Magnolia lowered the bag and tray. “Are we still going to act like we’ve never been friends? Because I’m sorry for talking you into stealing those Nutty Buddies. And I promise I’m an upstanding citizen now that won’t get you into trouble with your daddy.” She hesitated and her eyes turned sad. “I just really could use a friend.”
Tully hesitated for only a moment before she nodded. “Yeah . . . me too.”
A big smile spread over Magnolia’s face. “Should we spit pinkie hug on it?”
Tully laughed and held the door open. “How about if we skip that and just fill up on mini donuts.”
“Deal!” Magnolia hurried in and set the coffee and bag on the table. “So how’s your ankle? When I heard you’d sprained it, I thought you’d be bedridden or at least on crutches.”
“It’s much better today. Just a little sore.”
“Well, you still shouldn’t be standing on it.” Magnolia pulled out two chairs. “Sit down and put your foot up.” Once Tully did, she took a chair on the end of the table and opened the bag of donuts. “These are yummy, are they? I can’t believe the A-Sisters are bakers now. They were the wildest women in Texas when we were kids. I thought for sure they’d do something more exciting than owning a coffee shop.” She popped the tiny donut in her mouth, and a second later, her eyes widened as she chewed and swallowed. “Oh my Lord. That’s the most sinful thing I’ve ever put in my mouth . . . well, almost.”
Tully choked on the sip of latte she’d just taken and Magnolia laughed. “Sorry. I’ll keep the details of my sordid past to myself until we get reacquainted. And speaking of sordid details . . . what is up with you and Jaxon Hennessy? You two certainly looked like you wanted to do something sordid in the bookstore a few weeks ago. And I can’t say as I blame you. Those Hennessy boys are pure temptation.” She smiled slyly. “I think Dawson has a thing for me. He comes into the bookstore at least three times a week and we all know that a bad boy like him isn’t coming there for books.”
“Actually, I think Dawson does love to read. I remember him always being in the school library.”
Magnolia squinted thoughtfully. “Hmm? That sure doesn’t fit.” She shrugged. “But people probably didn’t think I’d turn out the way I did either. So tell me about Jaxon. Are y’all fooling around?”
Tully started to deny it and then something stopped her. Probably the strong need to confide in someone.
“That depends on what you call fooling around.”
Magnolia’s eyes widened with excitement as she grabbed another donut. “Details. I need details.”
Tully thought it would be hard to share all the confusing emotions she had about Jaxon. But once she started talking, it was like popping open a shaken can of soda. Everything came spewing out. From her preoccupation with him as a teenager to their make-out session on her couch.
Magnolia seemed to be enthralled with the story.
She pressed one hand over her heart. “Aww, that is just so sweet. You’ve been crushing on him since you were a teenager.”
“I wouldn’t call it a crush. It was more like infatuation.”
“Isn’t that the same thing?”
Tully conceded the point. “Anyway, my crush ended when he robbed the gas station.” She paused. “Or was accused of robbing the gas station.”
“I heard about that. Accused? The townsfolk seem convinced he did it.”
Tully had once been convinced too. Not anymore. “I think the townsfolk have trouble letting anything go.”
Magnolia nodded and started to take another donut, but then stopped herself. “Absolutely not, Magnolia Hastings. You’ve had plenty.” She pushed the bag closer to Tully. “I bet the townsfolk are still talking about our Nutty Buddy heist. Is that why you don’t want anyone knowing about you and Jaxon? You don’t want the townsfolk finding out their deputy has a thing for a criminal?”
“Jaxon is not a criminal!” Her adamant response surprised both her and Magnolia.
Magnolia got a knowing twinkle in her eyes. “If he’s not a criminal, why are you hiding the way you feel?”
It was a good question. One she had an answer for.
“He’s not staying, Maggie. And there’s no way I could ever leave Promise Springs.”
Magnolia’s eyes softened. “It is a nice little town. I’d forgotten how nice until I came back. But why does your relationship with Jaxon have to be serious? Why can’t you just . . . have fun together while he’s here?” Before Tully could absorb her words, Magnolia glanced at the clock on the wall. “Shoot! I need to skedaddle.” She got up and leaned over to give Tully a tight hug. “Get some rest and call me later.”
Tully didn’t get much rest. After Magnolia left, one person after the other showed up to check on her: Birdie with a tuna casserole that didn’t look fit for consumption. Her daddy with lunch from Sloppy Joe’s that did. Charlene with a bouquet of Calla Lilies. The townsfolk with more casseroles and baked goods than she could eat in a year.
After she was through with her visitors, her mama called.
“Hey, my sweet girl. Your daddy called and told me you’d sprained your ankle running. I’ve been trying all day to get ahold of you. Obviously, the phone service is still horrific in town.”
