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“I’m good, thanks,” I tell her, taking one of the bags from her. “Here, let me give you a hand.”
“Such a gentleman. Thank you. My car is just down here,” she says, beginning to walk toward her car, which I can see is parked out front of Morning Kick. “I’ve not seen you around much lately.”
“Yeah, just busy with work. The station has just moved to twenty-four hours shifts, so it’s a bit of an adjustment.”
“I imagine so.” She hesitates, and I can see what’s coming before she even mentions her name. “I’m sorry about the other day with Kennedy,” she says.
“It’s okay, Maria, there’s nothing to apologize for.”
“Well…it’s been a long time, and I’m sure she’ll come around soon enough.” Her car beeps as she opens the trunk, and I place the bag I’m carrying down next to hers. “In fact, I think you should come to dinner tomorrow, if you’re not working that is,” she says turning to me. “Jackson will be there,” she adds as if to sweeten the deal perhaps.
“I’m not so sure that’s a—”
“Do you have a shift tomorrow, Asher?” she asks, putting me on the spot, and I can’t lie so shake my head. “That’s settled then. Dinner at mine tomorrow. Say around 6 p.m.,” she states, determination in her tone and leaving no room for argument. Maria Scott is not a woman you can easily say no to even as an adult.
“Dinner sounds great, thanks.”
She slams the trunk closed, a wide smile on her face. “See you tomorrow, dear.” And with that she gets in her car and drives away, leaving me standing on the sidewalk wondering how the hell I ended up agreeing to go to dinner. The next thought that comes into my head is what in the fuck is Kennedy going to say when I turn up on her doorstep tomorrow night.
I walk back to the store and make quick work of grabbing some much-needed groceries. At the checkout, a flyer pinned to the notice board catches my attention. The name is familiar too, Titan Industries.
“Darn grubby developers back for another go at the next town,” Frank tells me having spotted where my attention went as he scans my shopping. “Maybe they’ll do better than they did here.” I nod along, agreeing with him.”
Frankand his wife Alice have lived here all their lives and seen plenty of changes. If you ever want the history of Silverbell, look no further.
I make a mental note of the address and load the last few items into a bag.
“I’m sure there’ll be someone interested in a quick buck or two,” I say, taking some cash from my wallet and handing it to him.
“No doubt but be sure to keep your money in your pocket.”
“Don’t worry, Frank, I’ve no intention of giving them a cent.”
“I hear Miss Scott is back in town. That’ll have some tongues wagging, especially with the timing of this new development in Tungsten Bay,” Franks says, watching my reaction. The man is shrewd and doesn’t miss much.
“Looks like they already are, Frank.” I pick up my bags and head out to my car.
Back at home, I unpack the groceries, go for a run, then have a shower and do some research into Titan Industries. It makes for some interesting reading, and I decide to take a drive out to Tungsten Bay tomorrow and check out the site.
ChapterFive
I’m moping, I know I am, but since I saw Asher, I haven’t been able to think past anything else. I wasn’t ready to see him again. I wasn’t ready for this town. My phone vibrates on the bed beside me, Charlie’s name flashing across the screen. I let it ring out, but as soon as it stops, it starts again. I know she’s not going to give up, so I answer.
“About time, girl. You were meant to call me when you got there not leave me hanging for days.”
“Hey, Charlie, I’m here,” I say with a soft laugh.
“Talk to me, Kenz.”
I swallow down the lump in my throat at hearing my friend’s voice. I miss her. It’s only been a few days, but Charlie has been my rock for the last three years.
“I’m good.”
“Well, that’s the biggest load of bullshit I’ve ever heard. Wanna try again with the truth this time.”
Her blunt, no-nonsense attitude brings a genuine smile to my face. It’s how she wormed her way into my life and stayed there.
“Fine, I’m a mess. Is that better? And while we’re on the honesty train, I don’t think I can do this, Charlie.”
