AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Seeing Solia this morning set a fire inside me that needs to be tamed. She is invading my every thought. Flashbacks of her legs wrapped around my waist, her soft lips melding into mine, are driving me wild.
Back at my condo, I change into my black swim trunks and a clean white T-shirt. I already packed my black hiking bag with a couple beach towels and a change of clothes. I preordered from the store, thinking I could swing by my grandparents’, check on them, and get lunch. Despite hearing Shannon’s voice echoing in my head, “They’re fine, I’ll handle the weekends this summer. You go have a life and enjoy it,”she’s made it transparent I don’tneedto check on them—I want to.
Since school is out for summer, Shannon has time to herself. She needs it. I would lose my mind dealing with twenty-eight second graders daily, but Shannon seems to enjoy it. Dedication is one thing, but she has never-ending patience. Instead of isolating herself on an island for a month, she steps up for the family. Our grandparents are aging; it’s a reality the two of us can’t avoid. She loves Earl and Sylvia and wants to spend as much time with them as possible.
I enjoy seeing more of Shannon in the summer, but she doesn’t hide the fact she wants me to date again. Seeing me at my worst has strengthened our bond, and she’s managed to keep me afloat.
We didn’t always gel growing up, but since our parents embarked on their new adventure in New York, we’ve been forced to rely on each other. She has her life, and I have mine, but having her right around the corner puts my mind at ease. I don’t think I’ve ever told her that. I should.
Christianson’s Country Store sits on Main Street, diagonal to the laundromat and mechanic shop. My grandparents saw the potential when the old Victorian home went on the market years ago. Back then, my parents were still living in the area. Together, with the help of family and dedicated staff, they turned the house into a store and sandwich shop, and it was a success from the start.
The location is perfect and central to the traffic that flows through the town every summer. Families can easily swing by, order lunch, and head to the lake for the day. Vacationers stop in for local maple syrup, a package of homemade goat soap from Sandy’s farm, or a sandwich to go before heading to the lake or home. We offer a bit of everything, and since I grew up here, the store is a second home.
As I pull into the dirt lot, I spot Shannon’s truck. The store is jamming as usual for a summer Saturday morning.
I greet Ted, who works the front register each day, and his wife, Alison, who helps customers find what they need among the aisles.
“Hey, Alison. Where are the two lovebirds?”
“Their usual spot, of course. Where else?”
Through the aisle and past the wall of refrigerated units filled with local pasteurized and raw milk, eggs, and cheeses, I take a step up, leading me into the sandwich shop where visitors are transported into a cozy farmhouse. There are bookshelves tucked into a few of the alcoves. Antique signs and unique treasures hang from the cathedral ceiling, placed meticulously around the space to allow them to be discovered and enjoyed. Mismatched tables and chairs are scattered around the floor with weathered checkerboards, tic-tac-toe, and chessboards for customers to play while eating their breakfast or lunch inside.
As expected, my grandparents sit at the corner table, each with their signature cup by their side, his black coffee and her green tea. Despite being in the middle of an intense word search, they both look up and flash smiles and call me over to join.
“What are you doing here on a Saturday morning, son? Shannon’s here and has everything covered,” Grandpa Earl shouts louder than necessary, causing people to turn and smile. We need to figure out hearing aids soon.
“I know, I know, Grandpa. I am picking up my lunch order and wanted to see how you both were doing.”
My grandmother throws a sneaky grin in my grandfather’s direction. “Remember, Earl, I told you Jackson ordered two sandwiches to go from—the guy, the man at the counter. He told us this morning. Jackson is supposed to come in around ten thirty to get them. I told you that.” She reaches for my grandfather’s hand and squeezes tight.
“Greg, Sylvia. The man’s name is Greg. And yes, yes, you did. I just forgot for a minute. Did you say two sandwiches?”
With a laugh and a wink my way, my grandmother explains that yes, she said two. “Well, I’ll be damned. Who’s the second one for? What aren’t you telling us, Jackson? You can’t keep a secret in this town for more than a hot minute, so who’s eating the second one?”
I can’t even pretend that my grandfather isn’t correct. I would prefer to keep my life private, but in Meriden, word travels as fast as lightning. “The second one is for Solia, Grandpa. Remember the woman you met at the orchard the other day? The one Gerry had me give a tour of the fields to in my tractor. I’m taking her to Sculptured Falls and if all goes well, dinner.”
“Hot damn, good for you. I’m happy for you, son. You need love in your life. No one knows that better than your grandmother and me. Right, Sylvia?”
“Earl, let the boy be. No use jumping the gun when he just met the girl. You go get your sandwiches and enjoy your day. You deserve it. We’ll be fine here. We already have Shannon and the rest of the crew checking on us more than we need. You show that girl a good time, and you leave your grandpa to me … spouting advice about love on a first date. Jeez, Earl.” Her laugh is contagious. She pats Grandpa’s hand and smiles at me. “Get going, you don’t want to be late. Ladies don’t appreciate tardiness.”
These two are too much, but I don’t take their wisdom for granted. Having them in my life is beyond a blessing. Without them, Shannon, and the rest of this town, I would not have survived losing Trinity.
“Hey, Greg, how’s it going?”
“Busy as ever, but that’s a good thing, right? Where are you headed today?” He hands me a paper bag containing two chicken sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and a little avocado spread, wrapped in foil, along with two bags of chips and two bottles of water. There aren’t many customers who don’t love this sandwich, so I figured I’d be safe in my selection.
“Headed out to Sculptured Falls for the day. Thanks, man.” I walk away, trying to get out of there before someone else grills me.
I wave to Shannon in the kitchen helping Diane with the sandwich assembly. Of course, she’s working. She never stops. Even when she doesn’t have to be here, she finds work to do. I have to tell her to knock it off next time I see her.
Before taking off to Solia’s, I place our lunch into the cooler in the back of my truck. It suddenly dawns on me I forgot ice. I return inside, using the rear staff entrance—it will be quicker, and hopefully, I can go unnoticed.
This door leads to the back of the kitchen where we have three chest freezers. I lift two bags of ice as quietly as I can and move to the door. I almost make it out, but Shannon appears from the other direction. “What am I hearing, Jackson? Date? Spill it.”
“Shannon, I’m going to be late. I’m going out with Solia—you met her at the orchard the other day.”
“Yeah, Grandpa and Grandma already told me. I wanted to see if you’d fess up. I’m thrilled you’re going out. Her energy is infectious.” She gives me a suffocating hug. “Have fun. Call me later.”
