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How about the weekend of the Fourth?
Sorry, I can’t. Steve and I have plans. ??
Seriously, you are still keeping this going? I thought if he didn’t drop to the knee by April, you were outta there?
IDK, there are some things he is fantastic at. Plus I’m too young to get married.
Seriously shallow.
If you’d find me a mountain man, I’d be a little more motivated.
I’ll try my best. TTYL.
K. ??
I quickly scan the weather app that says the sun will deliver another scorcher today. From my bureau drawer, I select a royal blue V-neck tank top and blue jean cutoffs, paired with some cute sandals. I toss my sleep shorts and tank on the bed and dress for the day, tying my Meriden Shores hoodie around my waist because the market is an icebox.
I grab my belt bag and double-check the contents are zipped up. I learned my lesson yesterday; my cards need to stay out of the mud. I double-step the long staircase, reach the driveway, and notice the steam burning off the mountains. This is the kind of day I yearned for as a kid. Hot and sticky so I could sit by the lake, legs hanging out of a plastic tube, ankles crossed on the swim line, and a book balanced on my lap. Even though I’m adulting these days, I need to make time for that. I’ll get to the swim line later once I handle my grown-up to-do list.
After the market, my next stop is the hardware store. I need to fix a few of the deck boards. Therefore, a hammer, nails, sandpaper, and a drill are on my list. Driving into town, I notice the locals getting their morning steps in, going to work, picking up supplies for the day, or heading into Billy’s for breakfast.
Approaching Raubuchon Hardware, I’m surprised by how busy it is. The parking lot looks almost at capacity, and customers flood in and out. Taking the only open spot in the back row, I slide out of my truck and head in.
I scan the aisles looking for the various items on my list as well as the man from yesterday. As I squeeze through the crowds, everyone is as friendly as I expected. People don’t ignore each other around here. If you make eye contact with someone, you say hello or ask how they’re doing. That’s the way it is in small towns.
It takes me ten minutes to locate everything I need and then I head to check out.
Eyeing which register looks the least busy, I spot the older gentleman who welcomed me to town yesterday. He tucks his maroon T-shirt bearing the store’s logo into baggy jeans held up by navy suspenders and then heads to register three to bag supplies. I remember the fluffy gray mop of hair. This has to be Gerry, the man who so thoughtfully gave Jackson my address so he could return my card.Who the hell is this guy?
“You’re back, young lady?” Gerry takes my items one by one and places them in a large paper bag.
“Sure am. By the way, a man named Jackson returned something that belonged to me yesterday. He mentioned you told him where to find me. As I’m sure you’d expect, I’m more than concerned. I didn’t think I’d ever seen you before yesterday, so how is it you know my name and where I live, and why are you giving random men directions to my house?” I don’t care if I sound aggressive. Gerry’s facial muscles transition from slack to taut, and he appears slightly terrified when I finish speaking.
“Well, dear, I can certainly imagine that you’re finding this situation a little strange. I hope I didn’t cause you any alarm. At my age, sometimes we don’t think through what we say before we say it. Plus, Jackson is as good as they come. He’s family to me, and when I say you can trust him, you have my word on that.”
He takes hold of one of my bags and walks toward the exit. I grab the rest and follow him. Just before walking out of the store, he pulls a flyer off the bulletin board that hangs to the right of the doors.
Once outside, I walk a few steps in front of him and lead him to my truck. As he places the bags into the back, I thank him, and he takes a gigantic sigh. “I blew my cover, Solia. I’ve been ringing out your father at these registers for more summers than I can count, though I haven’t seen you since you were this tall.” He puts his hand out, indicating waist high. “I’m thinking you had better places to be than the hardware store with your pops. Upon agreeing to the deal with the cabin, your father called me. I knew it was you the minute you appeared. I can spot an Anderson when I see one. I wasn’t supposed to mention it to you. They asked me to keep a close eye on you. Your old man wants to make sure his little girl has someone looking out for her.”
Gerry’s expression pleads for forgiveness. “My name’s Gerry, but I’m guessing Jackson already told you?” He politely shakes my hand while giving me a wide smile that reminds me of my grandfather. I miss that smile. Seeing Gerry’s makes me happy.
The puzzle pieces match up. Of course, my father would reach out to an old friend from Meriden to keep tabs on me; his worry is understandable. He’s stated many times that although he loves me, he doubts I’m tough enough to brave the elements in these parts. Having his daughter alone in the woods without a friend nearby keeps him up at night.
“Don’t worry, Gerry, your secret is under lock and key. I appreciate you looking out for me. I can always use a friend around here.”
“Solia, I appreciate that. Do you have a pen in that truck of yours?”
Opening the driver’s side door, I find one.
“I’m going to write the store number on the back of this flyer here. You can put it on your fridge and call me anytime you need anything.” He hands me the page.
“Sounds great. You are my first official friend here in Meriden. Though I assume this hardware store isn’t open twenty-four hours a day.”
“Correct, but when the store closes, calls get rerouted to my home. So, you always have a direct line to me, young lady.” He smiles and tucks his thumbs behind his suspenders.
“Thanks again. How did you end up as the hardware store’s twenty-four-hour customer service representative?” There must be younger, more energetic workers better suited for this role. I mean, Gerry has to be pushing eighty.
“Oh, dear, I own this joint. There is no one more in charge than me.”
