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Her finger slid down the list, stopping on number eight:
8) Visit an old friend.
Jared flashed through her mind. That one didn't seem likely to happen. Avoiding Jared was probably best for both of them.
Three weeks in a small town…How hard could it be?
Besides, she had someone else in mind.
Five
Jared opened the doors to Foam Capped Java a little after ten, the bells above jingling over the hum of the crowded coffee shop. While he really wanted to go home and get some sleep, he’d promised to help his mom do some Christmas shopping this morning. At least he had tonight off to recuperate.
He spotted his mom in line and walked up, sliding an arm around her shoulders to give her a hug. She turned her head and her round face split into a broad grin.
“Sorry I’m late.”
“That’s okay. I just got here a few minutes ago myself.” She waved her hand towards the line. “They’re hopping today.”
“Always are on Saturday mornings. Where’s Casey?”
“Mike is keeping him busy. He finally has his strength back, so he’s catching up on log reindeer and snowmen orders. You know how your dad loves to create things.”
Jared frowned. "He shouldn't be lifting anything. Are you sure Casey will actually help and not just sit around like a lazy little shit?”
She poked his side. “Hey, now. Watch your mouth. I know you two aren’t on the best of terms, but Casey processes grief differently that you or me. Mike retired right before social services placed him with us and they're very close. It was hard for him when Mike got sick, especially after losing his mom. I’m not saying I condone his behavior, but he’s a good boy. We just need to be patient.”
Jared released a deep breath. “I know the kids had it rough, but he called Mr. Salvatore an asshole.”
“Which we’ll deal with.” She pinned him with a pointed look. “If you’d told me about the trouble to begin with, we could've handled this sooner.”
“I didn’t want to add to your stress.”
Karen gave him a hug. “I’m a parent, sweetheart. It’s all stress. I worry about you constantly.”
“Why?”
“Your work. Snowy Springs may be small, but I’m still concerned you’ll pull over the wrong car one night.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Your love life is also concerning...all the girls you’re dating.” His mom clucked her tongue disapprovingly. “You should really find a nice girl and not do all this bed hopping.”
Jared groaned. “I’m not hopping anywhere and besides, I’m twenty-seven. I’m supposed to take my time and see what’s out there and not have my mom chiding me for it.”
“Well, I go to church with the mothers of those women you’re seeing.”
The line finally moved and he took a step forward. “What does that mean?”
“It means, I hear about whose heart you’re breaking.”
“For the love of…I’m not breaking hearts. I go out with a girl to see if we click and if we don’t, I move on.” Jared shook his head at the absurdity. “I need to get out of this town. People can’t seem to mind their own business.”
“Oh, stop being so dramatic. You’re quite the catch. Any girl would be devastated to lose you.”
They reached the counter and Olive Waters greeted them with a sunny smile. “Hi, Karen. Jared. What can I do you for?”
“Hi, Olive. You wanna go out with my son? He’s still single.”
