5. Chapter 5
Frank
I watched as she left me sitting there.
Again.
That luscious ass begged to be spanked and kissed and caressed.
And I am just the man to do it.
“So the baby sister set me up?” I looked around the group.
“That’s Evie.” Dan had a goofy smile on his face as a young, pretty bartender walked by slapping him upside the head.
“That’s for trying to claim Evelyn when you’re married, and your pregnant wife is at home. Grow up, Daniel.”
Laughing, my eyebrows went up, and I watched his reaction.
It’s what I do. I watch.
“It’s an open marriage.” He mocked after her.
I finished my beer and looked around at all the eyes staring at me. I’m the FNG who just rolled into town. No one knows me from Adam and all I had to back me was that my buddy who grew up here sent me.
“Can I help you?” I pinned my gaze on the pretty blond girl, Ronnie.
Ronnie took my glass and drew me a fresh beer. “Where you from Frank?”
“Here and there.”
“How’d you meet our Wooly Wally?” Paul asked, as he wiped down the bar.
I took a slow drink of my beer as I consider each person around me. It’s easy to see the dynamics. These were honest people, down to earth, and they’d known each other damn near their whole lives.
“The Corp.”
All of them stopped and just stared at me. It created an awkwardly intense minute before I felt a pat on my back and an old man smiled at me.
“Thank you for your service, son.”
“My pleasure, sir.”
“Junior.” He nodded at Paul. “You know the drill.”
“On it, dad.” He smiled. “Frank, your drinks are on the house here.”
“I appreciate that.” I took another drink, noticing Ronnie was still staring me down. “Wisconsin.”
“Where are you staying? At the inn? The Plaza?” She sat back down and flashed me a smile.
“With Miss Cora.”
Ronnie leaned in. “Be careful. The old ladies in this town have a penchant for trying to match make.”
“You don’t say.” I felt my lip quirk up. “What was with the awkward silence after I said I was a Marine?”
“Someone in town was notified that their son died in the line of duty not too long ago. And it just really hits us that there’s a chance when you sign up and serve you might not come home.” Ronnie played with the condensation that collected on the bar. “That’s why the Tuffins’ decided that all servicemen drink free. It’s the least they can do to give back.”
“I think that’s a swell gesture.” I ran my hand over my beard. “Romeo and I lost a couple of brothers. It’s never easy.”
“No. I can’t imagine it would be.” She wiped a tear away. “I lost my parents, and that sucked. But to lose someone who understands a very special side of you? That must be hell.”
As I sat back on the stool, I looked around. The bar was decorated honoring the people of Port Stella. School achievements, military, even 4-H. Things like that speak of the area. They tell a story and you see the pride the people have in their home.
The female bartender snapped at Daniel some more and he took it. I stroked my beard, playing scenarios in my head, and knew there’s more to that story that’s not being said.
I took one last drink and then moved from the bar. “Thanks for the beer.”
They all spoke at once, saying goodbye as I made my way back to my bike. Time to see more of this place.
As I rode through Port Stella, I saw a lot of families and a lot of pride in their city. Neatly groomed lawns, decent sized elementary school, and a Main street filled with mom-and-pop shops.
Not a bad place to call home, which I might do after I finish my vacation.
I served Uncle Sam for twenty years and squirreled away every penny I could. My original plan was to go in, go to college, and get out. But life had other plans for me.
Following the GPS, I made my way back to Miss Cora’s and noted the other homes around her. In this cul-de-sac there were three ranch-style houses. They all had flower boxes on the windows and those little solar light spikes lining the sidewalk.
This was a place my parents would’ve loved.
I hit the garage door opener in my pocket and pulled back into the garage. Setting my helmet on the backrest. As I walked over to the door that led inside, I heard voices and saw another woman sitting with Miss Cora.
“Francis!” she exclaimed. “Come join us.”
Pausing inside the doorway, I kicked my boots off, in what appeared to be a laundry room then set them on the mat she had next to the door.
“Sit, sit.” She motioned to the table. “Would you like a beer?”
“Sure.” I smiled and held my hand out to the stranger. “I’m Frank.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Frank.” She shook my hand. “I’m Jean. Cora tells me you’re retired.”
“I am.”
Miss Cora handed me a beer. “Jean’s youngest is in the Army.” She slid a plate of snickerdoodles my way.
“How long has he been enlisted?”
“Twelve years.” She let out a soft sigh.
“Jean, I’m sure he’ll be home soon.” Cora reached out and patted her friend’s hand. “Gary’s gone, there’s no reason to stay away.”
“Gary?” I took a drink of my beer.
“My husband.” She lifted her beer up. “He died.”
“Ah.” I smiled. “I hear what you’re not saying, ma’am.”
She laughed. “A smart Marine.”
I choked on my mouthful of beer as I joined her in laughter.
“Welcome to Port Stella.”
“Thanks.”
“Where all have you been?” Miss Cora reached for a cookie.
“The pub and the diner.”
“Best craft beer hands down comes from the Bearded Barrel.” Jean lifted her bottle up. “And the diner has some of the best food.”
“Oh my yes!” Miss Cora smiled. “They built that place and as the children got old enough, they all began working there. Did you get to meet them all?”
“Depends. How many are there?”
“Well, Enoch is the oldest. He always hung around with Paulie and my Wallace. Let’s see and then came Eugene, Edith, and Evelyn.”
“Yes. I met them all.” I chuckled and snagged a cookie. “These are delicious!”
“Thank you.”
Not as good as Edie’s, but still good.
“Now, Francis, tell me. Why haven’t you found a nice girl or guy whichever you like, no judgements here as my Andrew prefers men, and married them?”
I choked on my cookie and reached for my beer.
Christ, lady, you just met me!
“You know if you were settled down then maybe Wally would consider settling down too.”
Ah. There it is. The hook.
“Was Romeo, I’m sorry, Wally, dating someone seriously?”
Miss Jean laughed. “Cora, you need to let the boys find their other half.”
“Pish, I want grandbabies. I’m jealous of yours!” She tapped the table with her index finger. “You get married, show him how wonderful it can be and then he follows suit. That sounds like a nice plan, doesn’t it? And he looks up to you.”
“Ah, hmm.” I cleared my throat and pulled my phone from my vest pocket. “Excuse me, I need to take this call.”
“Of course. You do that, and I’ll consider this matter settled then. Now, take a cookie with you.”
I made my way to my room, still chuckling, and I shot off a text to Edie.
Sweet dreams Edie
who is this?
Frank
How did you get my number?
LOL really?
Fucking evelyn
You busy?
Right now?
Yeah
I’m in bed
I stripped back down and crawled back under the covers.
Me too
What do you wear to bed?
Perv!
It was an innocent question
No it wasn’t
You’re looking for me to fill your spank bank
Ain’t happening
What’s your favorite movie?
???
What is this? The Spanish Inquisition?
Nobody expects it
Monty Python fan
Of course
So?
What?
What’s your favorite movie?
Anything horror
Freddy, Michael or Jason?
That’s the correct order
You like haunted houses?
I work almost every day
Not what I asked
Yes
Maybe you could ask your boss for a day off?
When she didn’t respond, I figured I pressed my luck. I checked out the news and took my turn in a word game I like to play. I was about to set my phone on the nightstand to charge when it dinged with the message.
Sorry I fell asleep
Good night, Frank.
Sweet dreams beautiful
The smell of fresh coffee pulled me from my dreams.
That wasn’t normal. As I opened my eyes, I remembered where I was.
Safe at Romeo’s mom’s home.
Being in a war zone did a number on people. After twenty years in, I needed out.
And coffee.
My stomach rumbled, and my bladder joined in, waking me up.
Time to rise and moderately shine.
I rolled from the bed, did my business, made the bed, and then slid into a clean pair of jeans and a tee. My arms were through the holes, and it was over my head when I heard the sound of another female voice.
Miss Cora had company, and it didn’t sound like Miss Jean.
Sneering a bit, I found my manners and joined them in the kitchen. There at the table is the older lady from the diner.
“Good morning, darling!” Cora gushed. “Were we too loud?”
“No ma’am. Coffee and my stomach woke me.” I held my hand out to the woman. “I’m Frank.”
My stomach rumbled and the lady across from Cora smiled.
“Breakfast is on its way.” She accepted my hand. “Hello, Frank. I’m Irene. You were at the diner yesterday.” She sighed. “I apologize for Evelyn’s behavior.”
Chuckling, I got myself a cup of coffee and sat down. “No need, ma’am. I know how kids are.”
“Do you?” Cora sat up. “You have some of your own, Francis?”
“Uh, no ma’am.” I rubbed my chest. “I used to volunteer with different clubs to be a role model for some kids when I was stateside.”
“Oh.” Irene smiled and stirred her coffee. “Are you still in?”
“No, ma’am.” I took a drink. “I stayed for twenty years and just got my walking papers.”
“Remember, Irene, I told you Wallace called and said he had a friend he was sending this way.”
“That’s right, Cora.” She pointed at her. “Are you the same age as Wallace?” Her gaze came back to me, and I saw the wheels turning in her eyes.
“No, ma’am.” I chuckled. “I’m older.”
The front door opened, and as I turned, I was greeted with the most beautiful sight.
There stood Edith, with rosy cheeks and two bags. Jumping up, I took them from her and sat them on the table. I noticed the look she gave her mom and felt the smile spreading on my face.
This was a setup.
“Here you ladies go.” Her voice was stern, and her eyes looked everywhere but at me.
“Did you bring everything I asked for?” Irene winked at Cora.
“I did.” Her tone spoke of how irritated she was, but Edie remained polite.
“Splendid. Take off your coat, Edie, have some breakfast before work.” Her mom’s smirk almost made me laugh.
“Would you like some coffee?” I offered, getting down another mug.
With a resigned sigh, she draped her coat over the back of a chair and nodded. “Yes, please.”
“Cream, sugar?”
“Black.”
“Like your men?” I chuckled.
She giggled and shook her head. “I love that movie too.”
“It’s a classic.” I served her coffee.
Irene handed everyone a container and inside mine was a waffle, decked with whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.
“What madness is this?”
Edie shrugged. “It’s a sugar cookie waffle.”
Blinking, I looked up at her. “Are you messin’ with me?”
“Nope.” She smiled. “It’s something we make on special request.”
Taking my plastic silverware, I cut into it and stuffed a bite into my mouth, moaning as the flavors danced on my tongue.
“Damn, Edie.” I licked my lips. “This is fantastic.”
“Thank you.” She tucked into her breakfast.
“Language, Francis.” Miss Cora reminded me.
“Yes, ma’am. Sorry ‘bout that.” I gave her a nod and looked at Edie. “So, is it only a family affair at the diner? Or do you have other employees?”
Irene waited, and when Edith didn’t answer, she finally did. “Mostly family along with some others. We have a young man starting this evening, don’t we, Edie?”
Nodding, she wiped her lips. “Yes. Hopefully, he stays.”
“What do you mean?”
Cora giggled. “Oh, Evelyn is a firecracker.”
“Evie tends to be a bit of a prankster, and her siblings play along.” Irene nodded in agreement. “The best one Edie did was sending one of the new cooks into the walk in for dehydrated water for the dehydrated veggies.” Irene chuckled. “The poor guy was in there for almost ten minutes.”
My head fell back as I let out a full laugh. “You didn’t?”
“Oh. I did.” She laughed. “He was a butter knife.”
“You should laugh more, Edith.” I winked at her.
“Why?”
“You’re beautiful, but when you laugh the room lights up.”
The blush that crept up from her neck was sexy as hell, and I felt my cock swell against my jeans.
“Um.” She took a drink of her coffee. “Thank you, Francis .”
I raised my eyebrow and pinned her with my look.
“Edith, you should take Francis sight-seeing.” Cora suggested. “I’m sure he would love to see more of our wonderful city.”
“We could do that.” I took a drink of my coffee. “You would enjoy riding on the back of my bike.”
Her face went blank. “No offence, Francis, but I don’t know you, and I have no reason to trust you.” She got up, tossed her Styrofoam carton in the trash and grabbed her coat. “Besides I have plans all week.”
“Really? Name one thing that would be better than a nice ride and maybe dinner?”
“A play with my favorite date.” She looked between the ladies. “Thank you, but you need to leave things alone.” Edie turned and strode from the room.
“Why does she do that?” I asked her mom after watching the door close.
“Edie is … reserved.” Irene frowned slightly.
“That’s one word for it.” I shrugged and tucked back into my waffle.
“She’s a beautiful girl. And has a much better temperament than Evelyn.” Miss Cora added.
Irene took a drink of her coffee and sat back. “Evie is like a chihuahua on coke.” She shook her head. “She’s fiercely loyal and protective.”
“She really is.” Miss Cora nodded. “Remember when that nasty boy hurt Vivian?”
“Nasty boy?” I got up and refilled all our cups.
Irene twisted her lips. “Vivian is one of Edie’s best friends. She was in an abusive relationship and finally came to us for help. He pledged, or whatever it is when you try to join a motorcycle club and made an ass of himself in front of the pres and some members.” She shook her head. “My Evelyn was maybe eight or ten and she asked if she could punch the jerk. He asked her if she knew how, and my little girl knocked his nuts through his nose.”
I barked out a laugh. “She is fierce.”
“She would move heaven and hell for Edie.” Irene shrugged. “Maybe keep that in mind.”
“Noted, ma’am.”
We finished eating in silence, and then I cleaned up the trash. Before I left the room, I saw Cora pull out a deck of cards.
“Do you play Rummy?” She lifted an eyebrow at me.
“I do.”
“Come join in a few hands and see if you can beat Irene. That witch wins every time.” She laughed.
“Well, okay then. I have to see this master in action.” I took my seat at the table as Cora dealt me in.