Chapter 13 Nikki
Nikki
“You know, the sheriff and I have been talking…” Rochelle starts, looking at me from where she’s icing a cake.
Wiping down the counter, I look up at her, waiting.
“And we were wondering if perhaps you and James wanted to come over for dinner one night a week. You know, have some company.”
I swallow past a sudden lump in my throat, keeping my hands busy by putting on a fresh batch of coffee. I really want to say yes. Sometimes, the cottage is deathly quiet at night. But I can’t risk it.
“Oh, that sounds lovely, but you know I try to get James to do his homework and have an early night to be ready for school again the next day.” I sink into the horrible feeling of lying to her and rejecting her offer.
“Well, we can always do the weekend? Think about it, honey. I sure do worry about the two of you all the way out in the forest.” She pauses and looks at me meaningfully, and I give her a forced closed-lip grin.
“I’ll think about it.” That’s the best answer I have, at least for right now. The door chimes, and I turn, getting back into work mode. I see a new face, a middle-aged man, and grab the fresh pot of coffee to meet him at the counter.
“Good afternoon. Coffee?” I ask as he takes a seat right in front of me.
He nods. “That would be nice.” He’s a stranger, but he seems pleasant enough and doesn’t look like a journalist.
“Would you like something to eat? We have the specials here, and we’re well known for our amazing chicken pies.”
He grins, chuckling to himself.
“My stomach’s been rumbling for the entire drive here, so a pie sounds delightful.”
“Coming right up.” I move quickly, grabbing a fresh pie and getting his meal sorted.
As I come back to the counter, I ask, “Where did you drive from?” It’s an attempt to make polite conversation but also to find out more about him. If it turns out he’s a journalist here for Sutton, then it’s best I know before Sutton turns up.
“Oh, I’m retired. The wife and I are currently on a trip across the country. She’s shopping in Williamstown for the day, and I wanted to visit the distillery. She’s not really into whiskey, but I don’t mind the odd sip here and there.”
I smile. He’s harmless, and my shoulders lower almost immediately.
“Well, it’s the best whiskey in the country, so you made a good choice.”
I’ve tried Whiteman’s before. On my twenty-first birthday, my father sat me down, and we shared a glass together.
It’s his favorite whiskey, and he bought a special bottle at a charity gala a few years ago just for the occasion.
I remember the night like it was yesterday.
It was one of the rare occasions he seemed happy after Mom died.
We sat for hours, reminiscing about my life and the last few years.
That’s why James and I landed here. The name of this small town was familiar and held the last loving memories before everything changed.
“It’s a beautiful town. Have you lived here long?”
I wipe down the nearby counter before my eyes shoot to the clock, knowing James will be here soon.
“All my life. Grew up here not far from the distillery.” I lie through my teeth, but he smiles and nods, not caring for anything different.
“My wife tells me that small towns are quaint but hold a lot of secrets.” He chuckles.
“Sounds like she watches too many crime shows.” I grin just as the door chimes, and James walks in, looking chipper.
“Good day?” I ask as I get him a glass of milk, and Rochelle slides him a small plate with a cupcake.
“The best day!” he says before taking a big bite.
“Oh yeah? Why so good?” I smile at his excitement.
“Kevin from my class asked me to play baseball with them at lunchtime today. It was awesome!” His eyes alight, and I laugh.
“Really? That’s amazing!” My eyes water, seeing his genuine happiness. I know Kevin is Sutton’s nephew, so I wonder if Sutton had anything to do with this. Thinking he probably did has my heart swelling in size for the man who continues to surprise me.
“Yeah, well, I sucked at it. But they showed me how to throw and how to bat and asked me to play with them again tomorrow.” He isn’t too sporty, but he hasn’t had a lot of friends before, so he’d probably do anything to be included.
“Maybe we can try to find some equipment and practice at home.” We can check the community noticeboard to see if there’s any garage sales advertised or if the toy store has any sports equipment they’re giving away.
“I’m going to start running around the apple tree. I gotta practice my slides.”
My eyebrows rise as I chuckle. “Slides?” This is a new side of my brother and one that’s been missing for a while.
He nods. “Yeah, when you slide along the ground to get to home base safely.”
“They call it a dirt dive,” the older gentleman at the counter says, and I look at him, forgetting momentarily he was there.
“A dirt dive?” I ask with curiosity.
He wipes his mouth with his napkin. “The kids dive into the dirt and slide all the way to home base to prevent from getting out.”
“A dirt dive…” I nod, already thinking about how I’m going to have to do some heavy-duty washing of his clothes to get dirt stains out.
“Thank you, my dear, for the pie.” The older guys stands with a kind smile, throwing a few bills onto the counter.
“You’re very welcome. Enjoy the whiskey,” I tell him as he steps out of the diner.
“Who was that?” James asks as I clean up the counter, thankful for the small tip.
“Oh, just a tourist. Seemed like a nice guy.” I shrug as Rochelle comes out.
“Did I hear that you played baseball today?” She beams at James, who’s back to grinning so wide it almost splits his face. He replays his day to Rochelle, who looks just as excited as we are about it all.
“You know, I’m sure the sheriff has some old balls, bats, and gloves lying around in the shed at home, gathering dust. I’ll bring them in. Can’t have our newest baseball player without some gear!” she says, walking around the diner like a proud parent herself. My chest warms at her generosity.
Then she calls out over her shoulder, “And have another cupcake, honey. You need to build your strength.” She sends my brother a wink, and James dives for another cupcake as I chuckle, loving this small town even more.