Page 5
She didn’t want to infringe on Burke’s territory. She should drive the Q Lab back to the school and finish her contract. Then she’d head out of town, and out of Vermont.
Part of her wanted to see him again. Even if he hadn’t wanted her, hadn’t needed her, she was curious what kind of man he’d become.
Ginny appeared at her side and took her empty plate. Frizzle raised her head and barked a hello.
Ginny grinned. “Do you know what’s in my pocket, Frizzle?” Then she turned her gaze to Rissa. “I’ve got a homemade t-r-e-a-t in my pocket. I make them, so I know they're healthy. This one is Frizzle-sized, although I’ve got another for Boomer over there that’s a lot bigger. Is it okay for her to have one?”
Rissa nodded, and Ginny squatted down to Frizzle’s level. “Rissa says you’re allowed to have a treat. Would you like a treat, Frizzle?”
Frizzle knew that word. She yipped and bounced on the bench.
Ginny grinned. “Can you sit? Do you know that word too?”
Frizzle plopped her butt down, tail wagging like a high-powered engine.
Ginny grinned. “With your Christmas coat and booties, you must be one of Santa’s elves. Good girl, Frizzle.”
Ginny tossed the treat in a small arc. Frizzle snatched it out of the air before barking her thanks. Ginny rubbed her head. “Good girl. You’ve got a cutie here, Rissa.”
“Rissa?” Jolie and Amber’s voices held surprise. “Rissa Quinnell?”
Skin flushing deeply, Rissa met their gazes. No censure, only curiosity and welcome. “Hi, Amber, hi Jolie. It’s a small world.”
Ginny rose. “You know each other?”
They all nodded, and Jolie rose from her stool. She leaned over Frizzle and hugged Rissa. The touch shocked Rissa to the core and it took her a moment to respond and hug the woman back. When was the last time she’d been hugged?
Jolie slid into the opposite side of the booth and grinned at Ginny. “Rissa and Burke were best friends when we lived in Burlington. I was just a kid, but I remember how kind you were to me, to all of us. You helped me plant my garden and answered my endless questions about plants and animals.”
Rissa laughed. “You had a lot of questions.” Jolie had probably been seven when their parents had died. Amber had been a few years older. As the eldest at fifteen, Burke had been a terrific older brother. He’d included his siblings often. He and Rissa had organized board game evenings, and they’d spent hours in the parks and forests, playing tag and organizing scavenger hunts for the younger ones and their friends.
Amber swiveled on her stool with her hand resting on Boomer’s head. “It’s so nice to see you again, Rissa. Boomer, friends. Rissa and Frizzle are friends. How did you end up here in Phail?”
“I’m teaching a few science lessons at the local school.”
Amber smiled. “A science teacher. That fits you so well. You were always great at helping us with our homework, and you loved all the sciences.”
Jolie nodded. “You and Burke never let us get bored; you organized so many games and activities for us. I’m so glad you’re a teacher. That’s perfect.”
Her cheeks flushed again. “I’m not actually a teacher. I didn’t go to college.”
Instead of reacting negatively to the news, the woman smiled. “Sounds like you’re a teacher to me. Paperwork doesn’t matter.”
Amber’s words filled her heart, while Jolie snorted. “Don’t let Burke hear you saying paperwork doesn’t matter. The man is a fiend for paperwork.”
Did that mean he was here in Phail, too?
Ginny moved behind the counter. “Am I ever going to meet the mysterious Burke Malssum? I’m starting to doubt he even exists.”
Jolie laughed, but there was a tinge of sadness in her eyes. “He exists; he’s just a workaholic who never takes vacations.”
Amber sighed. “We’re worried about him, but so far our nagging is ineffective.”
Relief and disappointment warred within Rissa. She wouldn’t see Burke. He hadn’t had room for her in his life years ago, so she shouldn’t feel the disappointment so strongly.
Amber drew her attention away from her thoughts. “Where are you staying while you’re here in Phail? We’ve got an inn out at our No Phailed Apples farm. Would you come out and stay with us? Lawson and Knox live there as well. They’d love to see you, and we’d love to catch up.”
Ginny smiled. “Rissa was just asking where she could park her RV overnight.”
