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“Raven, good to see you.” Camp Watson raised a hand in greeting as Raven stepped through the glass door of the hardware store. He bought the store off the previous owners, Libby Sue and Bogart, after they found themselves in some hot water not too long ago. “Can I help you with anything?”
“Just grabbing some brushes and paint.” He strolled down the appropriate aisle, grabbed what he needed, and unloaded them on the counter.
“What color you wanting?” Camp asked.
“Red.”
“Simple enough. It’ll only take me a couple of minutes to mix the paint for you. How are things out at Ryde Hard?”
“Busy as usual.” While Raven waited he stepped over to the window to look out where he left the visitor on the sidewalk. She hadn’t made it very far before the librarian caught her. He wasn’t sure what to make of the city girl. Sobbing one minute and fine the next. He couldn’t judge her though. Here lately he’d been reeling too. Sleep had been evasive because the image of Dean laying in the grass surrounded by twisted metal from the car explosion played in his head on a constant loop.
It had dawned on him that he didn’t ask her name. Hell, the way things were with Bonnie in the hospital the lady would be his responsibility. He could easily drop her off at the Bonner’s Farm and wash his hands of the entire ordeal, but he’d taken the charge upon himself to do some improvements around the place to help. That didn’t include playing tour guide to some rich woman who wore ugly shoes, yet the niggling thought in the back of his mind warned him he was stuck.
A smile turned the corners of her lips making her look much younger, almost youthful. He’d never been good at guessing someone’s age, but she couldn’t be older than him. He almost felt a sense of comradery when she’d burst into tears because he’d been on edge lately himself.
“Paint’s ready, Raven,” Camp said.
He left the window, plunked down a few bills and some change while Camp packed the brushes into a brown paper bag. “How are things, buddy? I saw Ophelia at the hospital when I was there with Dean. She said something about Jamie getting hurt.”
Camp shook his head. “I wish I knew what the hell was going through that kid’s head. Ophelia and I both agree now that he’s nineteen he needs to show some responsibility. He got fired from the Mill.”
The kid had played a season of little league baseball and Raven was coach. Jamie was quiet and stayed to himself because he seemed to have a difficult time making friends. “If he needs a job, I can find something for him to do out at Ryde Hard. If he doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty.”
“Thanks. That might do him some good. Get himself on the right path. He has too much time on his hands.” Camp pushed the bag across the counter and handed Raven his change which he dropped into the penny jar.
Scooping up the bag under one arm, Raven whistled for Chow and stepped outside. The day was going to be a scorcher. Sweat already beaded on his temples.
He spotted the city lady, with a large bag in hand, going into the diner so he hurried to the truck, put the bag in the back, and called for Chow to follow him down the sidewalk. “Stay,” he told the dog who obediently sat down near an outside table, and Raven stepped inside the restaurant.
“I realize that I need to call you something other than city lady,” he said behind her in the order line.
She whirled and when she saw him a glimpse of a smile curved her lips. Her pale blonde hair had been let down from the hair tie and floated around her shoulders in bouncy waves. She’d changed out of his shirt and the black skirt into a pretty sundress that brought out the color of her light blue eyes. “Parker Manley.”
They had more than a few gazes on them as people watched their exchange. “I see you found a few things.” He journeyed his gaze downward to the sandals that were only a splinter more practical than the heels. “Please tell me there are some boots in that bag.”
“Yes, and a few more things. I couldn’t help but splurge considering these items would be three times more expensive in the city. Where’s Chow?” She looked behind him.
“Outside.”
She blinked. “Will he stay put?”
“I guess we’ll find out.” When her eyes widened slightly, he grinned. “Yes, he’ll be fine.”
“Are you in here to babysit me?”
“No, but I thought I might buy you a coffee to make up for your espresso bath earlier.”
“Who’s next?” Stacy asked from behind the counter. She caught a glance of Raven and a some of her frustration disappeared. “Mornin’, Raven. Are you two together?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“No,” Parker answered at the same time.
The brunette looked from each of them, her smile slipping some as if they were making her job more difficult than it needed to be. “Whatever floats your boat I suppose. You staying or taking?” She topped off a few coffee cups at the counter.
“Taking,” Parker quickly replied.
Stacy set the carafe on the warming plate. “Well, honey, what can I get you?”
