“She isn’t worth an assault charge,” he told her.
“I don’t know,” she replied, sounding half joking, half serious.
“Trust me, she isn’t,” he said to the half serious part.
“Did the restraining order work?”
“It was valid for six months.Saw the woman once, crossing Main when I was in my truck.Town that small, two years have passed, that’s all I’ve seen of her.Yeah, I think it worked.”
“Good,” she muttered.Then, “Listen, Abigail also said that Liam was all about the sanctuary this morning.I know you’re busy, but?—”
“When and where and I’ll be there.”
“Saturday?Then everyone can come to mine and I’ll cook.And by everyone, that invitation is extended to you.Abigail thinks that if there’s a lot of activity at my place, comings and goings, my neighbors won’t see a single woman out in the boonies alone, but a single woman with a lot of friends who give a shit, and they won’t bother me anymore.”
This was much the same plan as Hutch had, with some distinctions.
“It’s a good idea.”He added on to that so she’d feel safer in her home.“And she’s probably right.”
“If she is or isn’t, I love cooking.And it isn’t hard when you are to make the same thing, just healthier, so I can do something for you that you like, and it’ll be good, while I do something for them that they’ll like, but it might clog an artery.”
And that almost made him laugh.
The problem was, he had to concentrate on driving while his chest was squeezing with what she said, so he didn’t.
“I’m in for the tour and what comes after, Mabel.Just talk to Abigail and give me timings.”
“Okay.”
He swung them into The Link.
It was already crowded.Then again, when Lug got the word out that Hutch would be there, it usually was.
He found a parking space, and they both climbed out, he got his guitar, and they headed in.
Lug was at his spot behind the bar, and when he saw Hutch, he jerked up his chin, then his gaze turned curious and shifted to Mabel.
Hutch guided her directly to the bar.
“Yo, Hutch,” Lug greeted.
“Lug, this is Mabel.”
She offered a hand.“Nice to meet you.”
“Same,” Lug grunted when he shook it.“Like Hutch asked, got your seat reserved,” he told her.“Up front.”
She blinked at Lug then blinked at Hutch.
Hutch didn’t address it.
He asked her, “What do you want to drink?”
“Pale Ale,” she said.
Hutch turned to Lug.“Take it out of my tips.”
This was code, since Hutch didn’t get tips, nor did he get paid.He just played there on occasion because Hutch enjoyed playing and it brought people into his friend’s tiny bar.
