“True. I can just picture you up on stage with a guitar at some honky-tonk, playing a country tune.”
He turned off the stove. “I’ve got some moonshine in my room. I’ll pour us two glasses and we can sit down together, eat, and celebrate a year in remission.”
He found the moonshine and poured them each a glass. Then he spooned risotto into two large bowls. Rita grated parmesan over the top, added ground black pepper, and they carried it all to the table. Her first bite was heavenly.
She raised a hand skyward. “Hallelujah! That is divine. I must’ve done somethin’ right raising you.”
Tyler chewed on a mouthful of risotto, then chased it down with a swig of moonshine. “This one’s peach flavoured. Let me know what you think.”
She sipped hers gingerly. It was very strong. “I like it. But I’m worried about you…”
“Oh, Momma… don’t...”
“I know, I’m a stick in the mud. But I can’t help it. I worry about you doin’ this. What if you’re found selling illegal liquor? You could get in a lot of trouble, and it’d impact your future employment. If you make it for yourself, that’s one thing, but I know you’ve been selling it.” She’d seen the containers going out the door. She wasn’t certain, but he soon confirmed her suspicions.
“Just to some friends of friends. It’s no big deal.”
“And how did you find your way into my locked closet? I noticed you were stashin’ some of your moonshine in there without asking.”
He grunted. “The key was in that little table thingy in the hall. Look, I’m sorry Momma, I didn’t know your closet was some kind of secret hideaway, but I’ll stay out of it now. Anyhow, I’ve decided to stop moonshin’. I applied for a position with the sheriff’s office.”
“What? You did? I didn’t know about this. Why didn’t you say somethin’?”
“I haven’t heard yet, but I have a good feeling about it. I think it’ll come through. And even if it doesn’t, I believe I know what I want now. I’ve been considering it, and the more I think about it, the more I want it.”
“That’s a great idea, honey. You’d be so good at that.”
“Thanks, Momma. Your support means a lot to me. So, I’m not gonna sell anymore moonshine. And you can quit worrying about it.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Where did you get the idea for being a sheriff?”
“I’m seeing this girl…”
“Well, I know about Jessica.”
“Right. I went to see her at the school where she teaches, and her ex-boyfriend was there harassing her. So, I put him on the ground and waited for the sheriff to arrive. He told me I should apply, thanked me for helping him out like that, and said I had good instincts and the right skills for the job.”
“Well, good Lord!” Rita’s brow furrowed in consternation. “You’ve been livin’ a whole Jerry Springer drama that I knew nothin’ about. Who is this man? I hope he didn’t hurt you. Is Jessica okay?” She had so many questions. Why was Tyler always such a closed book? He never told her anything until it was all over.
“Jess is fine. She had a restraining order on him, and he was stalking her, so I think he’s going away for a long time. At least, I hope so. We’ll see, I guess. You never know when it comes to the court system.”
“Is that why she moved here?”
“Yep, she wanted to get away from him. She told me all about it a while back. So, as soon as I saw him, I knew who he was.”
“Well, honey, I’m real proud of you for intervening. Not everyone would. But you’ve got a good heart.”
“I like her a lot, Momma. I hope you will too.”
“If you like her, then I’m gonna like her. She sounds like a firecracker.”
“She is, but she’s gentle as a dove. She has this little kitten that follows her around mewling, she’s a teacher and loves those kids — it’s new, so she’s still figuring things out, but she’ll be a great one.”
“Jessica sounds amazing. I’m so happy for you, honey. You really are finding your feet.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
The drive to North Georgia made Matilda feel as though she was heading away for a month-long holiday, but it was only a weekend. At this time of year, right before Christmas, a weekend away was as good as a lifetime. The pressure that’d sat on her chest for the past twelve months had lifted, and she was happy. Deliriously happy, in fact. She couldn’t remember feeling this light — it’d been so long.
