“I help out when needed at the nursery, but it’s not my day job.”
“That’s really nice of you.”
She shrugs but doesn’t say anything. It almost feels like she’s actively trying to keep her mouth shut, even though she wants to say something.
We walk out the front door as I lock it behind us. Rina turns around and raises an eyebrow at me.
“Force of habit. I’m still not used to the whole small-town thing.”
“I get it. No one’s going to break into your house, though. If they do, they’ll spend the night in the drunk tank being watched like a hawk by the sheriff.” She rolls her eyes when she says ‘sheriff’, so I assume there’s some bad blood there.
“Hop in. I’ll drive.” We walk up to her truck, and I have to hoist myself up into it.
Throughout the five-minute drive downtown, Rina chats my ear off. She wants to know about my life in Austin, and I give her the bare minimum. It’s not worth it to get into the nitty-gritty of what my life was like before the downfall. It’s over, so it doesn’t really need my attention anymore. At least, I’m trying not to give it my attention anymore.
We walk in, and Rina waves to an older couple sitting by the door.
“How’s the hutch working out?” she asks.
“It’s just gorgeous, Marina. Better than I could have hoped for.” The older lady beams.
“Aww. Thanks, Mary, I’m glad you love it. Let me know if you need any other pieces, okay?”
“We will. Tell that darling family of yours hello for us.”
“You know I always do.” She leans down and kisses her cheek.
I forget just how close everyone is here. And howniceeveryone is to each other. It’s something you take for granted as a teenager because it just feels like everyone is in your business all the time. But as an adult? This one interaction has successfully restored my faith in humanity.
“Alright, let’s grab some delicious food wrapped up in delicious cheese and smacked together with glorious bread,” she says, running her hands together as we look at the menu.
I can’t help but laugh. I never expected a random meeting at the nursery to turn into a friendship, but I have to say Rina is right up my alley. She’s hilarious, and I absolutely want to spend more time with her.
We place our orders and find a table at the surprisingly packed coffee house.
“I’m surprised my dad didn’t tell me about this place. This wasn’t here when I was in high school. I think I might have lived here if it was.”
“Your dad is Jim, right? He’s hilarious.”
“If by hilarious you mean the nosiest gossip around, then I agree.” I smile over at her.
“He definitely runs the rumor mill here, but he’s sweet. I delivered a coffee table to him a couple of months ago, and he and Penny cooked me a full meal before setting me loose.”
“Sounds about right. My mom’s super quiet, so my sister and I give her crap for marrying Dad, but she’s a hell of a cook.”
“That’s nice that you guys are close, though,” she says with a wistful sigh.
“Rina, come get your food!” a deep voice yells.
“Oh, that’s us. Be right back.” Rina jumps out of her chair and heads to the front.
I take the time to look around, and table after table is filled with sunny smiles. No one has their head in their phone or is working on their laptop trying to get some work done while they eat. It’s so fucking refreshing, even though I was attempting to do all of that earlier.
Rina slides my sandwich over and holds up two bags of chips. “Preference?”
“I’m partial to the jalapeño chips, but I’m good with either.” I shrug.
“Good, I not-so-secretly want the barbeque.” She winks as she sits down.
