“All my life, except the years I was away for college. My family originally founded the town in 1817. I’m sixth generation.”
“That’s cool,” I say lamely. “So, you’re pretty used to this no-car thing?”
What am I saying? His family probably created this “no-car thing.”
He glances at me. “I am.”
“How do residents get groceries?”
“If they need more than they can carry, they often have them delivered.”
“How does that work?” I ask. “Do you just go to the store, buy what you need, and then request they take them somewhere?”
He gives me a sideways look. “Generally, we just order on the app.”
“The…app?” I parrot dumbly.
“Do you not have such things in Washington?” he asks, his tone betraying that he knows very well that we do.
“I mean, of course. Just…you see the irony, don’t you?” I give his small, horse-drawn carriage a pointed look.
But his frown only deepens.
“Never mind. Okay, so you order on the app and schedule a delivery. Got it.”
“If you need to pick up a few things, we can stop at the store before I take you home.”
“You don’t mind?” I ask, relieved. “I’d be grateful. I can’t handle another peanut butter sandwich for dinner—I just can’t.”
Revulsion briefly passes over his face, like peanut butter is for peasants. But he quickly controls it. “I can imagine. And no, I don’t mind. I need a few things as well.”
“It must be easier to get around with your own…cabriolet.”
It’s a weird word.Foreign and a bit awkward.
“It is,” Ash answers.
“Do you take it every time you head into town?”
“Only when I need to run errands, or if we’re expecting rain. Most often, I ride my bike.”
My eyes drift over his pressed and polished clothing.
Nope. Can’t picture it.
“Hudson said my Aunt Laverna had a bike,” I say. “I’ll have to see if I can find it.”
“You’ve met Hudson?”
“He picked me up yesterday.”
“An honor—he usually sends one of his employees. He probably wanted to personally welcome you to the town.”
“He was very kind.”
Ash nods. “Hudson is an excellent businessman and a hard worker. He and his brother run the livery stable and own all the local delivery wagons and public transport carriages. Moss Hollow is lucky to have them.”
I nod, not sure what else to say.
