[City Limits 01.0] Roots and Wings

by M. Mabie

  Upstairs, I got in my bed and thought about everything that had happened, but it all came back to one thing.

  I liked Vaughn a lot.

  I liked me with him a lot, too.

  ⟡⟡⟡

  For as late as it was when I went to bed, I rose with the chickens. Well, we didn’t have chickens, but you know what I mean. I slept well, not waking once, and popped out of bed, hitting the ground running, like it was the first real day of summer.

  And since I was getting the boat out for the first time that year, it kind of was.

  I was showered and dressed before seven.

  I’d packed an overnight bag and grabbed some clean towels for the cabin.

  I had about an hour before the store opened. There were things I needed to grab for my day, and hopefully night, while I was in town.

  As I put my to-go mug under the coffee pot, I heard my dad stir in the living room, pushing the forever-broken-foot part of the recliner into the chair.

  “Morning?” I asked more than offered.

  I peeked in there to see what kind of state he was in. I could count on one hand how many times I’d seen my dad that wasted, and I was sure he wasn’t going to be very good company, at least until after lunch.

  Again, I was glad to be heading to the river.

  He was still groggy and puffy-eyed as he reached for his glasses, which sat on the end table beside him.

  “I survived another night,” he said weakly, repeating the stupid thing he’d said almost every day of my life.

  “Yeah, and that one was a rougher one than most. What were you doing at Sally’s last night?”

  He slumped forward holding his head, noticing his shoes were still on from yesterday.

  “Oh hell, I don’t know. I guess I got bored or something.”

  I was right. He was going to be a bear.

  “Want some coffee?” That always helped me and it reminded me I’d need to grab some for the cabin. I mentally added it to my list.

  “Do you mind? I’m going to wash the stink off,” he answered.

  He stood on fresh legs and didn’t wobble like I’d expected, taking his time getting reacquainted with gravity.

  “I almost feel sorry for you,” I teased as he passed me on the way to his room.

  When my cup was full, I slid one under the maker for him, making sure to change the setting to strong. He was going to need the caffeine more than I did.

  I was bright-eyed and downright bushy tailed.

  I was spending the day, not only on the water—which was normally reason enough—but I was going to be with Vaughn.

  Maybe he’d kiss me again.

  Maybe I’d kiss him first.

  I grinned into the sink waiting for his cup to fill, and when it was done I doctored it up real nice. Just the way he drank it. Although he said he hated so much shit in his coffee, he made it the same way for himself. I’d watched him do it a thousand times.

  “So what did you do last night?” he asked when he came back fresh from the shower and looking eighty percent better.

  “I went out on a date.”

  “With who? Astro?” He stood stock-still in front of me and watched my expression.

  I kept my mouth closed despite the smile that was crawling around on my face.

  “Maybe?”

  “Maybe?” He kicked my foot. “You got a thing for that tooth yanker?”

  “I don’t know.” It wasn’t like I was ashamed of it—it was just so new. Or weird. Or awkward to talk about with him. We’d never talked about anyone we were seeing. Mostly because neither of us ever saw anyone.

  “You don’t know? Looks like you know. What did you do on your big, fancy date?”

  I sat down at the two-person table in our little kitchen and drank my coffee, thinking of what I wanted to tell and what I wanted to keep for myself.

  “He made me dinner, and then we took a drive.” I smiled thinking about it. “Then Sally called and said you were shit-hammered and you needed a ride home. He was going to help me, but Dean got there first.”

  “Yeah, I suppose I need to go get my truck. You headed into town any time soon?”

  “Yeah, in a bit when the store opens.”

  “What did he make you?” he asked, sipping carefully so he wouldn’t burn his mouth.

  “Steak.”

  His eyebrows shot up and he challenged, “Better than mine?”

  “It was pretty damn good. I bet he’d give you a few pointers. If you were nice to him.”

  He laughed and sipped his hot coffee.

  “You’re a real turd, you know that, kid?”

  “I get it from my dad.”

  “I think someone needs to warn Astro about you. Poor feller.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Vaughn

  I didn’t sleep that well. Thoughts of our night together kept replaying. Don’t get me wrong, it was no hardship.

  The way she tasted.

  The sounds she made.

  The way she looked, and hearing her confess her name to me. It was so much more than just telling me her name. It was a gift. Something about it was almost pure because she’d never given it to anyone else.

  I was still smiling when I woke up. Because I knew she was giving me part of herself no one had ever even seen. It was all mine.

  After a quick shower, I walked outside to grab the paper that showed up on my sidewalk every day, even though I wasn’t sure how I’d subscribed to it.

  The sun was out and it would be nice and warm.

  As I was standing up, paper in hand, a rabbit ran past me, followed by a dog running full speed.

  “I’m gonna kick your ass, Smokie. You little shit,” yelled a guy chasing behind them.

  The Dalmatian, Smokie, abandoned the chase when he came across me and instead rolled over for me to pet his belly.

  “You mind holding him there for a minute?” the guy asked from about half a block away.

  “No problem.”

  I bent down and gave the runaway a scratch. “You’re a troublemaker, aren’t you?” His leg ferociously kicked when I found a special spot on his white and black coat.

  “Sorry about that,” the guy said. “He’s a good dog, but he’s still very much a puppy.”

  I stood and he clipped a leash onto the red collar around Smokie’s neck.

  “That’s okay.”

  “You’re the new dentist? This is your place, right?”

  He was about my age, I guessed. He wore a Wynne Fire Department shirt with the sleeves cut off and basketball shorts.

  “Yeah, I’m Vaughn.”

  “I’m Aaron. I live a few blocks that way, and this is Smokie.” He gave the dog a stern look that I’m sure the runaway pup had seen before, considering the way he slunk down guiltily on the grass.

  “How are you liking it here so far? Not much to do.”

  “Wynne’s a good little town. The people are friendly.”

  He glanced toward my porch and said, “I noticed you’re doing some work on the house. I always liked this bungalow.”

  “Yeah, I’ve mostly been working inside. You know, getting unpacked.”

  “Well, if you ever need any help, just shout. I work at the station, but I’m off quite a bit, too. I’m good with a hammer. My dad was a builder.”

  “Thanks. I might take you up on that.”

  I looked back at my house, which obviously needed a lot more work. Namely, a roof, a new deck in back, and a few new windows. I’m sure Hannah would help, but she didn’t need to feel obligated.

  Plus, I didn’t really know any guys in town that well. I could tolerate having a guy friend.

  “I think by the end of the summer I’m going to get a new roof on her. Maybe some paint.”

  “Sure. Just let me know.”

  I heard her truck coming, my ears tuned to everything her. And, like I knew I would, I saw her old pickup coming down the highway toward town. Distracted, I watched as she got closer and noticed she wasn�
��t alone. Her dad was sitting passenger.

  Aaron noticed what I was watching and said, “Her truck is getting louder. I bet you get sick of hearing that thing go by all the time.”

  He couldn’t be more wrong. The only thing I didn’t like so much about it passing was when it didn’t stop.

  “You’d think her dad would fix it, or at least Dean would. You know them? They own the garage uptown.”

  “Yeah, I’ve met them.”

  “I think when Darrell retires he’ll leave both the shop, and Mutt, to Dean.” He laughed. “I know Dean’s ready for that.”

  I bet he is. Not going to happen though.

  As she passed, her boat behind her, she honked and we both waved. It was odd how much this town knew about her and her family, but at the same time knew nothing at all.

  “Well, it’s nice to meet you. I better get moving. I need to be at the station in a few hours.” He stuck his hand out to shake mine and I took it. “Thanks for grabbing Smokie for me. I live on Hyde Street, drive a black truck that’s usually parked out front if I’m home. Otherwise, I’m at the station. You ever need some help, just let me know.”

  “I’ll do that. Good to meet you too, Aaron.”

  Even though he was totally wrong about the O’Fallons, I couldn’t hold it against him. He seemed like an all right guy and I didn’t have many friends in Wynne yet. Then again, after I met Hannah, I hadn’t really felt like I’d needed any.

  Still, if this thing was going to work out, I didn’t want to smother her, or have her feel obligated to keep me entertained.

  “Hey, do you golf?” I asked as he started back down the sidewalk.

  He turned around, stopping best he could, while Smokie pulled him back the way they came. “I’m not that good, but I like to play.”

  “I was thinking about going to the driving range sometime this week if the weather is good. Hit a few, drink a few beers.”

  “Now you’re talking. I’m great at drinking beers. If my truck is home, stop by on your way out. First bucket is on me.”

  Finally, a possible friend. Things were looking up.

  After a bowl of cereal and a workout in my new gym, which was also known as my garage, I couldn’t hold out any longer and called her.

  “Good morning,” she sang over the line.

  “Good morning. How’s your dad feeling today?”

  “Better than he deserves. Hey, do you like fried fish?”

  “I grew up Catholic. It was almost a requirement, but I haven’t had it in a while.”

  “Well, I don’t mean to brag, but mine is the shit. I think we’ll fry some later if you can catch any.” She was teasing and challenging me; I could hear it in her playful voice.

  This would be where she had me at a disadvantage. I’d never been as an adult, unless you called deep-sea fishing where the pole is anchored to the boat and there’s a guide who does everything for you, the same thing.

  “I’m going to warn you. I’m not a fisherman. That’s a lot of pressure, you know. If I can’t catch our dinner we’ll go hungry?” I was playing along, but everything I’d said was true.

  She loved fishing and I was going to look like an ass.

  “We’ll see. Ever hear of beginner’s luck? That’s a real thing, you know. Anyway, I’m heading out to the cabin, so whenever you get around, that’s where I’ll be.”

  “Need me to bring anything?”

  “Not that I can think of, but, Vaughn?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Hurry the fuck up. Okay?” I loved how she said exactly what she wanted, the precise way she wanted to.

  I needed to get a quick shower and run by the store, but I didn’t want to make her wait. I knew how excited she was about getting out on the water for the first time this year.

  “I’ll hurry.”

  “Good.”

  Like I said I would, I rushed through a shower, foregoing a good shave that I probably could have used, and I threw on a T-shirt, some cargo shorts, my old tennis shoes, and a ball cap. I grabbed my sunglasses and my wallet, wondering if I should throw some other things in a bag, on the off chance that I’d be staying, but then decided that was a little too presumptuous.

  I walked into the small grocery store and headed straight for the aisle where I knew I’d find what I wanted.

  I was a grown ass man.

  I could buy condoms.

  But son of a bitch, the whole town was there. The. Whole. Damn. Town. The parking lot was fuller than I’d ever noticed before. All twelve spots were used.

  “Morning, Vaughn. You’re up and at it early,” said Dr. Carver as I walked in. He was checking out, which I was thankful for, but it didn’t make me feel any better.

  “Good morning. Just picking up a few things. See you Monday,” I said quickly with a wave as I passed him and headed to the far end of the store to scope out the aisle three situation.

  I passed a patient I’d seen the past week and gave her a friendly smile that she returned without any hesitation.

  A few weeks ago, none of the faces registered, but now, as I was getting more familiar with the people of the small town, everyone seemed like someone I knew. Or someone I at least recognized from somewhere.

  I rounded the back aisle and began walking toward the one I needed to hit up before I made my getaway.

  Like my prayer had been answered, it was empty. I marched to the section where I’d seen the condoms before and decided I wasn’t going to hang out that long. I’d find the ones I wanted and be out of there in no time.

  “Hey there, Astro. How’s the Caddy running for ya?” I heard the gruff voice from behind me.

  Fuck. Hannah’s dad.

  I spun around to face him, hoping to block the contents of the shelf I’d been hastily browsing.

  “Hi, Mr. O’Fallon. It’s good. Thanks.”

  “Whatcha lookin’ for?” he said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

  I coughed, being taken by surprise with his question and said the first thing that came to mind.

  “Athlete’s foot cream.”

  “Oh, ya got a little crook foot, huh?”

  He walked around me and pulled off the box of lotion that was positioned right under the box of prophylactics I desperately wanted to buy. Even if I wasn’t going to use them that day, I didn’t want to be unprepared again.

  “Here you go. I used a mess of this a while back and it cleared right up. You don’t want to mess with that stuff. Gets nasty. Smelly.”

  “Right,” I agreed, taking the box from him.

  “Busted knuckles? You one of those cage fighters? What’s your ring name? Captain Cavity?“ He gave a few pretend punches to the air.

  “No, sir,” I answered, looking at the injury from the bar. I didn’t want him to get any ideas that I’d hurt his daughter, which was exactly where my mind would go if I were him, knowing I’d been out with her last night. “I kind of took a swing at a guy in the bar who was being rude to your daughter.”

  That was the truth, I couldn’t hide from it, and he’d probably hear about it before the day was over anyway.

  He smiled and rocked back on his heels, sticking his hand in the pockets of his bib overalls.

  “I might like you after all.” Then he looked behind me again and cocked his head to the side. “Anything else I can help you find? You know I’ve been coming here since they opened. I know where everything is.” His tone was teasing, but still a tad warning.

  “I don’t think so, just the cream.”

  “Good. Good. Did you know they sell bullets here? Do you have a gun, Astro?”

  He was my height, but he was bigger than me. I didn’t want to be on his bad side. I was picking up where the conversation was headed and thought it wise to steer it somewhere else.

  “I don’t. I hope you’re feeling okay this morning. Hannah was worried about you last night.” I knew it wasn’t my business, but then again, maybe it kind of was.

  He stepped back a little, losing the mom
entum he was trying to gain with the shit he was giving me.

  “I’m feeling pretty good. Pretty good. That’s right, you were on your date.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “She told me. Are you headed out to the cabin?”

  “I am. She asked me to go fishing with her.”

  That made him genuinely smile and I liked it, feeling more at ease.

  She didn’t have a lot of family, pretty much just him, and Dean—if he counted. I wanted to get to know her more and that meant I’d probably be spending some time with Mr. O’Fallon in the future. It would be nice if he liked me.

  Also, I didn’t have much family and I liked being around them. They always seemed to have a good time with each other.

  “You know she doesn’t date a whole lot. Never has.”

  I didn’t know what to say, so I nodded and looked at the box in my hand.

  “You treat her good and she’ll treat you good. But she likes her space, too. One thing I know about women, as much as they like having you around, if you corner ‘em, they’ll fly away.”

  His bloodshot eyes showed a flash of something that looked awfully painful.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “All right, I’ll leave you alone so you can get some rubbers.”

  My mouth hung open. He punched me in the shoulder.

  “I’m just kidding. You get that cream on those feet. Mutt will tease the piss out of you if you get to smellin’ like high noon in hell. She can be unmerciful.”

  He walked off chuckling.

  I left the store with foot cream.

  Then remembered I had an Amazon app on my phone, which would allow me to buy whatever the hell I wanted. Privately.

  Problem solved.

  Well, problem solved ... Monday when they’d arrive.

  ⟡⟡⟡

  I pulled into the lot at Johnston’s Chute and took the gravel road on the far side of it, just like I had before. It looked different in the day and my Escalade was a much smoother ride than the van had been.

  The road was muddy from the small storm the night before, but it wasn’t too bad. When I pulled up at her cabin, she already had the boat in the water and was carrying a cooler down the small dock.

  “Can you grab that bag by the stairs and my tackle box?” she shouted to me as I hopped out of my vehicle.