Dressed in beige shorts and a black top, Abby turned a critical eye to her appearance. “Boring,” she muttered, so she swept her hair into a ponytail and tied a flowered scarf around the rubber band. She stole a peek in the mirror. “I look like a girl who’s stepped out of the fifties. But at least it isn’t boring.”
Orchid gave a meow and stared up at her.
“Keep your opinions to yourself. I like it.” Abby twirled and left the room with the kitten on her heels.
Abby carried the plates and cutlery to the patio table and placed them on moss green placemats. The informal crockery suited the menu of barbecue and its accompaniments. As for dessert, she had two flavors of gelato waiting in the freezer. Satisfied with her table setting, she scooped up Orchid and headed to the front porch swing.
Abby studied the papers Daisy had given her. She liked the concept of no schedule to follow but rather let the research direct their coming and going. Even a scientist’s creative spark was fostered by the operational guide. Abby felt eagerness bubbling at the thought of approaching her work in such a transformative way. She thought it refreshing not to focus on driving a corporation’s monetary gain. Closing the file, she felt gratitude for Daisy, acknowledging the lessons came before work.
“Lessons. I wonder how many more remain?” Abby combed Orchid’s furry tummy.
The kitten gave three meows and licked Abby’s fingers.
“What? Are you telling me three more lessons? Just what kind of kitty are you, Miss Orchid?”
“Halloo, Abby.” Bill’s voice came from the car pulling into her drive. He hopped out, holding a puppy in the air. “Look who’s coming home with us!”
A smiling Abby ran to Bill. “My gosh, you scored. What an adorable little beagle. What’s his name?” She waved to Bob, waiting inside the car.
“His name’s Barney. It had to be a B name. Don’t you know?” Bill laughed.
“Of course it did, and Barney suits this fella.” Abby patted his head.
“Anyway, we had to stop by so you could meet him. All thanks to you.”
“Nah, you and Barney were meant to be.” Abby followed Bill back to the car. She ducked her head down to the driver’s window. “Hey, Bob, did you get the aquarium?”
Bob pointed to the back seat. “Sure did. Got my treasure chest too. We’ve got a busy night waiting.”
“Guys, I’m super-duper happy for you.” Abby went around to see the puppy again. “Bye, Barney. You look after these guys and try not to hound-howl too much tonight.”
Bob turned to his brother. “What did she mean by hound-howl?”
Not waiting for Bill’s reply, Abby laughed and said goodbye.
Sweet Orchid swished her tail and watched from the porch swing.
“I’m definitely a low-key kind of cat person. Don’t worry. You don’t have any competition. I adore you, my kitty.” Abby climbed the few porch steps. She sat down, only to pop up like a jack-in-the-box, seeing Nash’s vehicle turn in.
“I’m so hungry I was considering eating bark,” hollered Abby, galloping toward him. Will’s moves were rubbing off on her.
Nash got out laughing. “I’d better keep a close eye on my plate if you’re that ravenous.” He draped his arm around Abby. “Where are we chowing down?”
“On the patio. The table’s set and waiting.” She opened the door. Orchid went scampering past. “Guess she’s hungry and has high hopes.”
“She’s perceptive.” Unpacking the sacks, Nash produced a tiny cup. “I hope you don’t object, but I got a meat sampler for her. I’m aiming to score points with her owner.”
“How thoughtful. Orchid’s going to love you best.” Abby made a pout before turning it into a smile.
“What’s the saying? Pet the cow to get the calf?” Nash lifted the lid on the carton of baked beans.
“Did you just call me a cow?” Abby took her dish towel and smacked him playfully.
“Hold on. Would you stop hitting me with that rag?” Nash ducked, grinning. “I only meant—”
“Forget it. Let’s eat.” Abby tossed the towel on the counter, watching Nash open the remaining cartons. “Is that corn on the cob and French fries? Mayor, you can call me the town crier after this spread.” Abby heaped fries onto her plate beside the smoked ribs.
Nash watched with amusement as she devoured a rib. A river of sauce trailed down Abby’s chin. He rose and tied the bib around her neck. “You need this.”
She nodded, never stopping the assault on the ribs.
~*~
“Sorry. I was lousy dinner company. The food was so good that my manners went scat.” Abby’s teasing mood returned.
“A smart man would do well to remember to feed you if he wanted silence.” Nash hesitated and frowned. “Although you’re not the quietest of eaters.”
Abby jumped up, waving her bib covered in sauce in his direction. She watched Nash take off running toward the backyard.
“Catch me, and I’ll cook for you tomorrow night,” declared Nash.
“You’re on. Bet you didn’t know I ran track in college.” Abby chased after him.
“So did I,” Nash hollered over his shoulder, swerving.
“Exactly where are you cooking for me?” Abby came within a few yards of him.
“Your kitchen. Bella won’t let me in hers.” Nash darted to the right, barely missing the swipe of the bib. “You’ve got one more minute, and I become the chaser.”
“What kind of crazy flimflam rules are those?” Abby failed at scoring a hit again. “What happens if you catch me?”
Nash ran behind the gazebo. “Simple. You cook for me.”
“I can’t cook,” shouted Abby, closing in for the last strike. “Dang, I missed.”
“You’ve got twenty-four hours to learn because your time’s up.” Nash pivoted and charged toward Abby. He scooped her into his arms and planted a breathless kiss on her lips. “You lose. I win.”
Hearing Myrtle’s nearby voice, Nash broke the kiss and deposited Abby on the grass.
“Edna, would you look at those two? Remember when we had that kind of verve?” asked Myrtle, standing a few yards away.
“No. I don’t remember either one of us chasing any mayors around our backyard with verve or anything else. Sad but true.” Edna gestured toward Nash and Abby.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Abby watched in surprise as Nash trotted over to the spinsters. He did a mock chase of them around the yard and rewarded each sister with a quick hug and a bow.
“I’m back. Where were we?” asked an amused Nash.
“Tell me. Is there any woman in Charm who isn’t madly in love with you?” Abby could only shake her head.
“There’s only one lady’s heart I’m endeavoring to win. So far, she’s leading me on a merry chase.” The expression in Nash’s eyes invited more banter.
“Sounds like petting the cow didn’t work out too well.” Abby’s mood became thoughtful. “Want to go inside? I think the spinsters have suffered enough of our shenanigans for one night. Besides, I’d like to hear more about Charm’s guiding principles and you, Nash Walker. You up for that?”
“I am if you’ve got dessert to chum me. Otherwise….” Nash shrugged. He glanced at the sisters, who were still watching, and blew them a kiss. “They make dandy cakes.”
Abby burst into laughter. “They do, huh? I’ve got pistachio and peach gelato waiting. Time to choose, Mayor Flirt.”
“Mayor Flirt? Another name.” He pulled Abby into him and kissed the top of her head. “Lucky for you, I happen to like gelato more than bundt cake. Make it a big bowl. All this huggin’ and kissin’ has got me hot.”
“One big bowl of gelato coming up for Mayor Flirt.” Abby sensed she was approaching the last off-ramp before completely and irrevocably falling for Nash Walker.