We stare at each other for a bated breath, his mouth opening and closing before the buzz of his phone breaks the silence.
“Sheriff Donovan.” He clips into the device.
He places the phone against his shoulder and mouths a thanks to Sarah and I, reaching for his things before heading out. His eyes linger a bit longer on me before he pushes on the door and turns around.
When the door closes and he’s made it a few steps, Sarah turns to look at me with her mouth hanging open and eyes wide.
“What was that?” she asks, pointing after him.
“What was what?” I act like I have no idea what she’s talking about.
“You just flirted back! And you’re blushing!” she shrieks. “Omg, you like him!” She gives me a playful shove. “I don’t blame you, Weston Donovan is sexy as sin. I’d let him use those cuffs on me any day. Or night.” She winks, and a hot flush works its way across my skin.
“Hey, I’m not making fun of you. I think it’s great, Jade! You haven’t been with anyone since we’ve moved here. That man has had a crush on you since he met you.”
“Oh, so you’ve found my perfect match but not yours?” I tease, and she swats me with her rag.
“I’m just saying,” She singsongs.
Getting lost in the morning rush, I think about how nice it would be to have a partner. All past experiences haven’t been great, and it makes me nervous to be around men, scared to open up in fear of what they might think of me. I come with baggage and scars.
It’s been so long since I’ve dated.
The door chimes, pulling me from my thoughts, and my mouth tips in a smile to greet Mrs. Ira.
“Hi, girls.” She sidles up to the counter, her large hips swaying.
“Hi, Mrs. Ira,” we say in unison.
“Jade, I’ve noticed that you’re always alone. No young man in your life?” she quizzes, bringing her glasses down her nose and watching me with inquiring eyes.
Wondering where this is going, I answer, “Umm. No. No man.”
“Great!” She claps her hands with glee and starts digging in her large purse. “My newly single nephew is coming to visit. I told him I had just the sweetest lady for him. He’s handsome, my nephew. And a lawyer.” She rubs her fingers together in a money motion.
“Here. This is him.” She beams, holding out a photograph.
Sarah covers a snicker behind my shoulder, and I stomp on her foot. In the photo is a man who looks to be in his thirties. He’s bald and doesn’t have the slightest hint of a smile on his face. In fact, he looks completely pissed off.
I hand Mrs. Ira her photo back. “He’s very handsome, Mrs. Ira.”
“Told you, didn’t I! Takes after his uncle! Why don’t you let me go ahead and set up a date for you two?”
“Oh, I don’t know, Mrs. Ira.”
“Nonsense.” She waves her hand. “I’ve never seen a man come from your house. Or a woman other than Sarah.” Her eyes raise, and she looks from me to Sarah.
“Don’t worry, Mrs. Ira. I can assure you, I like cock. Jade and I are not together.” Sarah giggles, and my cheeks flame.
“Well, great then! You know, Jade, you don’t want to be alone forever. I’m sure there must be a lot of sexual frustration there. Every woman needs a real good orgasm every now and then.”
A laugh bubbles from Sarah, and a sound similar to a strangled gargle leaves my throat.
Oddly enough, this isn’t the most bizarre thing to come from Mrs. Ira’s mouth.
“You know, Jadie, Timothy and I were already married and had six children by the time we were your age. We had such a great sex life. My vagina was happy back then. Now that my Timothy has passed on, she’s a sad little kitten. You don’t want to end up with a sad vagina now, do you?” Mrs. Ira points her chin down, eyeing me above her glasses.
Someone kill me now.
