Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89978 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
“I can seat you at the bar.”
Scottie eyes me.
“I’m good with that,” I say over the woman on the corner stage with a guitar singing “Stay.”
We’re seated at the bar at a ninety-degree angle to each other. The shaven-headed waiter hands us menus and begins his spiel about tonight’s specials.
“I’ll have the hot bourbon apple cider and the falafel wrap,” Scottie says.
I quickly scan the menu. “I’ll have the warm veggie salad, and water is great.”
As I hand him the menu, Scottie gives me another wide-eyed look. “If you’re trying to impress me, don’t. I plan on getting dessert.”
Inspecting the dimly lit restaurant with candles on the tables and walls of hanging plants, I grin. “I promise I’m not trying to impress you.”
“Did you have bypass surgery? A near-death experience?”
My gaze returns to her. She’s never looked more beautiful. “No bypass. No near-death experience. It’s time I take my life and my health more seriously.”
The bartender delivers my water and her spiked cider.
Something flits across her face, making her smile falter for a second. She just as quickly recovers. “Kudos on taking care of your health, but never take life too seriously.” She winks.
“True.” I laugh. “Tell me about your life. You own a general store. That Airstream is in great condition. And you haven’t aged a bit. Well done, you.”
Scottie smirks after sipping her drink. “I’m an overworked, underpaid employee at the general store I don’t own. And speaking of not owning things, the same couple who own the store also own that vintage Airstream. However, that rusty truck is all mine.”
“But you’re happy.” I cross my arms on the bar.
She doesn’t have to answer. I already know she’s happy. It’s why I’m here. People like Scottie don’t need to search for happiness. They are the happiness that everyone around them desperately wants to experience.
“I am.” She cups her mug with both hands, eyeing the rising steam for a second. “I’ve been here for ten years and love it here. I have a satisfying job, as simple as it is. Some people think Austin is pretentious. But I adore the kind of people who shop at a general store—kind people who appreciate simple things and a simple life. They don’t haggle over prices and appreciate local goods and the people who make them.”
This woman doesn’t disappoint.
“That’s great, Scottie. Really. I’m not surprised you’ve stayed true to what matters in life.”
She eyes me as if she’s weighing my sincerity. “Thanks.”
“Is it a fair assumption that you’re not married? No kids? And yes, I’m assuming because your residence is rather small.”
She nods several times. “Fair assumption. I’ve never been married. No kids. I’m waiting for the universe to open that door. But I do have a date next weekend, so there’s hope for me. However, I’m a little nervous.” Her nose crinkles.
“Why is that?”
“He’s the grandson of a customer who shops at the store nearly every day. Herb is my favorite customer.”
My eyes widen. “A matchmaking grandfather. That’s pretty special.”
“And scary.” She sips her drink and rubs her lips together before canting her head. “What?”
I grin. “Nothing. I just can’t believe I’m having dinner with you.”
“I know. It’s such a small world.”
No, it’s not. It’s a massive world with nearly eight billion people, and it took a while to find her.
“Why is your date scary? Have you at least talked on the phone?”
“No.”
“Just texts?”
“No.”
“What?” I laugh.
“Herb, the grandpa, set it all up. One day, he asked if I’d consider going on a date with his grandson, and the next day, he gave me a date and time to meet said grandson for dinner at a sushi restaurant thirty minutes from the store.”
“That’s it?”
“I know he’s a ‘shy’ welder who loves kayaking and hiking.”
The waiter delivers our food and refills my water glass.
“And you said yes?” I retrieve my fork from the rolled napkin.
She bites into her wrap and chews for a few seconds. “Herb is the nicest guy. So I figured it's worth one date if his grandson is anything like him.”
“Shy sounds like code for you’d better be ready to carry the conversation for the entire night.”
Scottie wipes her mouth and nods. “Yes. I thought about that. If I’m not getting a good vibe, I’ll bore him to death with the minute details of my hobbies. If I like him, I’ll work my magic and get him to tell me his deepest secrets.”
“Magic? Is that like a spell?”
“You were under my spell, Price Milloy. Don’t act like you don’t remember.” Mischief shines in her eyes.
“That was a long time ago. I don’t think you remember me as well as you claim to.” Am I fishing for just the opposite? Absolutely. I remember everything about Scottie Rucker. But she walked away from me too easily to imagine I made much of an impression on her.