AllFreeNovel
Share Us
THIRTEEN
Lucy walked across the street toward the health food store and decided it wasn’t the Mondiest Monday in recorded history. It was a beautiful spring day with nature putting on quite a show. Reveling in positivity, she pushed the screen door open and strolled into her mother’s domain. “Morning, Mama.”
“Good morning, sunshine.” Holding up a handful of vegetables, she laughed. “It’s that time of year again.”
“Oh, my.” Lucy looked into the crate and let out a laugh. “Dee outdid herself this year.”
“I know, and the woman is clearly upping her game.” She held up a carrot. “Have you ever seen a cuter wee weenie carrot?”
Lucy lifted it out of her mom’s hands. “This is delightfully naughty and gives me all kinds of ideas for the kind of lewd vegetable display I can create.”
“I’m never one to thwart my children’s creativity, but I do ask that you put this one toward the back.” She picked up a potato and rolled her lips together. “If this one lands in the center, we could incite protests and riots.”
Lucy studied the spud that resembled a well-formed male member. “Perhaps, we should run a contest for the best potato salad recipe with this beauty as the prize.”
“Brilliant!”
She picked up a pepper and blinked twice. “This peppery porn takes vegetable naughtiness to a whole new level.”
“Naughty veg. Naughty veg.”
“The bird is finally getting things right,” Lucy commented as she placed the wayward peppers back in the box. “I’ll do the windows tomorrow.”
“That will be lovely.” Elaine kissed her daughter’s cheek. “I’m fortunate to have such a brilliant window designer.”
“I hope you still feel that way when half the town complains and the other half applauds my creative vision for all these gorgeous vegetables.”
Elaine picked up the box and carried it behind the lunch counter. “So many people look forward to it, and those who don’t are not our concern.”
“I couldn’t agree more and think celebrating bawdy vegetables is the perfect way to embrace new beginnings.”
“Speaking of new beginnings, how are things going with Linc?”
Lucy fussed with the tower of protein bottles. “I’m assuming that’s rhetorical since you and most of the town saw us dancing cheek to cheek at the fair yesterday.”
“Being physically attracted to someone doesn’t mean the other parts of the relationship work, and I’m simply checking in to see how you’re feeling.”
“I’m optimistic.” She leaned against a shelf and let out a sigh. “Which is something that I’m not all that comfortable with since my most recent experiences have been fraught with uncomfortable lessons.”
“That’s understandable, but please don’t let life scare the love out of you.”
“I’m trying, Mom.” She wandered over to the cash register and started rearranging the pens. “I’m concerned that the flying wrench that recently arrived in town will prove to be formidable.” She tested several of the pens on a piece of scratch paper and threw away three that didn’t work. “I’d rather hype women up than scrap with them over a man’s affection.”
“I agree.” Elaine ran her hand over the counter and looked out the window. “Perhaps you should make an overture. I noticed Julie looked forlorn at the May Day festivities and believe she could use a friend.”
“I think you’re right, Mom.” She twisted her hair into a knot. “I heard that she’s a fan of true crime; maybe I can put a box of books together and take them over tomorrow.”
“That’s a lovely idea.”
“Nice Lucy. Nice Lucy.”
She threw up her hands. “The bird had a breakthrough.”
“Too shiny. Too shiny.”
Lucy strolled over to the cage. “Too much bling does not exist.” She smiled at her mom. “I’m going to frame a tiny picture of Dolly and put it in his cage, so he can begin to understand what true style looks like.”
“I knew you two would become friends,” Elaine commented as the screen door scraped open.
