything you ordered.”
Mrs. Bennett took the basket from her, beaming down at her with joy. “You’re such a dear. I really do love our visits, you know.”
“I do, too. I was just telling JR?—”
