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“Well now, Nash, the other two happen at the carnival, so it’s like a story as you drive down the street,” Mayor Gripper said.
Nash eyed his blue-and-white pinstripe shorts and salmon collared T-shirt with distaste.
“Down you get, Nancy. Nash will do it.”
“Oh now, that’s very kind of you.” Nancy gave him a look that to his mind was almost X-rated and left him feeling violated. He grabbed the banner and climbed the ladder away from her. After he’d tied the end and moved to the other side, he was going home and locking the door.
“So, we’re done,” he said when he was back on the ground.
“Nice work,” Luke said. He’d held the ladder while Nancy and Mayor Gripper told Nash what to do. Like he was clueless on how to tie knots.
“I’m leaving before anyone else wants something,” Nash muttered, walking to where he’d parked his car.
“Look at you, being all community minded,” Luke said. “See you round, Nash. The citizens of Ryker Falls need me to protect them now.”
“It’s about time you made yourself useful.”
His phone rang as he reached his car.
“What?”
“Try ‘hello.’ It’s nice. We need your help; can you call by here?” Maggie said.
He sighed.
“See you soon.” Maggie cut the call.
Nash leaned forward and rested his forehead on the steering wheel. A tap on the window had him lifting it. He started the car and lowered the glass.
“I had breakfast with a Trainer. I don’t want to speak to more of you for at least a month.”
Joe’s smile was wide. “Just checking you didn’t need help, seeing as you appeared in distress.”
“I’m fine. Could do with visiting a monastery where they have taken a vow of silence, but all good.”
“Heard you got into some trouble in Phil’s.” Joe leaned on the window, which meant Nash couldn’t shut it and drive away. “Heard you play classical guitar too, and that you’ve put your name forward for the bachelor auction. Right community minded of you; those little kids are going to be real proud.”
Nash pinched the bridge of his nose. “Your little brother has a big mouth, and no to the auction, so don’t try that shit with me.”
“I’m sure there’s time to work on your inner growth before the auction,” Joe said.
“Not happening.” Just the thought of all those people made him want to be sick.
“Funny you insulting Luna McKinley like that when your sister said you’re one of the nicest people she knows. I get you’re a remote kind of guy, Nash, but not a rude one, so do you want to tell me why you behaved like you did?”
“No.” Nash fought the lance of shame at Joe’s words.
“Ok, but I’m here if you need an ear. Now, from where I’m standing, right next to you as it turns out, you owe her an apology.
Well hell.
“Nice work on the banner hanging too. Nancy will be forever in your debt. Just remember, if she invites you to her place, say no. See you around, Nash.” Joe took his time straightening, then turned and walked away.
He drove slowly down the street, telling himself that it didn’t matter he’d just insulted a woman with no just cause. But it did. Shame had burned itself down to the soles of his feet.
“Why does she get to me?”
Of course, he knew the answer. Two things had shaped his opinion of Luna McKinley. The first time, he’d been in college and had to choose between basketball and ranching. Ranching had won. But his girlfriend at the time hadn’t agreed and dumped him. She’d wanted a boyfriend who was a basketball player and someone who looked like they were headed for the big time.
