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“I wouldn’t invite them either. It’s supposed to be a party to celebrate your happiness, not for my dad to badger you about selling your property or my mom talking about how proud she is about her Hollywood son. I get it. I love Mom and Dad, but it is kind of required since they are my parents. That doesn’t mean I agree with how they act in public or how they look down on everyone. We’ll invite people that want to celebrate your new addition to your family. Are you inviting Hawkins?” I know that Hawkins isn’t Botie’s favorite person. I would have already shot the man, but that’s me. Steal my fiancée and you are disowned. I am funny that way. I can hold a mean grudge, but I know it isn’t in Botie to hate his brother, and I know Lyric would just try to fix the situation if Botie did hate Hawkins.
“Dad sent Hawkins to San Antonio to pick up some things for the ranch, and he is staying over to meet with an attorney on how to rid himself of Talia now that they have gone their separate ways.” Botie doesn’t sound too disappointed.
“Good timing,” I say without thinking.
“That’s why I want this done tonight and not wait until this weekend,” Botie says, letting me know I was right about Botie still not wanting his brother back into his life so fast. His parents may forgive Hawkins, but Botie will never let his guard down again where his brother is concerned.
“Let’s get some grub. Some of us have been at work since six this morning,” I gripe with a smile on my face.
“Alright already, let’s feed you so you will stop whining. When did you become such a whiner?” Botie comes right back.
“About the same time that you decided staying in bed with your woman is better than helping with the work on our joint fencing. When did you become such a job shirker? I believe when I wanted to stay all night partying, you used to tell me to suck it up and live up to my responsibilities.” The tables have turned.
“About the same time that I learned I needed to stop and smell the roses in life. Isn’t that what you were always trying to tell me?”
I laugh.
“Now you decide to listen to me. It only took thirty-two years.” I shake my head.
“Better late than never. Last one to the diner pays.” Botie turns for his truck.
“No doing, mister. You pay. I showed up for work on time.” I reach for the door handle of my truck.
“Fine, I’ll pay. You cook the burgers for tonight.”
I think about it for a minute. That’s better than having to talk to the ladies from church.
“Deal. You keep the bible thumpers company.” I laugh.
“Damn, fine. Let’s get some food.” Botie knows he got the short end of that deal.
Chapter Three
Kelly
After my little pep talk this morning with myself and taking a long shower, I decided if nothing else today, I was going into town to grocery shop and get a bite to eat at the little diner. For once in my life, I don’t need to worry about how I spend my money. Okay, I don’t need to count every single penny.
At my first location that I was put, I was able to take some graphic design classes online. Not tooting my own horn, but I am fairly good at it. I’ve never been good at anything, but graphic design comes easy to me. I have started my own business online and that way no one I work with ever sees me, they just see my logo and business name. I carry my client list with me wherever I go. I try to stick to small businesses right now to stay below the radar of anyone, and every time I have had to change my name, I just say I added another designer. It’s worked so far; I just hope it holds up in the future. When this is finally over, I hope I can go back to school and add to my skills.
It doesn’t take me long to get the non-perishables I need at the local store. I smile and I am as friendly as I can be. I even hold a short conversation with the female checker. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. It’s more of a conversation than I have had since I moved to this small town.
Next stop was the local library where I got my first library card. I’m not a big reader, but if I am going to make my own repairs on the house I am living in; I need to do it right. Do-it-yourself section, here I come. Their selection is small, but I find the books I need. I also pick up a book on gardening. It’s never been my thing—growing things to eat or just some pretty flowers for the flower garden out in front of my house. It’s too early to plant now during the winter, but it’s time to plan ahead.
The next stop is the only other store in this small town. They call it a hardware store, but I have noticed they stock a lot of houseware items. I think if I am going to find a small Christmas tree then this is the place to go. I walk in the front door and I see the older man at the cash register eyeing me. I start looking things over on the front display.
“I don’t know you. Are you a stranger in town or are you just in my store to steal stuff because I can tell you, I have a shotgun behind the counter that stops people like that?”
I look at the older man. Is he senile or something? I ask myself; how would Kim handle this situation? Hmm.
“I am a stranger to you. Forgive me, I’ve never introduced myself before. I’m Kelly. I rented Mrs. Lamb’s farmhouse out past the church,” I tell the man calmly.
“I’m Nick Stiles and I own this place. Are you running from something or are you dying? Related to anyone around here?”
I look at the man with a sideways glance.
“Not running from anyone, not dying, and no, I’m not related to anyone around here. Do you always ask a bunch of personal questions when you first meet someone?” I ask the man in a polite tone.
“I like to know who is in my store and in our small town. If you know people, then they aren’t strangers. Next time I won’t ask so many questions. It’s better for me to ask the questions than having the old biddies around here make things up about you. Dear, if they have seen you and don’t know you, they will make up things so they have something to gossip about at their little get-togethers or in church.” Nick turns and walks back behind the cash register and sits in his chair. I follow behind him but lean on the counter.
