“Can we come, too?” Tyler asked.
Grayson chuckled. “Sorry, but that’s not usually how a date works.”
“What’s a date?” Sam asked, dragging a shovel behind him as he joined them at Grayson’s truck.
“You have a date?” Tyler sounded disgusted.
With an impatient sigh, his brother repeated his question. “What is a date?”
“It’s where grown-ups kiss,” Tyler said.
Violet, planting tomatoes in the raised garden bed, halfheartedly smothered a laugh.
“There’s not going to be any kissing,” Grayson assured everyone. “I’m just taking Miss Hadley to lunch to thank her for being a job reference. But first I have to swing by the school and drop off your medical forms and records so that you two can go to kindergarten.” He’d questioned whether to even enroll them, with so little time left in the school year, but it would be nice if they made a friend or two before summer vacation.
“Aw, man.” Tyler kicked a rock. “Why do we hafta go to school? I like it here. With the dogs and the dirt and Violet’s cookies.”
“The dogs and dirt and cookies will be here when you get home from school each day,” Grayson said firmly. “But everyone has work to do. I have to get a job because I’m an adult, and you two have to go to class because you’re kids. Now be good for Violet while I’m gone. Help her plant lots of healthy vegetables for us to eat.”
Tyler made a face.
“You need vegetables to grow up big and strong,” Grayson added.
Sam craned his head back, eyeing him. “Did you eat lotsa vegetables?”
Another muffled snort of laughter from his aunt.
“Hey,” he grumbled, “a little support here?” Truthfully, he was relieved by her amusement. She seemed in much better spirits today than she had been last night.
As he climbed into the truck, he heard Tyler tell his brother suspiciously, “I don’t think Grayson ate his vegetables.”
Grayson made a mental note to have a salad with lunch so he could return with tales of nutritional virtue.
The town had changed so little over the years that driving to the school was like traveling in time. When he passed the road that led to his old house, a sharp punch of conflicted feelings hit him all at once. Before his mom left when he was seven, there’d been happy family memories. Normal kid stuff like birthdays and Christmases and learning to ride a bike in the driveway and blowing bubbles in the yard while his mother sang. But all of those memories were buried beneath the bitterness and unanswered questions that came with her abandonment. And, later, the stark terror he’d felt when a policeman and neighbor lady came to tell him about his father. Came to tell him he had no parents left.
He wrenched himself out of the painful memories. Yesterday, he’d vowed to be more positive. No more dwelling on the past.
Of course, that was easier said than done when he parked outside the same school he’d attended from kindergarten to fifth grade. Aside from newer playground equipment out by the bus lanes, it looked exactly as he remembered. How many times had he strolled along this very sidewalk in line with his classmates? He reached for the door, frowning when it turned out to be locked.
He tried the door next to it, with the same result. A staticky voice asked, “Can I help you, sir?” and he noticed the intercom panel. Well, that was a new addition.
“I’m dropping off some enrollment papers,” he said, not sure where to look when addressing a disembodied voice.
“One moment.” There was a click to signal the door was now unlocked.
He stepped inside, turning left into the main office.
The woman behind the desk nodded in greeting. “For future reference, just press the buzzer when you need to visit the school. We keep the doors locked for the children’s safety.”
A depressing necessity. How was he going to explain, as Tyler and Sam got older, all the bad things that lurked in the world? There were other explanations that would fall to him, too. Like the sex talk. And Santa not being real. Probably not in that order. The responsibilities ahead were dizzying.
“Sir?” The woman eyed him as though maybe she’d made a mistake letting him into the building. “You said you had enrollment papers?”
“Oh, right.”
She went through the thick manila folder that included immunization records, documents from the boys’ last school, proof of Grayson’s new Cupid’s Bow address and legal forms naming him the twins’ guardian. He felt bizarrely proud of himself when she deemed everything in order. She offered him a seat while he waited for the school counselor.
Moments later, a freckled blonde who only stood as high as his shoulder introduced herself as Ms. Epperman. “But the kids call me Miss Tina.” She explained that, while there were two kindergarten classes, she and the teachers had decided to put the boys in the same class to ease their nerves about not knowing anyone. “If they’re nervous about anything here, I’m always available to talk. That offer extends to you, too,” she said gently. “It’s part of my job to discuss concerns with parents and I know this can’t be an easy situation for you.”
“No, ma’am.” Her sympathy made him feel itchy and claustrophobic. He was glad when they left her office. She gave him a tour of the school that included a cafeteria that smelled strongly of fish sticks and a small library, which made him think fondly of Hadley and her poetry display.
The closer it got to their lunch date, the more he looked forward to seeing her again. For the third day in a row. That was more often than he’d seen some of the women he’d slept with.
Miranda’s accusation echoed in his head. “I say this with love, but you’re a coward when it comes to dating.”
“I am not,” he’d protested. “It’s just difficult to settle into a relationship when you’re on the circuit.”
“Pathetic excuse. Blaine made it work with me back when he was still riding.”
“Yeah, well, your husband is special.”
At that, her expression had softened, all criticism of Grayson’s love life forgotten. “He certainly is.”
“Mr. Cox?” The guidance counselor peered up at him with concern. “Everything okay?”
“I...got distracted thinking about lunch.” He gave her an apologetic smile. “Guess I’m hungrier than I realized.”
“Good thing we’ve finished with the tour then.”
They said their goodbyes, and he headed back to the truck, feeling as if he was being accompanied by ghosts.
Would there come a day when memories of Miranda and Blaine grew less common, less vibrant? He wasn’t sure if he looked forward to that day or dreaded it.
* * *
HADLEY GRITTED HER teeth at the trio of women hanging around the circulation desk. Normally, she was thrilled to have patrons in the library, but she couldn’t help feeling these women were here for a reason other than books. Although her friend Kate Trent regularly brought her stepdaughters in for reading material, they were both at school now. According to Kate, she and her infant daughter were meeting her mother-in-law for lunch and had just stopped in to say hi...the very day that Hadley was expecting her own lunch date to walk through the door. Next to Kate were cousins Anita and Irene Drake. Anita leaned against the counter without even trying to be subtle, glancing from the clock on the wall to the doorway.
Hadley glared at the back of Anita’s head. “Don’t you know a watched entrance never boils?” Why did I ever mention that I’m going out with Grayson?
But she was afraid she knew the answer to that. When she’d arrived to book club last night, she’d been irate over a phone call yesterday evening. One of her old softball teammates had called to say she would be able to make the ten-year reunion after all and the woman had been a little too pitying about the fact Hadley hadn’t gone away to college like some of their friends. Hadley hung up feeling defensive about her life. Next weekend, she’d be hanging out with former classmates who’d married and were starting families, people who’d moved to other states and, in at least one case, another country.
And here I remain, the local librarian. No kids, no husband, no boyfriend. Hell, she didn’t even have a cat.
It was a little depressing, coming on top of a week where one of her friends had called her the Quiet One and her older sister had said she needed to work on her confidence. So she’d bragged to her friends that she’d invited a sexy cowboy to lunch. Technically, he’d invited her...but only after she put the idea in his head. That had to count for something.
She cleared her throat. “I’m officially kicking you all out.”
“What?” Kate looked startled.
“You heard me. Either scatter and go find some books or go home. My life is not a spectator sport.”
Kate sighed. “Okay, okay.” She glanced down at the baby sleeping in a sling she wore across the front of her body. “I should get to the restaurant anyway before she wakes up hungry. I can’t feed her while driving. Call me later with details, though?”
“It’s a friendly lunch with a guy I went to school with. How exciting are you expecting the details to be?”
“You’re a natural-born storyteller,” Kate said. “All anecdotes you share are exciting.”
That mollified Hadley more than it should. She bit back a smile. “Suck-up.”
The Drake cousins were more reluctant to go. Instead of following Kate outside, Irene suddenly remembered a book she wanted to look for, and Anita volunteered to help her find it. Hadley rolled her eyes, but at least she’d rid herself of an audience...except for blue-haired Bunny Neill, the woman who’d hired her and filled in for her on a part-time basis.
Bunny grinned, her eyes crinkling mischievously behind her tortoiseshell glasses. “Can’t kick me out, dear. I work here. So, is this lunch buddy of yours the same man Alma saw you with at the grocery store?” At Hadley’s nod, Bunny’s grin widened. “Good for you. Alma said he was—”
“Grayson!” Hadley waved hello across the counter, silencing her predecessor before she said anything too embarrassing. “Right on time. I’m starving.” He’d texted that morning to say he hoped barbecue was okay because the Smoky Pig was one of the things he’d missed most about Cupid’s Bow. Since Tuesdays were her sister’s day off, Hadley had readily agreed.
Purse in hand, she hurried around the counter to join him. She probably looked overeager, but she wanted to hustle him out of here before the Drake cousins returned and interrogated him. Bunny was hot on her heels, reaching over to shake his hand.
“I’m Bunny Neill.” She sized him up with a nod. “Alma was right, you are a strapping fellow.”
His eyebrows rose at this observation, but he smiled hesitantly. “Grayson Cox. Nice to meet you.”
Hadley gently pried her mentor away. “We’ll be back in an hour, Bunny.”
“You kids take your time,” Bunny called after them. “I remember what young love is like. Why, Herbert and I used to fog up the windows of his—”
Hadley shoved the door open and practically dragged Grayson outside.
He grinned teasingly. “Hey, I didn’t get to hear what Herbert drove. Car? Truck? Maybe one of those vintage ʼ51 Ford pickups.”
“Sure, make jokes. You have no idea what I just saved us from. Bunny seems to find retirement liberating. In the past year, she’s taken oversharing to a new level.” Hadley was emotionally scarred from Bunny reminiscing about her honeymoon.
As they reached the end of the sidewalk, Grayson asked, “Mind if I drive?”
“Go right ahead. I’m a terrible driver. I mean, not literally, but my mind wanders sometimes. I swear I get my best ideas behind the wheel. I’ll be toodling along, then come up with the perfect plot twist and—”
“Plot twist?” He opened the passenger-side door for her.
“Oh. I, um, write stories.” Now that she’d had a few pieces published, it was no longer a secret, but she still felt weird talking about it, as if she might jinx her future success. Plus, people’s follow-up questions were sometimes uncomfortably bizarre. The manager at the movie theater had asked if the short story about a woman who methodically killed four husbands was inspired by Hadley’s real life.
Still, people at her reunion were going to ask what she’d been up to, and she was proud of the stories she’d had in magazines, so she might as well practice talking about it. When Grayson got into the truck, she said, “I’ve only sold short stories so far, but I’m working on a book-length manuscript set in London.”
“That’s great. With all those reports you used to give on faraway places, I wouldn’t have been surprised to come back and learn you’d become a famous travel writer. Or one of those people who blogs about hidden attractions tourists don’t know about.”
Her laugh was brittle. “Ironic, since I’ve never been outside Texas—not that there isn’t lots to do in this big ol’ state, but...”
“So what kind of book are you writing?”
A week ago, she could have answered that question, but for the last few days, when she sat at the keyboard, her story seemed to be pulling her in different directions, completely disregarding her careful outline. “You’re sweet to show an interest, but me swearing at my computer and hitting Delete a lot isn’t that exciting. Hardly the adrenaline rush of, say, bull-riding.”
“You’ve heard about my rodeo wins?”
“Heard about, did some light internet stalking. Potato, po-tah-to.” She cast him a sidelong glance. “You set some impressive records.”
He smiled wistfully. “I’m sure someone else will break them soon enough. My rodeo days are behind me. I’ve been lucky as far as injuries go, but with the boys depending on me, it’s wiser to minimize my risks.”
“Will you miss it?”
“Sometimes. I loved it, but life on the circuit was grueling. It might be nice to stay in one place for a little bit. Even if that place is Cupid’s Bow.”
“Hey!” She felt as if she should stick up for her hometown, but she knew he must be haunted by bad memories here. It couldn’t have been easy for him to come back, and she admired that he’d done what he thought best for his adopted sons.
“At least the barbecue here is great,” he conceded as they reached Main Street.
The Smoky Pig did a thriving lunch business.
Observing the stream of people entering the restaurant, Grayson asked, “Think we’ll even be able to get a table?”
“You’d be surprised. Half the people coming in are picking up to-go orders, and the Boyd family—the owners—made efficient use of the space inside. I’m always impressed by how many diners they can seat. Plus, there are tables on the covered patio out back.”
Sure enough, it only took the hostess a few minutes to find them a table. And the waitress materialized with superhuman speed. You have got to be kidding. Hadley stared at her sister, kicking herself for ever telling anyone about her lunch plans.
Ignoring Hadley’s telepathic promises of retribution, Leanne smiled at Grayson. “Well, hi there! We haven’t met. I’m—”
“Leanne Lanier,” Hadley said. “My sister. Who doesn’t work on Tuesdays.”
Leanne’s expression was all innocence. “Someone called in sick.”
“Uh-huh. I’m going to need a name. And a signed doctor’s note.”
“I see your imagination has taken a turn toward paranoia,” Leanne scolded lightly. “Because I love you, I’ll overlook that and bring you a sweet tea and a brisket plate.”
It was Hadley’s favorite thing on the menu. Plus, the sooner they concluded ordering, the sooner her sister would stop intruding on her lunch. “Fine.”
Across the table, Grayson added, “I’m Grayson, by the way. You can make that two teas and brisket combos. Oh, and a side salad, please.”
As her sister walked away, Hadley huffed out a breath. “Wonder which one of them will report back to my mother first—Leanne the snoop or Bunny the oversharer. Honest to heaven, you’d think I’d never had lunch with a man before.”
“We should do something scandalous to give them a better story.”
Her gaze snapped back to him, her face heating as her imagination supplied several scenarios for scandal with Grayson. “L-like what?”
“No clue. I was just talking off the top of my head. You have any ideas?”
“Not a one,” she lied, willing her cheeks to cool.
“I gather it’s been a while since you...lunched with anyone?”
“Mom says I’m too picky.”
He made a derisive sound low in his throat.
“What the hell did that mean?”
“You weren’t ‘too picky’ to date Reggie George. Sorry. I know it’s none of my business, but the two of you in high school? I never got it.”
She’d known Grayson and her former flame didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye, but she was surprised by the hostility in Grayson’s voice all these years later. “Boy, you really don’t like him, huh?”
“After my mom left, he made second grade a living hell for me, and didn’t let up until graduation—although he got better at disguising it to avoid detention.”
Hadley frowned, comparing Grayson’s description to the boy she’d known. “He could be obnoxious sometimes.” Especially with his friends, who egged him on. “But I saw a different side of him. We ran in to each other at the library sophomore year, and he asked for my help with a project. He was really worried about his grade. Seeing him so vulnerable, when he wasn’t trying to impress his friends, felt like a secret he’d trusted me with. And he was so grateful afterward, really sweet.” Had she, the longtime bookworm mostly ignored by boys, been too ready to overlook his faults just because the popular boy had noticed her?
“We broke up shortly after graduation,” she said. When she screwed up her arm, his initial sympathy had given way to impatience. He’d wanted to spend his last summer before college partying, not comforting a girlfriend whose dreams had been dashed. She darted a glance around, making sure her sister wasn’t in earshot. “At the time, Leanne was in a really toxic relationship. She gave up too much of herself and was miserable. Maybe Mom’s right and I did go through a ‘picky’ phase. But I wanted to protect myself from making a mistake. Then after Mom’s stroke, I was so busy helping Daddy take care of—”
“I didn’t know she had a stroke. Is she all right?”
“She is now.” Thank God. Hadley had been alone with her mother when it happened, and it had been the scariest day of her life. “She has some lingering balance issues, and her speech still slurs when she’s tired, but she’s doing so much better.” Despite her mother’s successful recovery, there was a tremor in Hadley’s voice when she discussed it.
“You’re close to your folks, aren’t you?” His pensive expression was hard to read. Was he missing his own parents?
“Yes. The silver lining of—”
“Sorry the drinks took so long.” Leanne appeared with their sweet teas. “Crazy-busy lunch rush. But your food will be up in just a sec.”
True to her word, she returned quickly with their plates. Grayson inhaled deeply, groaning in a low rumble of pleasure. He took a bite, closing his eyes for a second to savor it.
“Can I stay,” Hadley asked, “or do you and the brisket need a moment alone?”
He grinned sheepishly. “Damn this is good.”
“Agreed. Maybe one day I will see the world—or at least Colorado—but I can’t imagine finding better barbecue anywhere.”
“What’s in Colorado?”
“A picturesque little bookshop. The owner was inspired by a place he visited in Paris, where they offer a writer-in-residence spot to aspiring authors who agree to work on their craft a certain number of hours a day and also agree to shifts in the store. He set up a similar program. There’s a committee of five people, and they pick two writers a year. The shop actively participates in several literary festivals, so if you’re selected, there’s some nice publicity. Leanne convinced me to send in my work for consideration. It’s a total long shot.”
“You never know. The committee has to pick someone. Why not you?”
“Spoken like a reasonable person who doesn’t suffer from irrational self-doubt.”
“Don’t bet on it. Since the boys came to live with me, I’ve had plenty of experience with self-doubt.”
“How are they settling in?”
“So far, so good—Vi is the most nurturing person I know—but they’re not looking forward to school next week. I was registering them with the administration office before I came to pick you up.”
“You know, if they’re apprehensive, they might find your presence reassuring. If you can manage it once or twice, volunteer to chaperone a class party or a field trip. Or just go in to be mystery reader one afternoon.”
“Mystery reader?”
She nodded. “Most of the younger grades have a ‘special guest’ come in every other week to read a story. Sometimes it’s a local official, like the mayor or the sheriff, but it’s usually a class parent. The kids get a kick out of trying to guess who it will be, and you’d only be there a few minutes.”
“I’ll look in to it. Thanks, Hadley.”
It was stupid that his saying her name curled her toes. It was just her name. People said it all the time. But Grayson’s voice, combined with the grateful look he was giving her...
A full second passed with their gazes locked, no one saying anything, and Hadley found it thrilling.
From the way Grayson suddenly jerked back with a frown, he did not. “I appreciate any school advice you have for making this easier on the boys. They’re my priority. My top priority,” he said with emphasis. “I’m sure rodeo won’t be the only thing I have to give up.”
“Dating, you mean?” The twinge of disappointment she felt was idiotic. Hadn’t she predicted exactly that to Leanne?
He nodded. “It was difficult enough to fit around my schedule when I was just a bull rider. But now that I’m a... Now that I have bigger responsibilities,” he amended.
Obviously, he was still trying to adjust to the idea of being a parent. She didn’t blame him. She kept her voice light, hoping to erase some of the tension in his gaze. “When you go to school PTA meetings, you should probably bring Violet with you. As soon as the single moms get a load of you—and how great you are with the twins—you’ll need a human shield to ward off play dates and welcome-to-town casseroles.”
His dimples appeared. “Are you saying I’m irresistible?”
She couldn’t help grinning back. “Let’s just say, if you go to the reunion Saturday, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble keeping your dance card full.”
“Reunion?”
“Our high school’s ten-year reunion. This weekend. Didn’t you know?” She knew his mind had been on more important matters recently, but class representatives had been sending out social-media notices for months. Had he really not stayed in touch with anyone from their past?
He ran a hand through his hair. “Ten years? Wow. That went fast.”
“Yep. An entire decade.” She tried to quell the sense that she should have more to show for it.
“Doubt I’ll make the reunion,” he said.
“Well, I’ll be there. If you change your mind, come say hi.”
“I appreciate it, but the past... I’d rather focus on the here and now, trying to make a life for me and the boys.”
“How’s the job hunt going?”
“I have a few leads—construction’s the most promising—but nothing that will allow me to get a place of my own anytime soon. Aunt Vi has done so much for me. I hate feeling like I’m taking advantage of her kindness.”
“She doesn’t see it that way. The reason people knew about you coming back was because she told friends. She was excited. You’re her family.”
“Her only family,” he agreed grimly. “Unless you count my mother, which I don’t. She didn’t even come back for my grandfather’s funeral. Hell, maybe she didn’t even know about it, but Vi could have used the moral support.”
He reached for his sweet tea. “Sometimes I think the very things about Cupid’s Bow that make me crazy are why Violet loves it here. I hated that when my mom left, when my dad died, everyone knew. Pity and speculation were inescapable. But Vi seems to take sanctuary in the sense of community. Like she’s created her own extended family.”
Hadley understood. “I have a love-hate-love relationship with the place myself. When I got my softball scholarship, I felt like the whole town was proud of me. And when that fell through, I felt like I’d let people down. I’ve often thought about how liberating it must be to live in a big city, where I could be anonymous. On the other hand, so many friends and neighbors pitched in when Mom was in the hospital.” There was that tremor in her voice again. She swallowed. “Plus, I love my job. When folks come into the library, I already know what to recommend, what they’ll enjoy. I like the familiarity, the sense that I have a purpose.”
“Well, I can’t speak for all the library patrons, but I know those dinosaur books you sent home with us made two little boys very happy. Thank you.”
She beamed at him. “There might be one other thing I can do for you, nonlibrary-related. My friend Sierra is getting married in a couple of months, and her fiancé is Jarrett Ross. You know him? He was a year ahead of us in school and a rodeo champ after that.”
“Our paths have crossed once or twice. He dropped off the circuit, what...two years ago?”
“He quit competing to help run his family’s ranch, but now that he’s planning a wedding, he might be able to use some backup. It wouldn’t be a full-time gig, but it could help you save up.”
“Couldn’t hurt to ask. And I miss being around horses. If I make a good enough impression, I could even talk to him about discounted riding lessons for the boys.” His smile was bittersweet. “Their dad had planned to teach them eventually.”
Leanne approached the table. “How’s everything over here?” It was a perfectly normal question for a waitress to ask, but the way she peered at Hadley implied she was inquiring about more than the food.
This is the thanks I get for helping her with biology? “We’re fine.” Go away.
“Save any room for dessert?”
Grayson’s eyes lit up. “I always have room for dessert.”
“How about we give up our table here,” Hadley suggested, “and walk down to Howell’s Bakery? Bunny likes it when I bring her back cinnamon rolls.” As a bonus, Hadley didn’t have any nosy relatives that worked at the bakery.
“Fine by me,” Grayson agreed.
Leanne scowled but rallied quickly. “I’ll be right back with the check.”
Buzzing came from inside Hadley’s purse, and she pulled out her cell phone. “Speaking of Bunny... If she’s interrupting lunch, she probably has a computer question.” The woman knew the library like the back of her hand but was still struggling with last week’s software update. “Hey, Bunny. Hang on a sec.” To Grayson, she said, “Mind if I step outside, where there’s less background noise?”
“Go right ahead. I’ll pay and join you in a minute.”
“Okay. Dessert’s on me,” she said as she climbed out of the booth.
“Sorry to interrupt your hot date,” Bunny said once Hadley was outside. “It’s this dang computer again.”
“Good. I mean, not good that the computer’s giving you trouble. But I’m glad you aren’t calling for some stupid reason like asking about my date.”
“Of course not. I’m a professional. Besides, I plan to grill you about that when you get back.”
* * *
GRAYSON HAD NOTICED a few heads turn as Hadley walked outside; some people seemed to be speculating on their lunch date. But there were a couple of cowboys who were just plain appreciating the view. He’d had the oddly possessive urge to stomp over to their table and demand, “What the hell are you looking at?” Except he knew. They were enjoying the swish of Hadley’s hips in that dress. She had a gorgeous body, curvy and soft but still hinting at her athletic past.
She was undeniably enjoyable to look at. But more than that, she was enjoyable period. Aside from his aunt or the Stowes, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d found it so easy to talk to someone.
“You know, if you want to tip me a little extra, I could be bribed to put in a good word for you.”
Grayson whipped his head around to find Leanne grinning at him. How long had she been standing there with the bill while he sighed over her sister?
He cleared his throat. “Happy to tip the waitress who brought me the best food I’ve had in years, but there’s no point in singing my praises to her. Hadley and I are just old classmates. Friends. I’m not looking for anything more.”
“But the two of you looked so... Are you sure? My sister is the best person I know.”
“She’s terrific,” he agreed. “My hands are just a little full right now.”
From the sudden sympathetic gleam in her eyes, he knew she’d heard about the boys. He quickly handed her a few bills. “Keep the change.” Then he was on the move, away from any questions about his new status as a single dad or further suggestions that he pursue Hadley romantically. Cupid’s Bow—home of world-famous barbecue and unsolicited opinions.
“Bryant?” A silver-haired man in his path stopped and stared, slack-jawed. But he shook his head almost immediately. “Apologies. Bryant Cox is dead, of course. But you are the spitting image of him. Grayson?”
Shifting his weight, Grayson nodded uncomfortably. In most of his memories, his father had bloodshot eyes and a furious scowl twisting his features. It had never occurred to him that they looked alike.
“It has been too long, son. Ned Garcia. I worked at the store with Bryant, remember? You may not recognize me with all the wrinkles and gray hair.” He patted his head. “But at least I have the hair. Many of my friends have gone bald.”
Ned Garcia? One of the two men who’d pushed Bryant out of his own store? After a displaced Bryant took a shift at a bottling plant outside of town, his only interactions with Ned had been blatantly hostile. Grayson remembered some shouting on the front lawn and at least one finger gesture. What am I supposed to say? Nice to see you? Screw over any business partners lately?
“Congratulations on keeping your hair,” Grayson said stiffly. “I don’t mean to be rude, but there’s a lady outside waiting for me, so...”
“Go, go. But you come by the store soon and see me, okay?”
That was about as likely as lying down in the middle of a stampede for a nap. “Have a nice day, Mr. Garcia.” Grayson strode away from the older man and from the ugly memories of his father’s face contorted in rage as he railed that the people in this town were out to get him. A lot of those people still stood between Grayson and the door.
Lunch had been spectacular, the food even surpassing his memories, but without the buffer of Hadley’s company, he felt overwhelmed by the crowd. Who else here knew him, associated him with his drunken father? Next time you get a craving for barbecue, do yourself a favor and get takeout.