CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE #2
Jessie misunderstood, shooting her hands up in defense. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to suggest you ...”
But her apology fell on deaf ears. Gladys sprang to her feet and paced to the edge of the porch. “You’re onto something,” she exhaled, staring at something Jessie couldn’t see. “That’d be a great way to bring in added revenue, and it wouldn’t cost us much.”
Jessie pulled her phone out again and opened the Notes app.
She jotted down a few ideas before asking, “Do you mind if I do a mock-up of options for the land? I’ll check out some local venues to see what they charge.
I’ll also reach out to City Hall and see what kind of permits we’d need.
I can have a plan ready within a week.” She hesitated, “And maybe we could look at tours or field trips for summer camps? There are so many things that are delicious and ready right off the vine.” She gestured to the tomato juice stain on her T-shirt. “This could be a real experience.”
“You can do all that in a week? And you thought all this up today?” Gladys was skeptical. “I’m definitely giving you daily lunches now.”
Unable to hold back a laugh, Jessie cleared her throat. “I wore a lot of hats in the Peace Corps. Sometimes we had to get creative with space, and other times we needed to watch our pennies. It’ll be nice to put these skills toward something fun and lighthearted.”
Gladys rested her hands on her hips. “Jessie Mays, you’re a miracle worker.”
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Jessie bid farewell to Oinks and the gang and sped back to her momma’s house.
Within fifteen minutes she’d showered, collected Gus, and was en route to Kim’s Creations.
Unsure if Malcolm would be there, she took a little care with her appearance.
Jessie being Jessie, that added care was a swipe of mascara and twisting her hair into a bun at the nape of her neck.
She put on one of her new outfits that Whitney had styled and hoped her new friend would approve.
Fortunately, she didn’t have to wonder long. “Jessie, you’re stunning!” Whitney exclaimed as she slid into the passenger’s seat. Gus woofed and stuck his head in between the seats for a head scratch, which Whitney eagerly gave him.
“Oh, thanks,” Jessie muttered, unfamiliar with folks praising her appearance.
“Wasn’t sure what to expect at the firehouse, and I spent all day in slop.
” She lifted a shoulder, but it belied how pleased she was with her new gig.
She and Gladys really clicked, and she looked forward to going back tomorrow.
Jessie was also eager to go slow, not having to rush every interaction or catalog each memory. She could live in the moment, spend time with people she loved, and find a more permanent corner of the world just for her ... and maybe Oinks.
The thing of it was, Jessie didn’t feel the itch in her heel anymore. She felt a deep burning in her heart for Malcolm, but she wasn’t worried about him going away. She’d find time to tell him her news, and they could decide what that meant for them. Wow, look at her getting all mature ...
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As her car crested the hill at the turn to the fire station, her palms grew slick with sweat. She hadn’t seen Malcolm in nearly a week, and her belly roiled at the thought he wouldn’t be happy to see her. Had he already heard her news? And what would he say?
“Earth to Jessie.” Whitney laughed, flapping a hand in front of her face. “You want to get out of the car, or should we set up shop?”
Jessie blinked, realizing they were parked in front of the entrance. She spied Javi and Trevor’s trucks nearby, as well as Paul’s car. “Uh, yeah.” On shaking legs, she got out. Happy for the distraction of Gus, she took her time getting him on his leash and out onto the gravel lot.
Gus sniffed around him, marking his territory on the front step of the firehouse.
“Real nice, Gussy,” Jessie said, steering him toward the door.
Just when she was about to open it, Whitney covered her hand.
“What’s the matter?” Jessie asked, even more on edge at the sour expression on Whitney’s face.
“I want to let you know,” she said, licking her lips. “I texted Trevor, and Malcolm is here. Is that going to be a problem? You said last night it was complicated.”
Complicated was the understatement of the century, but Jessie rallied. “Look, I really appreciate your concern. But I figured he might be here. This town is only so big, and I can’t hide away forever. If things get uncomfortable, I’ll take Gus for a walk while you hang out with Trev.”
Whitney’s gray eyes softened, and she pulled Jessie in for an awkward one-armed hug. “I know I keep saying it, but I’m so glad to know you, Jessie. I’ve got you, girl.”
Jessie swallowed past the lump in her throat, desperate to get inside and see what awaited her. No matter what, it was comforting that Whitney cared this much. Her fool brother had really won the lottery.
Walking through the firehouse, Jessie waved at some familiar faces from her father’s tenure as chief.
There was George, whom she and Malcolm had gone out with during one of her visits home.
He and his partner had driven to Atlanta and invited the pair for a night on the town.
They’d shared a fancy meal and even gone dancing at a club downtown.
Seeing George now, Jessie felt silly for losing touch.
“Hey, George!” She waved as he closed the distance and wrapped her in a bear hug.
“Jessie, it’s great to see you. Trev didn’t say you were coming over.
” When he pulled back, he playfully swatted her arm.
“Pick a night and come over for dinner. Calvin recently became obsessed with those decorative charcuterie boards, and you need to save me from the calories.” He turned to Whitney and pecked her cheek.
“You, too, Whitney. My sister hasn’t shut up about how you dolled her up at the shop.
Anyone that makes her that happy deserves a couple pounds of Gouda. ”
Both women laughed, charmed by the fireman.
It was the perfect welcome as Jessie prepared to see Malcolm.
While she’d considered what seeing him would be like, she hadn’t planned for the sight that awaited her.
A gorgeous blonde was draped around her ex-boyfriend, the pair laughing at a shared joke.
The woman leaned on Malcolm, who only had his cane with him, their heads nearly touching.
Javi stood beside them, his laughter more forced, expression pinched. He lit up when he saw their trio saunter into the bull pen, Gus already yanking to explore the new space. “Hey, y’all made it!”
Before he could reach them, Trevor bounded out of his office, bee-lining right for Whitney.
“Hey, darlin’.” He greeted his girl with a loud smack on the lips and a few muttered words that caused Whitney to turn redder than her sundress.
Gus, sensing there was more love to go around, sat back on his haunches and barked until Trevor gave him belly rubs.
The commotion drew the attention of Malcolm and the mystery woman, who joined their growing group. Malcolm took his time approaching, his face unreadable. “Who do we have here?” the woman asked, dropping down to pet the hound.
It took Herculean strength, but Jessie did not yank Gus away from her. Although she wasn’t pleased with how much Gus enjoyed the attention. Traitor.
Trevor wrapped his arm around Whitney’s shoulder. “This here is my girl, Whitney.” He pointed at Jessie. “This is my sister, Jessie. And this fella here is Gus.”
“You are too sweet; yes, you are,” the other woman cooed, causing Gus’s tale to thwap against the floor at an alarming rate. Yeah, no treats for Gus...
Javi motioned toward the blonde. “This is Lola; she’s helping us with the calendar. Best photographer in the state.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. Beads of sweat peppered his temples, and Jessie felt pity for the flustered fireman.
Finally, Lola stood to her full height and extended a hand to both women.
Whitney was quick to reach out, pumping her arm a few times and sharing a hello.
Jessie reluctantly threw her hand out, although it was limper than a dead fish.
“Hi,” she muttered, not caring if she looked surly.
Besides, Whitney had enough grace and charm for both of them.
“Are y’all here for the photoshoot? My guy Malcolm and I were getting ready to start.
” She hitched a thumb over her shoulder, and Malcolm’s smile didn’t quite meet his eyes, while Javi flinched at the comment like it caused him physical pain.
Jessie had no idea what to make of this scene, but she felt Javi was her ally.
Javi lamely added, “And me!” He raised his hand like he was waiting on the teacher to call on him in class. “Like I said, Lola’s the best.”
Jessie scrunched her nose. Unable to stop herself, she hazarded a glance to Malcolm. He wore a similar baffled expression, and her heart ached to share one of their private moments. Even a little laughter would nourish her soul.
Malcolm finally caught her eye, blinking as if he’d forgotten she was there. “Hey,” she whispered, inching closer. “How are you feeling?” She gave him a head-to-toe once-over, powerless to stop herself from inventorying his entire body. And not strictly in the medical sense.
He hadn’t shaved in a few days, and his jawline was speckled in dark stubble.
His eyes were bright and clear, proving he was sleeping fine without her.
He was clad in a Pinegrove FD T-shirt, which even after nearly a month out of the gym still hugged his pecs and shoulders.
Instead of his dress uniform pants, he wore cargo shorts in favor of his walking cast. She wanted to pull him close, kiss him senseless, and make sure he was healing—in every sense of the word.
“Fine,” he said, lifting a shoulder. “You?”
Great, a decade together and they were reduced to one-word conversations.
She wanted to filet herself right here in the middle of the firehouse.
Instead, she straightened, ready to share her news about Hog Hollow.
If talk of their favorite spot and her new employment didn’t garner a reaction from the man, she knew she was truly in deep trouble.
Jessie opened her mouth to say something, but Lola interrupted them. “Y’all ready to start?” She brandished her camera, clearly eager to get clicking, regardless of Jessie’s splintered heart.
Everyone headed toward the garage, laughing and talking animatedly like Jessie wasn’t going through a crisis of the heart. Couldn’t they feel the tension? Couldn’t they tell that she was dying inside, desperate for even the smallest hint of the old Malcolm?
Regardless of their relationship status, Malcolm had never been so cold. Sure, he could be surly or ill-tempered, but nothing like this. He’d never flaunt someone in front of her, would never shut her out like this.
Suddenly her plans of staying in Pinegrove seemed as flimsy and useless as a Kleenex.