by Lauren Runow
I take in a deep breath as I stare at the old woman with her blue-tinted hair and flannel shirt. I only put up with her nosiness because she gives me ice cream from the store she owns with her sister, called Twisted Sisters.
“Now, Hattie, if you heard that, you also heard me scold my son about using that term. What can I do for you?”
“I can’t get my car to start. Would you mind coming to the ice cream stand to look at it?” she says with a flirtatious tilt to her head.
She smiles at me sweetly, but I know better than to believe her. About once a week, something happens, and she needs my help. I’m a sucker, and I fall for her shit every time even though I know she doesn’t really need me.
Hence the ice cream.
We have an unspoken rule between us. I’ll go over and play her game, doing what she thinks she needs, and then she gives me ice cream. It’s ridiculous, but only until you try her huckleberry ice cream. She created that flavor while her sister created the cherry twist. Since I like the huckleberry one better, she likes to rub it in Hazel’s face.
Silly, I know, but if it gets me free ice cream, then I’ll play along.
I glance at my watch and see double. I blink, clearing my eyesight. Pinching my eyebrows, together I shake my head slightly, and slowly, everything comes into view.
I can finally see that it’s still pretty early, and there’s always time for a sweet treat. “Okay, let me finish up with Wilder, and I’ll head over.”
She claps her hands in front of her in glee. “Oh goody. I’ll see you shortly.”
She waves, and I chuckle under my breath at her attempt at flirting.
Chapter Seven
Justine
I’m writing on my laptop when my phone rings with Kylie’s beautiful face shining on the screen. Seeing the image fills me with both happiness and guilt. I love my friends in New York, and I miss them terribly. I just hope they understand why I had to leave.
I swipe the screen to answer. “Hello?” I singsong, making sure she knows I’ll always be happy to hear from her, no matter if I live near her or not.
“Hey, girl. Just calling to check on you. How’s small-town livin’?”
Instantly, I think about Tucker and wonder if I should tell her all about him, but I decide otherwise. If I were to bring up any kind of relationship topic, I know it would lead back to Jimmy.
“Just working away. It’s been nice, having the change of pace,” I say, sitting back in my chair with a sigh. “How’s work been?”
“Went to Nobu with the girls from the editorial desk, and Cynthia in accounting is riding my ass about the cost for false eyelashes that I put on my expense report. I mean, it was for a beauty article. Fine, it was research for an article that probably won’t get written, but whatever.” She takes a slight pause and continues, “Oh, and I went to East Hampton this weekend. Drank champagne at some polo event on Sunday, got totally trashed, and took the Jitney home, completely hungover. Thank God for my Dior sunglasses that are so black yet chic because no one noticed my tired eyes or cared that I was wearing them in the office!”
“Sounds like a typical summer Monday morning at the office for you,” I tease.
“Girl, you used to party hard with the best of ’em. You know how it is. Rise and grind for work all day. Schmooze and network at night. That’s building your career in your twenties. Thank God there are thirty hours in a day here or else we’d never get any rest!”
I do know. And now that I’ve stopped, I wonder how I’ll be able to restart.
“I’m so glad they’re working with you,” she says. “I take it, we’ll see some small-town articles in the next issue?”
I let out a sharp laugh. “How’d you know?”
“Because you always write about what you know. I think it will be a good thing to throw into the mix.” I hear someone yell in the background. She groans. “I thought I’d be able to hide away for a second, but duty calls. We’ll chat soon?”
I smile, loving that she made time in her busy day as an account executive at the magazine to call me. “Absolutely. Thanks for calling.”
“Miss you.” She makes a blowing-kiss sound into the phone. “Bye.”
I say my good-bye and hang up the phone, setting it next to my computer with a sigh. It’s amazing how different my two worlds are. My life in New York and my life here seem universes apart.
Pulling up my metaphorical panties, I take a deep inhale and sit up straight, getting back to my writing when my phone goes off with a text from Tucker.
The past two days, I’ve gotten texts from him just saying hi and nothing much else, so I’m surprised when I read this one.
Can I talk you into joining me for lunch?
I pick up my phone, feeling my worries about New York float away for a brief moment and welcoming the reaction. Especially since he included a bunch of food emojis.
You do realize, you sent me an eggplant, donut, and cherries.
Matthew told me it was cool to send.
Your son just played you.
How bad?
He’s lucky it was me. Sending your eggplant to the wrong woman could send a very bad message.
I’m gonna kill that kid.
Save it for after lunch because you’ve persuaded me.
Meet me at Wren’s. Say, in an hour?
Sure. See you there.
I send him back a bunch of eggplant emojis and laugh at my own corniness.
My mom let me borrow her car, and I easily park it on the street next to the town square. I walk across the way to Wren’s Café, the local diner. I’m looking forward to their BLT that I haven’t had in ages, but I didn’t think about the people here—or more importantly, the rumors that will start with us eating together.
Hanging out in a group at a bar is one thing. Eating together for lunch is totally another. We didn’t have to worry about anything like that when we were out on his boat … and suddenly, he makes even more sense.
As I hop on the sidewalk, I see Tucker walking down the street from the direction of his work, smiling at me. I stop and take in just how sexy this man is. With his golden skin and full lips, I swear he gets more attractive every time I see him. Today, he’s not wearing a hat, and his dark brown hair is perfectly messy, making him look even better.
“What perfect timing,” I say as he approaches.
“I was just thinking the same thing.” He leans in and kisses my cheek hello.
How he places his hand on my side as he holds his lips to my cheek sends chills down my spine in the absolute best way.
We head toward the diner, but Tucker stumbles as he trips over his own foot. I catch him, and he laughs, turning his body into me so we’re almost hugging.
“You okay?” I ask, steadying him.
“Sorry, apparently, I have two left feet today,” he jokes.
He reaches for the door, holding it open for me as I enter, the bell above it announcing our arrival.
“Hey, Tucker,” a woman yells from behind the counter. “Grab a seat anywhere, I’ll be right there.”
He places his hand on my lower back and leads me toward an empty booth. “So, how’s your day going?” he asks as we slide in.
“Trying to get the hang of things, working remotely,” I respond. He hands me a menu, but I hold up my hands in refusal. “No need. I know exactly what I’m getting.”
“You like this place too?”
“I used to come here all the time. I haven’t been since I’ve been back though.”
A woman approaches us. “Good to see you’re not eating alone today. Who’s your friend?” she asks, not hiding any surprise that I’m sitting here with him.
“Ashley, this is Justine. She grew up here and just moved back to town.”
She steps back to get a better look at me from across the table. As she points her pen at me, she nods her head. “Yes, you’re Milt and Kathy’s daughter. Look at you, all grown up.”
“Ten years will do that to you.” I
laugh. “Glad you remember me. My parents and I used to come here a lot.”
“Has it really been ten years since you’ve been back?”
I take an inhale and nod with pursed lips.
“Wow. Time flies. So, what can I get you two?” She holds up her pen and pad, ready to write our orders.
“I’d love a BLT with some fries and an iced tea,” I order.
She turns to Tucker. “And the usual for you?”
“Yep. Thank you.”
As she walks away, I turn back to Tucker. “The usual? You come here that often?”
“Oh yeah. I get their French dip sandwich. But have you really not been back for ten years?”
I nod.
“Why haven’t you come back?”
I shrug. “I was always so busy that my parents would come to me. And if I got a few days off, we’d go to Florida or Myrtle Beach together. We got in this pattern and yearly schedule, and it just kind of stuck.”
“Why did you leave Mason Creek to begin with?”
“I got into Columbia University.”
He purses his lips, raising his eyebrows with an appreciative nod.
I smile and continue, “When I’d applied, I’d thought there was no way, but when I was accepted, I knew I couldn’t turn it down.”
“I can understand that. I can’t imagine leaving here right after high school and moving across the country.”
I shrug. “It took some getting used to at first. But then it became home.”
“What made it home?”
“Friends. Kylie is the best one I have there. She works with me, and we’ve done everything together. Also, Manhattan might be a large borough, but your neighborhood becomes your new small town. I lived in Tribeca, which is actually the triangle below Canal Street. Anyway, I had this really great coffee shop where I’d grab a latte every morning before getting on the subway, and the bar on my corner became a regular spot for me on Fridays. I had the best neighbors. We were always looking out for each other in my building.”
“Sounds nice. A building would take some getting used to.”
“My apartment was bigger than your houseboat.”
“But I have the lake and plenty of places to roam.”
“Same for me. I would run on the West Side Highway and along the Harlem River, and there was so much energy all around me that I always felt invigorated.”
“You sound like you miss it.”
I sigh, realizing there are certain things I really do miss about living in the city. “Some things, yes.”
“So how did a girl from Mason Creek get started with a national publication?”
“I’ve been with them since I graduated college. Actually, before that even. I started as an intern while I was still in school and worked my way up. Now, I’m one of their staff writers.”
“I’m impressed.” He slowly nods his head, and I can tell he means that genuinely. “They were okay with you moving back here?”
Moments of the last month flash before my eyes. My ex, that night, the aftermath. I feel myself go pale, and I try to hide it with a fake smile and a deep breath.
“They said they were willing to try. So, we’ll see.”
He pauses and takes me in for a minute. I feel my face flush as I glance down and fidget with my purse, like I’m searching for my lipgloss. When I find it, I pull it out and rub it on my lips. The movement catches his attention, and when I notice he’s staring at my mouth instead of my expression, I breathe a sigh of relief.
He must have sensed my uneasiness, and thankfully he asks, “Do I get to read the pout article you were working on?”
“Have you ever read the magazine?” I ask teasingly, knowing damn well he hasn’t.
“Sorry, no, I haven’t. Should I?”
Ashley delivers our drinks, and I take a sip, shaking my head. “I’m guessing it’s not really your thing.”
“It’s girlie stuff, right?”
“Yeah. A lot of dating advice, fashion, but I also write more serious articles, just keeping the audience in mind so it’s tailored toward what they want.”
“Dating advice, huh? Like ‘How to Date an Older Man’?”
I laugh out loud. “I guess I could write a piece titled ‘Should You Date an Older Man?’ ”
“It’s still in the should category?”
I shrug with a slight grin on my face. “I’m making my lists of pros and cons, like any good writer would.”
“Tell me the pros.” He leans forward, excited to hear what I have to say.
“Let’s see. They’re hopefully established in their career and not living at their parents’ or still in a roommate situation.”
He holds up a finger. “Houseboats count as their own place, right?”
I take another drink, trying to hide the smile that appeared on my face. His houseboat was a surprise, for sure, but spending the day on the lake with him was one of the best days I’d had in a while, and I could definitely get used to hanging out there more often.
After I swallow, I nod. “Yes, houseboats count.”
He grins and leans back, resting his arm on the back of the booth as he takes a sip of his water.
I continue, “Older men seem to be more laid-back. Less drama.”
“Have you had drama in past relationships?”
I sigh. “You have no idea.”
“Then, hey, I’m two for two.” He excitedly rubs his hands together. “Let me add a few more.” He lifts a finger. “We’re confident and self-assured.”
“You don’t say,” I tease.
“I’m too old to play games, and I don’t have to prove myself to anyone.”
“That’s refreshing.”
“Experience in the bedroom.” His lips tilt to a sly grin.
“How much experience?” I playfully raise my eyes brows.
“Enough to know ladies first and how to enjoy the entrée before skipping to dessert.”
My insides clench at the thought of him taking me as dessert, and I hope my face doesn’t show how flushed that just made me.
“Anything else?” I ask, trying to keep my tone unaffected by his words.
“We’re clear as fuck in our intentions.”
That he has been. It’s both refreshing and frightening at the same time.
“All right, I gave you all the pros. You have to tell me your cons.”
I tilt my head to the side and look off into space, thinking of what I should say. When my eyes meet his again, I stare at him for a while, noticing how the tiny specs of gray poke through this hair. Before, I never would have imagined finding that sexy, but on him, it is.
I feel secure with him. Like he’s a man and not a boy trying to still find his way.
If I’m being honest with myself, I haven’t found any cons when I’m with him.
“I think you’ve given me enough to think about. I guess time will tell if there are cons to be found.”
He winks. “I’m sure you’ll find a few. No man’s perfect. I try to be—at least for my son.” He smiles from ear to ear. “I can guarantee there’s no con there. You’ll love him. And I know he’ll love you.”
“Why are you so sure?”
“Because when I told him about you, he was happy to hear I spent the day with someone.”
“You told him about me?” I ask, surprised.
I thought parents didn’t mention people they dated until they knew it was going somewhere. Like it was the unspoken code of being a single parent.
“He’s seventeen, not five,” Tucker jokes. “He has a pretty serious girlfriend, so I think he gets it more now too.” He pauses, like something comes to him. “Hey, he has a game on Saturday. You should come with me.”
“Are you sure that will be okay?”
“Yeah, of course. It‘ll be fun. After, I’m performing at Pony Up, so you can come there with me too.”
“I get to spend the whole day with you?” I ask with a sarcastic grin on my face.
“I can�
�t think of a better way to spend the weekend.” He matches my expression.
“Now, it’s the whole weekend?”
“If I’m lucky.”
“Getting pretty sure of yourself there.” I purse my lips, trying to hide my grin.
“No, just clear in my intentions,” he says with a wink.
Our food arrives at the same time I hear the chime of the diner’s front door ring as more patrons walk in.
“Fuck,” he says under his breath. “Please don’t come over here.”
I turn to see who he’s talking about.
“No, don’t turn around.” He stops me.
He takes a bigger bite than I think he should have just as Hattie Jackson approaches our table.
“Well, well, well. I see whoever you snagged is someone I don’t recognize.”
Now, I know why he took such a big bite—so he doesn’t have to talk.
I answer for him, “Hello, Hattie. I’m Justine Samson.”
“Color me surprised, sweetheart.” She places her hand over her heart. “How have you been?”
I smile sweetly. “I’m good.”
She places her hand on Tucker’s shoulder. “And Tucker here has already swooped in and staked his claim.”
“Come on, Hattie. You know that’s not how things work around here,” Tucker says, obviously annoyed by her antics.
I see she hasn’t changed a bit. I remember my mom talking about her and her gossip chain when I was younger. I always wanted to go to her ice cream shop because, come on, I was a little girl, and they had yummy ice cream. Mom said it was exhausting, going there, because Hattie and her sister would corner her and tell her everything she didn’t want to know about everyone else.
Now, I’m starting to understand.
“He’s only staking claim on me because I’m allowing it.” I grin his way and love when he perks up slightly.
