“I’m good, Dina.”
When I was a kid, I was a bit of a wild child. I was usually getting into some kind of trouble, so a lot of folks in town weren’t crazy about me. But Dina was always nice. I knew I could come in and grab a donut when the rest of the town seemed mad at me for one reason or another.
Don’t get me wrong—I’ve never given a shit what people thought of me. I couldn’t care less if they hated me or not, but it was still nice to have someone on my side.
“What brings you to town, kiddo?”
“I’m moving back.”
She throws her hand over her heart. “I never thought I’d see the day!”
“Me either,” I reply, only half-joking.
She walks back behind the counter. ”You want the usual? Two chocolate glazed?”
“That would be perfect. Thanks, Dina.”
As she’s getting them out of the display case, she says, “I’m surprised your momma didn’t tell me you were coming home. I just saw her yesterday.”
“It was a last-minute decision. I just got home last night, so she’s on my list to visit today.”
She gives me a pointed look over the thick frames of her glasses. it’s a look that requires no words between us. I know that she’s thinking my mother is likely to kick my ass for not keeping her in the loop.
Dina’s right. She probably will.
She hands me a bag with two donuts and a to-go cup of coffee. I pull a crumpled up ten out of my pocket, but she shakes her head.
I say, “Dina, I’m not a kid anymore. You don’t have to give me free donuts.”
“I know I don’t. But I’m going to anyway. Consider it your welcome home gift.” She winks.
“Thanks, Dina.”
“Good to have you home, kiddo.”
I give her a warm smile and head out the door. I start walking again, taking the scenic route to Andre’s, the bar my parents own. It’s where I’m sure I’ll find my mother. I take my time because I expect a verbal lashing when I get there.
On the way, I try to take everything in. We are approaching Halloween, so all the shops that line the streets are decorated for Autumn. Orange string lights hang from every street lamp, and smiling scarecrows sit on the benches. Lilly Leaf Falls loves holidays, but the ones in the last quarter of the year reign supreme.
After Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas will take over. In my book, pumpkins and candy canes are tied. I’m excited to be in town for all of it this year.
I stop to look at a cute window display and pull one of the donuts out of the bag and take a bite.
Fucking delicious.
As I turn away from the store, I accidentally collide with someone. Thankfully, no coffee spills in the process.
“Shit, I’m sorry,” I say. When I look up, I see that it’s Sheriff Swift.
Fuck, this guy hates me. To be fair, I was a thorn in his side for many years, but still. That was a long time ago. Judging by the way he’s looking at me, though, his feelings haven’t changed.
“Hey, Sheriff,” I greet.
Beneath this thick grey mustache, I can see his lips purse together.
“Joanna,” is all he gives as a greeting. “I see you’re still not paying attention to anything around you.”
The man makes my blood boil, so the fact that I do the same thing to him thrills me.
