“It is because it means you can’t be alone. Why is that Fancy?”
I’d always been popular, and people gravitated toward me. Not trying to brag, just stating facts. So yes, when I lost one man, I usually had another one within three to five business days. What was happening with Edison and me wasn’t planned but it was a sweet surprise. I was fully aware there were a ton of questions that needed to be answered. Primarily, was Edison interested in a long-distance relationship?
Normally I was a go with the flow type of woman, who often allowed fate to decide my next move. These are the things I know for certain; Edison loved me, and he was never going to leave Hume. Eventually we’d have to make decisions but right now I just wanted to fill his cup the same way he was filling mine.
“Thank you for your input. But if you want to help me, maybe start with suggesting how I can get on Dial’s good side.”
“Dial doesn’t have a good side.”
We both shared a laugh. She was a tough nut to crack, that was for sure. “I just want to reassure her that I have Edison’s best interest at heart. What can I do to win her over?”
“You’re asking the wrong person. I’ve been trying for years to get off Dial’s shit list or at the very least get bumped down from the number one spot.”
Tilting my head to the side, I examined his face. “What did you do to make her so mad?” I raised a silencing finger. “You know what don’t tell me. Most men are fuckboys, and I do not have the heart to hear that my brother may be among the ranks.”
“Listen, Dial is moved by actions not words. So, if you claim you’re not going to hurt Edison, then don’t. Now can you give me the penny tour because I’m nosy.”
“Okay, but don’t touch anything.”
We’d drivento a big box store several hours away because I needed some essentials you just couldn’t get at Welborn’s Grocery Mart. I claimed I only needed a few things, but the cart Edison was pushing proved that was a lie. Inside the buggy was everything from body scrubs to a cute green vase.
“Ooo, I need a hot water bottle.” It was that time of the month, and I didn’t have any of my creature comforts, which is what prompted this trip. Edison navigated the store like a pro and led me to the appropriate aisle.
“Should I get the one with the pink fleece cover or go traditional?” I held up both bottles as if the fate of the world rested on him providing the right answer.
“Uhm, I’m not a heating bottle connoisseur.”
“Pink fleece it is.” I tossed it in the cart. “Now for the tea.” He dutifully followed my directions and stood in silence while Idebated over green or orange blossom tea. Back at the farm, all he had was black and I was craving something more exciting. I settled on the ginger-turmeric green tea. “Can we check out the board games?”
Edison’s brows mashed together. “Board games?”
“Yeah, you don’t have any games. You have one hundred vintage lighters, but not a single board game.”
“I live alone?”
“How do you host game nights?”
“I don’t.”
“Your hermit lifestyle ends now.”
In the games section, I tossed Scrabble, Pictionary, and Jenga into our cart. “What are your thoughts on Monopoly?”
“I hate that game. Not only is it outdated, it’s boring. And when people think about board games, the first game they mention is Monopoly, which is embarrassing because the mechanics of Monopoly are the worst of any game. Candy Land is a more enjoyable experience. And don’t get me started on the consumerism agenda.”
“So no on Monopoly. Do you have any strong feelings about Taboo?”
“Taboo is acceptable.”
We searched the shelves for other games vetoing suggestions we didn’t agree on.
“How was your visit with your mom?” Edison’s hand cradled my neck, occasionally massaging my muscles.
“It went well, we made more jam. I brought some home. Best apricot jam you will ever try.”
“I hope she doesn’t feel like I’m monopolizing your time.”
“My mom loves you. With a capital L. She low key thinks you walk on water and are the nicest guy in all of Hume.”
