Hometown Series Box Set

by Kirsten Fullmer

  Twisting the taps off, Julia lolled languidly back into the hot water, murmuring thanks for the deep tub and a functional water heater. Thoughts of the upcoming day poured through her mind. The boutique, furniture, a visit to Tara to see the bed and breakfast and to talk about flowers for the wedding.

  Her head rested on the curved edge of the tub and her eyes roamed along the ceiling. She’d talk to Tara about the living room. maybe even ask if she had a fridge that would go with her kitchen. Her eyes dropped closed, and she drew in a deep breath of steamy lavender.

  A truck rumbled past outside, interrupting her thoughts, and her eyes popped open as the memory of Bobby stomping out of her room invaded her peaceful moment. Resolutely, she sat up and reached for the soap and washcloth. Maybe Tara could help her sort out the mess she’d made with Chad and Bobby.

  * * *

  Chad scowled as he pulled into the office parking lot. Bobby’s old pickup truck sat next to the box truck, and the closed sign was in the window with the blinds still drawn. It would have been obvious to his friend that Chad hadn’t been there yet that morning.

  Occasionally over the past two years, Bobby would beat Chad to the office, and it was understood that Chad had stayed out all night with a woman.

  His heart heavy, Chad knew that Bobby had every right to assume he’d been up to his old tricks with Julia the night before. For once, however, it wasn’t okay for Bobby to assume that he’d been carousing. Not only because it hurt Bobby, but because no one should think that of Julia.

  As he lumbered across the gravel lot, he wondered what he could say to Bobby to resolve the situation.

  The door buzzed when Chad pushed it open, but Bobby didn’t look up from the schedule he held clutched in one hand. His skinny shoulders squared a bit too stiff and his lips thinned and pursed tight told the story.

  Chad slouched to the desk, feeling like a complete heel, then irritation build along his spine and spike through the top of his head. He was facing the firing squad, and he hadn’t even committed the crime! Hitting the power button on his computer, he dropped into his chair and shuffled crossly through papers on his desk in order to fill the silence swallowing the room.

  “I see Fergus has some deliveries this morning,” Bobby stated. “Then Becky has some things going from the boutique to Uniontown, and a load of lumber is going to Justin’s spa.” His voice was cold as ice.

  Chad’s eyes dragged across the floor and up to Bobby’s face where they flinched at the little man’s expression. A nod answered in the tense stillness.

  Bobby slung the clipboard onto the wall hook with a violent swing of his arm, then snatched the keys to the box truck off the desk, his eye never meeting Chad’s.

  Standing so quickly his chair rolled into the wall, Chad lifted a hand. “Bobby-”

  “I don’t want to hear it,” Bobby snapped, his back stiff and straight as he stomped to the door, crossed through, then slammed it with a colossal bang, rattling every windowpane in the building.

  Chad sank back into his chair and rubbed his palms down his beard-stubbled face.

  * * *

  With her elbow cocked out the truck window and her hair blowing in the breeze, absently humming Let it Be along with the radio, Julia glanced toward the delivery office and thought of Bobby. Shaking her head, she wondered for the hundredth time how she had managed to hurt such a sweet guy.

  Ringo barked, his paws on the base of the passenger window looking toward Chad’s office, as Julia rolled to a stop at the four-way intersection.

  He probably knows Chad is there, Julia thought distractedly. What was he doing right now? Sitting at a desk? Working on the computer? Taking that shower he’d mentioned? Warmth spread through her abdomen and settled into her lap as her thoughts wandered to join him under a steaming stream of water.

  A horn blast jerked her attention back to the fact that she’d been sitting at the stop sign far too long, and she stomped on the gas, nearly tossing Ringo off the seat.

  “Sorry, boy,” she offered to the dog as he crouched against the seat back, his eyes wide.

  Heaving a loud sigh, Julia continued down Main Street and pulled up to the boutique. A tantalizing mix of new items crowded the sidewalk since the last time she’d been there, and she scrutinized them as she instructed Ringo to behave and closed the truck door. Several antique metal breadboxes painted with delicate flower patterns caught her eye. They were stacked next to a lidded copper pot, and she perused the stack of goods, lifting price tags curiously. The bread boxes and the pot would look perfect on top of the hutches in the kitchen, she thought, hefting the items, balancing them on top of each other. She tugged open the door and wobbled precariously into the shop, causing the bells overhead to jangle merrily.

  “Oh, honey, let me help you with those,” Becky exclaimed as she hurried around the counter. Placing the bread boxes and pot on a nearby table, Becky lifted her bejeweled glasses from the chain and settled them on her nose, cocking her head up and down to inspect Julia’s selection. “Let me guess, you’re going to put these on top of the hutches in the kitchen?” She turned and gazed over her glasses like a wise owl, waiting for a reply.

  Julia nodded, a smile spreading across her face. “How’d you know?”

  “It’s a gift,” Becky shrugged with a smile. “Now, what else can I get for you today?”

  “I need living room furniture, as I’m sure you well know,” Julia laughed.

  Becky nodded, beckoning for Julia to follow. “Bobby was in here this morning,” she mentioned casually over her shoulder as she walked, causing Julia’s stomach to fall into her feet. “He said you have new kittens.”

  Like the sun breaking through the gloom, Julia’s face lit up as she stopped beside Becky. “That’s right, four. I’m not sure if they are boys or girls though.”

  “Oh, that George is a tricky one, isn’t he?” Becky teased. “What color are they?”

  “Two are black and white, one is kind of striped, and one is yellow. I haven’t come up with names yet.”

  Becky grinned and patted Julia’s arm. “Well, I’m happy for you. Bobby said that he and his mother came to help.”

  Julia nodded, wondering what else Bobby had said. “How did he seem? Bobby, that is,” she ended lamely, her expression turning grim.

  Becky’s head cocked to one side, her eyes sharp, and her hand came to her chest. “He was a bit down.”

  Slinking deeper into her own skin, Julia shrugged guiltily.

  Without pause, Becky took Julia’s arm to lead her to a sofa, pushed her gently to sit, and then settled next to her, ready to hear the entire story.

  When Julia remained silent, unsure if she should ask for advice or even where to start, Becky offered a jumping off point. “He said he and his momma were more than happy to help deliver the kittens.”

  Julia twisted her fingers in her lap. “Yeah, but George already had it under control. We just kind of watched. I think she’ll be a good little mommy.”

  Becky nodded, waiting. “And...”

  “Chad came too. I guess Bobby called him.”

  Her eyes wide and ready for the story to develop, Becky nodded.

  “So, when all the kittens were born, Bobby took his mother home. She’s very sweet by the way.”

  Becky rolled her hand in the air between them in frustration, encouraging Julia to continue.

  Feeling crowded, Julia jumped up from the couch. “And I need to buy some stuff for my living room.” Her head turned from left to right, searching for anything living room appropriate, as if she weren’t standing in the middle of an assortment of sofas.

  Reaching up for Julia’s hand, Becky tugged her back to sit beside her. “Did you know Bobby was sweet on you before this morning?” she asked carefully.

  Julia’s head swung to meet Becky’s gaze. “How—did he tell you?”

  Becky’s expression softened. “Honey, I’ve known Bobby his whole life. Not much that boy does or says gets by me.”

>   Her eyes gleaming with unwanted tears, Julia swallowed past the lump in her throat. “I wouldn’t hurt him, not—I mean, I would never hurt him on purpose.”

  Reaching over to squeeze Julia’s fingers, Becky clucked. “Oh, I know that, now tell me what happened. Maybe I can help.”

  Julia shook her head and one tear escaped to roll down her cheek. “I don’t even know.”

  “That Chad is something, isn’t he?” Becky offered, causing Julia’s head to whip up again.

  Her eyes wide, her mouth open, Julia gaped at Becky, who sat back into the sofa cushion and waved off Julia’s shock. “Oh honey, come on, everybody with eyes knows you two shoot sparks off each other.”

  “But, we’re not— we’ve never even been in public together!”

  Becky brushed at a nonexistent piece of lint on one of her many necklaces, then looked up. “In this town, being seen together isn’t really required.”

  Julia shook her head in confusion. “That’s ridiculous, how could anyone possibly know anything about us if they haven’t even seen us together?”

  A long sigh rolled from Becky’s ample chest. She fiddled with her bracelet and then finally looked up to meet Julia’s indignant gaze. “You really want to know the truth?”

  Julia nodded.

  Becky’s head wobbled from side to side, her jewelry jingling. “Okay,” She took a deep breath. “Chad’s truck has been seen at your house from time to time.” She paused for effect. “And his best friend, Justin, is engaged to my boss.” She watched Julia for a response. “Goodness, Chad’s mother is my momma’s second cousin, and Bobby tends to run on about things he shouldn’t. Besides, you two are just a perfect couple.”

  Julia was speechless. She stood, her back stiff, then she seemed to crumple as she sunk limply back onto the sofa.

  “Nobody is saying anything bad, mind you,” Becky assured. “But I drove by your place early this morning and saw his truck there.” Her gaze skittered off to the left.

  Julia shook her head and covered her face with her hands.

  “There, there,” Becky patted her knee, “We were all glad to see it, if that helps.”

  Her hands dropped from her face. “We?” Julia gasped, horrified.

  “You live on the highway that runs through town, dear.”

  Moaning, Julia sank further into the couch.

  “Chad has needed somebody like you. I’m glad to see him making a move, to be honest,” Becky stated matter-of-factly. “So is everyone else. Well, except maybe Bobby,” she admitted.

  When Julia had no reply, Becky patted her knee. “Come on, let’s pick you out a living room, shall we?”

  * * *

  An hour later, Julia pulled onto the highway, her head swimming with excitement over the pieces of furniture she’d selected from the boutique. However, the sting was still on the knowledge that the entire town had concocted various ideas about her and Chad. With her thoughts bouncing between where to put her new couch and concern for Bobby, she headed up the gravel drive to the bed and breakfast.

  As Julia pulled her truck up under a tree near the porch, she couldn’t help but be curious about the construction site past the barn. Work trucks were parked at all angles and piles of dirt, lumber, roofing supplies, and hardware were stacked around the site. The structure was going up, with stud walls being lifted into place by work crews and a large, yellow lifting machine of some sort. Tara stood off to one side talking with a handsome man in a hardhat.

  Climbing from the truck, Julia lifted Ringo and tucked him under her arm. “Shall we go over and take a look?” she asked the little dog. He panted and squirmed as she made her way toward the busy construction site.

  The man with Tara nudged her and pointed toward Julia as she approached, and Tara turned and grinned, her hand raised in greeting. Out of breath, Julia stepped up next to Tara, let Ringo down, and told him to sit.

  Tara gave Julia a quick hug, then stepped back. “Julia, I’d like you to meet my fiancé, Justin. Justin, this is Julia.”

  Julia grinned and extended her hand. Justin smiled and glanced to Tara and back, a light dancing in his eyes. “I’m glad to finally meet you -- I’ve been curious about the lady who could get Chad all tied in knots.”

  The smile on Julia’s face faded, and she withdrew her hand. One of the workmen shouted and Justin’s attention was drawn away. He took one step toward the building, then turned back to Julia, awkward and unsure. “I didn’t mean anything, I’m sorry.”

  Taking pity on the man, Julia waved him off. “It’s fine.”

  Tara smacked Justin on the shoulder. “Go build something,” she laughed, then she turned back to Julia and put her arm around her, turning her toward the main house. “We have girl talk to get to.”

  Justin nodded. “Have fun, ladies,” he called over his shoulder with a lift of his hand as he went back to work.

  “Men,” Tara scoffed. “They have a gift for saying the wrong thing.”

  Julia bent to scoop up Ringo. At the porch, Tara paused to pluck a few dead blooms from the flowerbed by the steps, giving Julia time to leisurely make her way up to the porch.

  “Come inside, I’ve been dying to show you something,” Tara said as she passed Julia to open the front door.

  “Okay,” Julia replied, continually shocked by the easy way Tara drew her in, making her feel comfortable, as if she’d been dropping by the house for years.

  Once in the door, Julia bent to place Ringo on the floor, then gasped and froze. “Oh, Tara, this is perfect.” The warm tones of the floor reflected the cool mint green of the walls. The rug centered under the white slip-covered sofa and chair softened the room, adding color and pattern to the clean lines of the furniture. The shelves and fireplace mantle sported collections of interesting and homey knickknacks and framed photos.

  “Thanks,” Tara glowed. “This is what I wanted to show you,” she said, reaching into the glass door cabinet along one wall and drawing out a large china dish with rosebuds painted along the rim. The fluted edge of the bowl was punched to create a basket-weave pattern.

  “Isn’t that pretty,” Julia whispered, her finger tracing the delicate, almost translucent edge of the dish.

  Tara handed the bowl to Julia. “It’s yours. It will look great in your kitchen.”

  Julia’s mouth dropped open. “I—I don’t know what to say.”

  Shrugging, Tara smiled. “Just say thanks. Now, come on into the kitchen, it’s one of my favorite rooms.” She turned, leading the way. “We don’t have any guests this week because of the construction, but we’re full up next week for the first time.” In the door to the kitchen she turned back to Julia. “I hope most of the hammering and banging will be done by then.”

  Julia nodded, following with the dish cradled in her hands.

  “Anyway, this is the kitchen” Tara continued. “I love how it turned out.”

  Her eyes wide with wonder and appreciation, Julia wondered past Tara, Ringo at her feet, her gaze flitting around the room. She placed the dish on the counter, her fingers caressing the soapstone. “What is this? It’s not granite.” She turned toward Tara.

  Opening the upper cupboard, Tara took out two glasses and set them on the counter. “It’s soapstone. It went out of style in the fifties, but it’s coming back now. Pretty, isn’t it?”

  Julia nodded, still soaking up the ambiance of the room. “What do you call this?” she asked, pointing to a set of green glass canisters on the counter. “I saw some of it in your boutique too.”

  “Jadeite. It was popular around World War Two,” Tara said, as she carried a pitcher of iced tea from the oversized stainless-steel fridge to the counter. “Is iced tea okay?” she questioned, lifting the picture.

  “That would be great.”

  “Sweet or unsweet?”

  “Sweet please,” Julia muttered, drifting toward the French doors on the far side of the kitchen. One hand came up to touch the ornate antique doorknob as she gazed out the door. Multile
vel decks ascended toward a sparkling blue pool, and behind that, green lawn led to deep-green forested Pennsylvania hills that rose along the back of the property. “This is amazing.”

  “Like I told you before,” Tara said as she added ice from the icemaker to the glasses. “I never thought I’d end up owning this place with Justin, but it feels like home now.”

  Julia turned back to face Tara. “It feels so welcoming, I don’t know how—l”

  Interrupting her, Tara scoffed. “Eh, you’re a natural, you’re already figuring it out at your place. Come on, let’s go sit on the deck.”

  A fresh spring breeze lifted their hair as the women stepped outside. Tara handed Julia her glass, then dragged two chaise lounges side by side to face the pool. Ringo sniffed along the edges of the deck, and then returned to curl up on the end of Julia’s chaise, his head on his paws.

  “The pool is gorgeous,” Julia sighed as she sipped her drink.

  “We just finished it last week,” Tara replied, crossing her ankles and leaning her head back. “It’s been so hectic with all the construction and the wedding creeping up.”

  Julia glanced toward the construction site where the poof poof of nail guns could be heard among distant shouts of the men and the muted roar of the equipment. “I can imagine. They’re building a spa?”

  Tara turned her head toward Julia, one hand shading her eyes. “Yeah, we designed this place as a company retreat, and Justin already had the spa in the plans. When we bought it, we figured the spa would be a nice touch for the B&B.” She laughed. “Besides that, all the women in town vowed to shoot me if we didn’t go ahead with construction.”

  Julia laughed. “What kind of amenities will you offer?”

  Lowering her glass, Tara scowled. “I don’t know yet, we are still working on the logistics of cost versus income for startup. Plus, there’s not really a glut of experienced people around here to run it.”