Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
Ryan
There was a time that I dreaded mornings. As a struggling musician, I worked the bar circuit for a few years, taking any gig available. Most days I crawled into bed as the sun rose. My morning coffee was more like mid-afternoon coffee. Even after I found success so playing for a room full of drunks wasn’t necessary, I still found myself as more of a night owl. I wrote my first number one single sitting in an old camp chair on the balcony of our apartment while everyone else in the complex slept.
While Katie appreciated my night owl tendencies after Pepper was born, I loved the one-on-one time with our daughter. And, while she may not know it, we shared some of our best conversations in those early morning hours. It wasn’t until she transitioned from infant to toddler that things changed. I could no longer sleep the morning away. There was a sticky and demanding little girl who wanted my attention.
At some point, I became a morning person. Or at least an adult who recognizes the need to have my shit together by the time my little girl demands breakfast. Like me, Pepper takes a little time to fully wake. Currently, we’re sitting at the kitchen island, her head resting on that haggard stuffed bunny while her eyes flutter half open between yawns. Me? I’m staring into my coffee cup like it holds all the answers to life’s problems.
Or at least my problem of still not having Laney’s number. And being exhausted. I slept for shit. After gathering Pepper and her things in my arms, I said a quiet goodbye and crossed the yard to our house. Part of me wanted to sneak over to give Laney a proper goodnight kiss but not only could I not leave my daughter alone, her house was dark as the night telling me she went to bed.
Did she lay awake reliving our night?
Memories of the moment her eyes fluttered closed and her hands slipped around my neck will stay etched in my mind for eternity. The quiet hum that escaped as I pulled her flush to my body, a sound I’ll never forget. But beyond that it’s the ghost of her touch on my cheek. Her hand, gentle as she seemed to relish in the feel of my beard on her smooth palm. Kissing my neighbor was never in my holiday plan but then again, I didn’t know women like Laney Whitfield existed.
Pepper begins to stir; her eyes open wide as she wiggles in the seat and loosens her grip of her stuffed bunny. Something blue out the front window catches my eye, and I take a few steps to look outside just as Laney’s car turns out of her driveway and down the road. So much for her losing sleep. I’m standing in my sleep pants watching my child come out of her sleepy fog and Laney is out and about.
Sighing in resignation, I turn to the coffee pot and top off my cup. I suppose there are other priorities to get to today. Namely making our way across town to Mimi’s Gasoline Grove. I’m still not sold on the idea of fried catfish and sweet tea from a gas station but if Mattie says this is what needs to be done, I’ll give it the old college try. Later. Right now, it’s breakfast and maybe some cleaning.
“Daddy?”
Keeping my expression even, a small smile on my face as I step toward the island.
“Yeah, baby?”
“I’m staaarrving!”
Laughing at the theatrics, I nod and move to the fridge, pulling eggs and sausage links from the shelf. “I’ll get started on breakfast. Why don’t you run to your room and make sure all the dirty clothes are in your basket. Can you do that for me?”
Nodding her head, little curls flying every which way, Pepper slides off the stool and runs to her room. I close my eyes and savor the sounds of her singing from the other room. Katie, she’s coming back to me. Thank you for guiding her.
A few hours of breakfast, showers, and housekeeping pass quickly and I decide before we take on the gossip ladies of Magnolia Grove at the gas station, a walk down the street is a good idea. Is it possible I’m using this as an excuse to walk past Laney’s house? Maybe. Plus, I’m still not convinced going into town with the sole purpose of outing myself is the best plan of action.
We make it down the driveway and begin our trek down Magnolia Lane when a man calls out from across the street. Instinctively I pull the bill of my hat down and step so that Pepper is behind me, her attention on a dandelion in Laney’s yard.
“Hey there. I’ve meant to stop by and introduce myself, but life’s been a little crazy,” he says in greeting. My face is impassive as I accept his handshake. “Name’s Boone West. I live just over there.”
I follow his motion across the street. “Nice to meet you. I hear you’re on the rodeo circuit.”
Boone hangs his head and chuckles. “Retired. From riding at least. So, I hear you’re heading over to Mimi’s today.”
My eyes must give away my surprise because he barks out a laugh. “No, I’m not part of the gossip train. I talked to Mattie this morning and he mentioned y’all had talked.”
Relief rushes through my veins. “I gotta say, you had me worried about how quickly word spreads in this town.”
“Oh, that’s still very true.”
We both laugh and engage in a little small talk about his recent injury and a few mutual acquaintances we share. The connection between country music and the professional rodeo circuit isn’t necessarily direct but it’s there, nonetheless. A tug at my shorts pulls my attention and I look down. Pepper looks less than impressed to be standing only a few feet from our house when we should be exploring the neighborhood.
“Well, hello there, little one.”
Bending down, I scoop Pepper into my arms and introduce her to Boone. “Boone, this is my daughter, Pepper. Pep can you say hello to Mr. West?”
Internally I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that her chatter from earlier will continue. Instead, she only smiles. Not to be deterred, Boone holds out his fist for a bump. To my surprise, Pepper complies and then giggles, her glasses slipping a little in the progress.
“I won’t keep you any longer, let you get on with your walk. Just wanted to introduce myself. Plus, my fiancée, Dolly, owns and runs Magnolia Mart. She’ll let Laney know if she hears any chatter about your secret getting out.”
I thank Boone and when he makes it back onto his property, I look down at Pepper. “What do you say we go to town instead of a walk?”
Her eyes widen and she whispers, “Can we see Laney?”
“We’ll see. I think we need to see some ladies about a little fried catfish first.”
Horror crosses her face, and I can’t hold back the chuckle. “No, honey, not a cat and fish, it’s... you know what, never mind. We’ll just get some lemonade. How’s that?”
I can tell by her face that she’s not buying my pivot but how the hell am I going to explain what catfish is to a five-year-old without her thinking I’m feeding her someone’s pet?
Now, I’ve never actually been in a café set inside a gas station before, but I can’t imagine any other is as nice as this one. Mimi’s Gasoline Grove isn’t like a convenience store where you grab a bottled power drink and pack of gum while your tank fills. From the outside, it’s just a regular old-school station with a clerk rushing out to pump the gas and clean the windshields for the customers. Inside it’s clean and smells of fresh cut flowers with a hint of oil from the fryers. Two older women are sitting across from one another in a booth, each with a pair of knitting needles of some sort in their hands. A younger woman with red hair piled on her head smiles as we walk in, the bell above the door chiming at our entrance.
“Hi there. You must be Ryan and Pepper.”
What is it with this town and them having me questioning my life choices? Pepper smiles and steps up to the woman, her fist extended like Boone did just a bit ago. Laughing, the woman bends down and taps her fist.
“I’m Honey. Well, Harper but nobody calls me that. My grandparents own this place and Laney is one of my best friends. She called me last night and told me to expect y’all today. Well, so did Emma. And Mattie. My phone had a text from Dolly a few minutes ago so I’m guessing she and Boone know you were heading over too.”
Again, my eyes must give me away because she giggles. “It sounds bad even to my ears. Laney also mentioned she warned you about Mimi and Mrs. Jinny. Between the two of them and Ms. Linda, you’ll be right as rain with the town.”
I realize I haven’t spoken yet, so I extend my hand. “Ryan Miller. It’s great to meet you. I’m not typically this tongue-tied, but I’m not quite used to people who aren’t being paid to take my photo knowing my comings and goings.”
“That must be awful. I mean, I’ve dealt with my share of gossip in this town in the past and hated every minute of it. Then, I went and became a preacher’s wife and brought it all back on myself. Such is life, I guess. Anyway, let me introduce you to Mimi and my mother-in-law. Can I grab you some sweet tea? Maybe a cookie?”
The last offering is directed at Pepper who nods her head vigorously, curls flipping all about. “How would you like to come to the back with me to help?”
My mouth opens to make excuses for my daughter when she surprises me once again, taking Honey’s hand and letting her lead the way through two swinging doors. Left alone, I step toward the two women who have abandoned their craft and turned their attention my direction.
“Don’t just hover, Mr. Miller. Come on over here and take a seat.”
At this point I shouldn’t be surprised that they know who I am. “My apologies. I’m still not used to people greeting me by name when I’ve not met them.”
The women exchange a look then laugh. “Darlin’ you came here to talk to us and Honey just greeted you by name. Plus, you let your little one go with her. I doubt a man who is concerned about his privacy would do that unless he knew this was a safe place. Now come on and take a seat and let’s put your mind at ease.”
I’d be a very stupid man to argue with that logic. Instead of trying to not crowd either lady in their side of the booth, I grab a chair from a table and sit at the end, giving the women my full attention. Considering the interactions I’ve had with multiple people in town over the last two days, and how easily they have agreed to help keep us in town, I shouldn’t be surprised when both Mimi, as she demanded I call her, and Mrs. Jinny have already come up with a few ways to ensure my identity isn’t leaked to the public.
“I don’t mean to be disrespectful or question your ideas, but how is our attending all of the Holly Jolly Jubilee events going to help keep a low profile?”
Mrs. Jinny sighs, “Ryan, people will whisper, there’s no way around that. Two kids know you’re here and while they’ve promised to keep their lips sealed, we can only trust teenagers so much. But, if word were to get out, the assumption would be you’re hiding out in that big house not out and about town.”
“She’s right. People miss things happening right under their noses all the time,” Mimi says while giving Honey a pointed look.
Honey rolls her eyes. “I was in denial about JD. You can’t hold that over my head forever. We’re married now, Mimi.”
“Well child, it took you long enough to admit you loved the man. But we’re talking to Ryan here. Mind your business.” We all laugh. “Ryan, you’ve brought that baby here for a fun holiday season. Come to the opening ceremony tomorrow night. You’ll see that it’s all going to be fine. The activities are spread out over the next two weeks. I’m not suggesting you participate in everything. Just give it a shot.”
“I’ll think about it,” I promise. Once Pepper finishes her second cookie, we say our goodbyes, the older women fussing over my girl’s curls and pink glasses while I linger at the door with Honey.
The woman bumps me with her shoulder, eyes bright with mischief. “You know, I’m an excellent babysitter if you’d like to take Laney for a hot chocolate or a little something else tomorrow.”
“Umm . . .”
Pepper’s footsteps clue us in to her approach. Before I can say anything further, Honey says. “Laney is one of the best people I know. She has a huge heart. Please don’t break it.”
With those parting words, Honey steps outside and greets a customer at the pump. I wave my goodbye to the women who have given me a lot to think on before stepping outside and crossing the lot to my truck, Honey’s words swirling as I drive us home.