Page 14 of Sterling Clay

I haven’t been out of my bedroom much, other than a late meal with Mavis two nights in a row. While we didn’t talk much, more like exchanging details on my condition, there was something comforting about her presence in my home, in my kitchen, seated across from me at my table. In the typical quiet of my house, noises existed. Soft ones. Homey ones. Her smile was practically a sound. Her dark eyes a noise as well, and I liked it better when she looked at me rather than away from me.

“Work.” As soon as I say the word, my gaze catches on her son sitting at the table. I haven’t had much interaction with him. Dutton wasn’t present during those late meals, being already in bed by then. Seems like an early sleeper but what do I know about kids. I don’t have any. Haven’t wanted any.

I’m happy as Uncle Clay to Adara, the sweetest toddler in the world. Recently, my brother Ford moved home, adding three more nieces to my roster with Zelle, Winnie, and June. My sister Vale has a boy, Hudson, who is going on eleven. Knox is now a stepfather to Tim and Violet. The second generation of Sylvers is growing but still small compared to my six siblings.

We could use some more boys in our crew, and I glance at Dutton again but then my forehead cinches once. His nails are painted light pink, and his T-shirt has a sparkling unicorn on it.

“Can you wear that to school?” I ask, uncertain if the kid attends. Mavis has hardly left my place. She explained how she paid for a service to bring the first round of groceries to my house. Which reminds me, I owe her money for the purchase.

“I’m homeschooled,” he states, not looking up at me and sounding indifferent about his education. I was never a fan myself, thus deciding against college. Plus, someone needed to be in charge of the Seed & Soil as our dad certainly wasn’t minding it properly.

“Huh.” With my hands on the back of a kitchen chair, Mavis continues to watch me.

She clears her throat and lowers her gaze, then gives me her back as she moves eggs around in a skillet. “Dutton doesn’t attend school because I don’t know yet where we’ll permanently plant.”

“Meaning you aren’t staying in Sterling Falls?” Surprise peppers the question.

Mavis glances over her shoulder and shrugs. “I have some unfinished business here and then Dutton and I can make a fresh start.” She turns her head over her other shoulder and gives her son a warm smile. He smiles back at her, but his expression is more pensive.

We should probably talk about what that unfinished business includes, as I only know the tip of the iceberg about her, but right now is not the time.

Either way, a strange knock hits me in the sternum. I hold my breath, willing away a cough. The contracting of my lungs is getting to be a nuisance and I’m tired of it.

“Well, you’re welcome to stay here as long as you’d like.” The invitation is sincere.

It’s been nice to have someone else in my space. Two people. I like hearing Mavis’s softer tones directed toward her son as she flits around. The easy laughter shared between her and Dutton. The low hum of cartoons playing on the television. Mavis’s distinctly floral scent lingers in my bedroom when she visits there. A faint strawberry fragrance wafts out of the guest bathroom on the rare occasions I’ve traveled down the hallway. The sounds and scents are warm, and Mavis and Dutton’s presence make my place feel more than a house, more like a home.

Not going to lie, an added bonus is having someone cook for me. Too often, I eat on the fly, ordering from takeout places or finding myself at Milton’s Roadhouse late at night, because the diner in town closes early. Mavis’s homemade soup was just what I’d needed. Then her chicken and mashed potatoes were extra. The other night, she made me breaded pork chops and roasted potatoes. I could have asked her to marry me on the spot.

This morning she’s making scrambled eggs and sausage links.

I really need to get to the Seed & Soil, but damn, that smells good, and watching her move easily around my kitchen has that strange knocking inside my chest happening again. Only, I don’t think it is another cough coming on. Mavis is so stunning with that long hair, a hint of gray strands mixed here and there upon further inspection. And I’ve had lots of time to inspect her as she’s waited on me the last five days. She didn’t wear one of my T-shirts again. She didn’t sleep in my bed again either. But she’s circled around me enough her floral scent has taken up residence in my nose as my favorite fragrance, and her cheeks darken a bit when she catches me tracking her around a room.

I’m not afraid to admit I’m attracted to her, but I’m afraid admitting my attraction might scare her off. And I’m not ready for her to disappear again, especially after the news that she will be leaving at some point.

“Is there anything I can help you with, pertaining to that unfinished business?” I also don’t want her to feel like I’ve taken advantage of their situation. She’s here with no strings attached, and I’d hate for her to think I’m expecting anything in return. I’d be gutted if she thought there was a power imbalance between us. I want to respect her privacy while letting her know I’m here for her.

I give a quick glance to Dutton before meeting Mavis’s eyes. We don’t need to discuss her situation before the child, but I’d still like to know if I can help somehow.

She offers me a waning smile. “I’ve got it.”

The answer doesn’t settle well for me, but I let the topic rest for now. I have eggs and sausage to gobble up before getting back to my routine.

Work, work, work.

+ + +

Sylver Seed & Soil has gone from one low building to a giant barn-like structure, complete with our home and garden merchandise in the front and our original feed and farm supplies sales department in the back. We aren’t a garden center so much, but we do sell house plants and seasonal flowers. We also have a landscaping business and brick patio department, run by my brother Knox.

Who happens to be in my office when I arrive.

“Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in.” He tips back in a spare desk chair that serves no purpose in my office.

“Did you bring him back?” Knox dips his head, purring in response to my office cat, Tillie, an orange tabby who keeps the mice at bay around here, and presently sits on his lap, having her chin rubbed. He coos at the feline. “Giving him one of your lives?”

“And to what do I owe the honor?” I interject over the cat lovefest, and arch a brow, implying his presence in my office. Knox has his own corner of our Seed & Soil world on the other side of the building.

“Heard you were coming in today. How are you feeling?”