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“Trying something new.Is that bad?”
“It’s not like you.We’ve been coming here for like six months, maybe longer.And you always get the exact same thing.”She lifts her eyebrows.“What?”
“Nothing.Really.I felt like having enchiladas.”
“You still thinking about that guy from the party?The one who got away.”
“Most days.Which is completely irrational.I embarrassed myself, and he didn’t want anything to do with me.But I still wish I could thank him for getting me home safely.”
“Did you report it to the police?”
“I had no proof.None.But I also know I didn’t drink alcohol that night.So, no.I didn’t report anything.”
“You know I won’t leave you if you go to a party with me.”
“I know you won’t, but I’m not ready for that.And don’t give me a lecture about getting back on a horse.”
She grins.“If it weren’t for Grayson, I would never have gotten within six feet of a horse after I had to cling to that one for dear life.”
I’ve heard the story before, but I let her tell it anyway.Her eyes light up, and her hands move as she paints the scene and gushes about her cowboy hero.
Maybe I should take her up on meeting Tyler.
When I pullinto my driveway after lunch, Mrs.Grindle steps out onto her porch.“You’ll be getting a call about teaching yoga.Someone just outside of Stadtburg is wanting to do a class out at her place.You aren’t afraid of goats, are you?”
The goat question has me curious.“I’m not afraid of goats.”Should I be?
“Oh good.Joji is who will be calling.Nice lady.New around these parts.”With a wave, she disappears back inside her house.
Goats?That’s an unexpected turn of events.
As Mrs.Grindle walks inside, I check my phone and see that there’s a message waiting.Joji already called.
Eager to discuss more work, I dial her number, then hold my breath as it rings three times.I really hope this works out.
“Hello.”
“Hi.This is Jasmine Fox.You left a message about wanting to have a yoga session on your goat farm?”At least now I know why Mrs.Grindle asked about a fear of goats.
“Yes.I’d love to meet with you to discuss it.Are you free today?”
I check the time.“Absolutely.Where would you like to meet?”
“What about Sweets?Tessa makes the best donuts.”
“Sweets sounds great.Say one thirty?”
“See you then.”Joji ends the call.
Five minutes before we are supposed to meet, I run out to my car.This is a great thing about small towns.It takes no time at all to get to where I need to go.
Smiling, I drive down the tree-lined street.Then I turn onto the main road, pass the hardware store, and make my way to the strip mall.Unlike other ones where all the storefronts look pretty much the same, this place has extra character.Each shop looks like a separate building and has a different style.
The little shops only make me love this place more.Right next door to the donut shop is a lingerie store.But a trip in there will have to wait until I have the budget for it.
There is a man—the gun on his belt makes me think he’s law enforcement—kissing a redhead on the sidewalk as I cross the parking lot, and after they break apart, she walks into the photography studio, and he strides to his truck.
I’m loving this small town.I haven’t spent much time visiting these shops, at least not as much as I’d like, but this is a good start.
