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She’s almost said Marnie’s name and then thought twice.
“They’re all more interested in jet setting and chasing the high of the story, Ma. There’s no way a woman like Henrietta would be happy living in Chance Rapids, covering the winners of the dahlia contest at the fall fair.”
Mom went to top up my coffee, but I held my hand over the mug. “If I have any more coffee today, I’m going to jitter the Bronco off the road. “I stood and left a five-dollar bill on the table. “I just came in to tell you the good news. Now. Where’s dad?”
Mom took the five and folded it into my chest pocket. “He’s dealing with Henri’s car.”
“Henri’s car?” I screwed up my forehead. “I thought it was gone.”
Mom shrugged. “Talk to your father. I think it needs a part or something.”
Her eyes lit up as the bell over the door tinkled. “Well, speak of the devil. You can find out the details for yourself.”
“Henri,” my mom gestured a wild come over here motion with her whole arm. “There’s a free table here.”
“Mom…” I hissed under my breath.
“Jack is looking for an update on your car.”
To my surprise, Henri flopped into the booth opposite me, squishing in a giant duffel bag along with the backpack I recognized from the farmhouse.
“Coffee?”
Henri shook her head. “I think I’m going to stay away from coffee for the rest of the day. There are too many innocent bystanders in here.”
My mom knitted her brow.
“But…” Henri sighed. “Could I get a local’s coffee – hold the coffee?”
It wasn’t even noon. Mom gave Henri a conspiratorial wink and poured a couple of glugs into her mug. “I’ll leave you two to…catch up.”
My mom seemed flustered and hustled away from the table to keep pushing caffeine on the patrons.
“What’s the deal with your car?” I felt obligated to ask.
“Your father has to order a part, it’s coming from a place called Wind Goose or something.”
“Windswan.” I chuckled. “That’s not too far.”
“Yeah, he said that it should be here later this afternoon.”
That meant that she was without a car for the majority of the day. I could feel my mom’s eyes boring into the back of my head. “Do you need a car? You could borrow mine for the day. The only thing on my agenda is getting into some dry clothes.”
Her cheeks turned the same color red as the stripes on her mittens. I wasn’t sure if it was the straight whiskey or straight embarrassment. “Don’t you need it?” she asked. “Never mind.” She held up her hand. “I’ve already imposed way too much on you and your family. I can do most of my research on foot today.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” She nodded. “And I wouldn’t want to keep you from getting out of those pants. I mean, I want you to get out of those pants…”
She clapped her hand over her mouth and I couldn’t help but laugh. It was such a childish and sweet gesture, that didn’t seem to fit with her rough and tumble I wear all black persona. “I’m going to stop talking now.”
When Henri smiled, her eyes lit up and her entire face changed. It went from hard and angular, with eyes that seemed to be searching for something deeper, to dimpled with eyes that hinted of mischief, rather than suspicion. And that smile warmed my heart.
“That’s a good idea. I don’t need you verbally undressing me in front of my dad’s buddies.”
Henri’s cheeks flushed even redder. “No, I guess that wouldn’t be appropriate.”
“Are you kidding? These old codgers? It would be the highlight of their year to misinterpret what you’re saying.”
