Sweet Southern Comfort

by Candice Poarch

“Probably bringing him by to check out the space,” Gail said, disgruntled.

  Uncle Milton locked the doors to Melanie’s Books & Treasures and turned the Closed sign outward just before the mayor reached it. The mayor knocked on the glass, but Uncle Milton raised his fist at them.

  “Uncle Milton…”

  The men walked away and, after allowing himself a tight smile of satisfaction, Uncle Milton shrugged apologetically at Melanie. “So what if it’s two minutes before closing? By my watch, it’s a minute after quitting time.”

  “His first claim to fame is trying to sell Village Square right out from under us!” Elmore yelled loud enough for the people next door to hear.

  “Guess we better postpone that trip to New York, Elmore. We got a new grandchild coming in September,” Claire said. “I wanted to spend a couple of weeks there.”

  Elmore patted his wife’s arm. “We’ll find a way. I promised Daniel I’d meet him at the farm. See you all later.” Daniel was Elmore and Claire’s son.

  “Are you going to run for mayor like Mrs. Bedford asked you to?” Milton asked, his arms crossing his chest as he addressed Melanie. “As long as he’s sitting in that office, he’s going to be a thorn in our sides.”

  Gail looked at her beseechingly. “I know you have a million things on your plate, but you could win. Both sides would vote for you.”

  “I don’t have time to be mayor.” Melanie felt the beginnings of a tension headache.

  Melanie was so angry she left the store as soon as she could. Monroe had taken Courtney to practice. She’d spent the day at his place again.

  By the time Melanie arrived at the soccer field, the parents were a somber group.

  Monroe knew something was wrong. The parents had begun to loosen up enough to talk to him.

  When he saw Melanie, he thought he at least had one friend, but she was as tight-lipped as the others. Courtney kicked her ball around near the car and Melanie waited while everyone else left.

  Monroe packed the balls and nets before he approached her.

  “What’s wrong?” Monroe asked as the last car pulled away. “What did I do?”

  “Why didn’t you tell me you were still looking for a buyer for the plaza?”

  “I’m not.”

  “Then why was the mayor trotting this investor around town?”

  Monroe was beginning to think it was a good thing no one had brought food that day or it more than likely would have been poisoned.

  “I haven’t a clue.”

  “He said the man’s company was interested in purchasing the plaza.”

  “Well it’s news to me. Although when we first discussed it weeks ago, I never told him not to.”

  “Why?”

  “It wasn’t a conscious decision.” He leaned against the car. “Melanie, my grandmother is too old to deal with this. She’s unwell.”

  “Monroe, I can take care of whatever needs to be done.”

  “Which isn’t fair to you.”

  “If you have to sell, at least give us enough time to buy our own units.”

  “How many years will that take?”

  Melanie sighed. It wasn’t something they could do in a few months or even a couple of years. They were holding on by a thread as it was.

  “There has to be another solution.”

  “When you come up with it, let me know. Look, I’ll try to be fair. I’ll make sure the company will let the present tenants stay.”

  “You can’t do that. It’s in the lease that we have ninety days to vacate if the plaza is sold. And the mayor’s saying these people want to move in brand-name stores, not little mom-and-pop places like ours. We did very well over the holiday. The stores were packed. Sales were great. But it will still take years to break even. All of this will stop if you sell out.”

  Monroe raked his hands through his hair. “If Grandma doesn’t agree, then I can’t sell anything.”

  “You have power of attorney.”

  “I won’t make a decision like that without her approval.”

  “Promise?”

  He nodded.

  For the first time since the mayor came by, the burning in her chest began to abate. “Well then, we’re okay, because Mrs. Eudora can’t stand the mayor. She would never sell to a company he brings in.”

  “That was when she was well. She isn’t any longer.”

  He tugged her arm, but Melanie moved out of his embrace.

  “What is this? Your affection comes with a price?”

  She moved closer to him, her head thrust forward. “I don’t feel very affectionate when I’m worried about losing my business.” Was that what he thought of love? That he had to pay for it? What kind of women had he dated? Melanie had mixed feelings for him, but didn’t feel like snuggling in his arms right now. And she wasn’t going to pretend.

  She sighed deeply. She didn’t know what to do but be truthful. “I like you, Monroe. I’m just not in the mood to cozy up with you right now. I’m sorry if it disappoints you. But this isn’t just about you and me.”

  Monroe watched Melanie’s back as she hurried away with long, purposeful strides. Courtney was kicking the soccer ball near the car. He wouldn’t see her tomorrow. He might as well tell Connie not to come.

  He should have known the brief intimate moment he shared with Melanie was too good to be true. For a short while he’d forgotten there was always a price to pay for love. But he’d thought she was special, that Melanie was different. He should have learned his lesson with Dorian.

  Since Monroe didn’t expect to see Courtney the next morning, he spent an hour checking with the headhunter before he left to visit his grandmother.

  “You seem tense today,” she muttered. “Are you feeling well?” She was using her cane instead of the walker.

  Monroe watched her progress across the floor. “I’m fine.”

  “Courtney called.” Her features grew more animated. “She said you and Melanie are dating.” Her smile broadened in approval.

  “She’s wrong.”

  Eudora hesitated, blinking with bafflement. “Courtney said she caught you kissing Melanie.”

  Monroe stifled a curse. “Are there any secrets around this place?”

  “Is it a secret?”

  “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

  “I’ll be home in another week to ten days. That’s what the doctor said this morning.”

  “It’s about time. You’re doing well without the walker.”

  “My physical therapist is a regular drill sergeant. I have to admit he’s very good.”

  “You should tell him that. The doctor said you have to keep up with your therapy after you get home. I bought you a treadmill and stationary bicycle. They’re supposed to deliver them Monday.”

  “I don’t like those things. The fresh air is better.”

  “It’ll be too hot soon. You won’t want to walk in the heat.”

  She regarded him closely. “Are you sure everything is all right?”

  “Positive.”

  “You should have brought Courtney with you. She said she was spending the week with you.”

  “Not today.”

  “She called me earlier from the barn. She was annoyed because Jewel wouldn’t let her ride Rainshadow. And she wouldn’t let her bother you.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I may be old but I’m not crazy. I can follow a conversation.”

  A glimmer of hope blossomed in Monroe. He’d thought Melanie would keep the child away because she was angry with him. He should have known she wasn’t vindictive. Her bleeding heart wouldn’t let her curtail her child’s joy.

  If only—if only she could feel that love for him.

  Within minutes, Monroe found himself rushing home. The knowing smirk on his grandmother’s face as he’d left irritated the heck out of him.

  He yanked his cell phone out of his pocket and toggled to the soccer player’s directory to call Joe’s house, to ask if his daughter could visit w
ith Courtney after lunch, but his wife said the girl was having lunch with her daddy at the diner. Monroe remembered Melanie’s concern that her ex didn’t spend time with Courtney, and he was determined to do something about it.

  After he reached the farm, he quickly changed clothes.

  He found Courtney sitting on the bench watching the alpacas roam around in the pen. Her elbows were planted firmly on her knees. She couldn’t look more bored if she tried.

  “Hi, sport.”

  She sat up straight. “Where were you all morning?”

  “I visited Eudora.”

  “I wanted to go.” The accusing tone of her voice made Monroe smile.

  “I’ll take you next time. She’s coming home in a few days, anyway. How about lunch at the diner.”

  She hopped off the seat. “Let me tell Jewel I’m leaving.”

  In less than a minute, Jewel rushed out of the office. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for Courtney to leave.”

  “Call Melanie and tell her she’s welcome to join us. Let’s go, Courtney.”

  “But…” When they kept walking, Jewel retreated back into the office.

  Melanie didn’t join them for lunch. But Monroe and Courtney arrived at the same time as Joe and his daughter, and they got a table together.

  After lunch, the men took the girls to the bookstore and bought them gifts. Monroe bought Courtney a butterfly figurine. Melanie didn’t want him to pay for it, but he insisted.

  He pulled her to the side.

  “Still angry at me?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. What are you doing here?”

  “I told Courtney she could pick out a gift.”

  “You don’t have to pay for it.”

  “Yes, I do. A promise is a promise.”

  “Is this bribery?”

  “No. I decided to take her to lunch when I found out Joe was taking his daughter. We ate together. Courtney enjoyed herself. Anything wrong with that?”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “If I’m going to be dating her mother, I have to get to know her, too.”

  “And what happens when you leave?”

  “We aren’t anywhere near there yet.”

  “Mrs. Eudora is coming home soon. You’re closer than you think.”

  “You know Melanie, you can’t chart your entire life ahead of time. You try to make everything perfect. But you can’t stop living because you don’t know what the future will bring. Sometimes you’ve just got to let go and live.” Monroe couldn’t believe those words were escaping his lips. Even with her control, Melanie lived more of a life than he did.

  “Mr. Bedford?” Courtney called out.

  Monroe checked to make sure no one was watching, then quickly kissed Melanie thoroughly enough to make sure she didn’t forget him. If the heat wave that washed over his body had half the effect on her, then he knew she wouldn’t forget him for a very long time.

  “Mr. Bedford?” Courtney called out again. Her voice was nearer this time.

  “Duty calls.”

  Chapter 7

  Monroe’s kiss stayed with Melanie for a long time. As much as she wanted to banish him from her mind, she couldn’t. Although, her time would be better spent devising a plan to save the plaza.

  But she’d set aside this day to spend with her daughter and she was determined not to think about work. When she went into Courtney’s room, she saw the delicate glass butterfly Monroe had purchased sat in a prominent place on Courtney’s dresser. Melanie opened the curtains. Bright sunlight poured in and reflected on the figurine. A prism of brilliant color streamed through it.

  “Wake up, sleepyhead.”

  Courtney groaned, pulling the covers over her head. “It’s too early.”

  “The butterfly is beautiful in the sunlight. Take a look.”

  Groaning like an old woman, Courtney turned over. Placing her hands behind her head, she stared up at the fragile little keepsake.

  Melanie sat beside her on the bed. “Did you enjoy lunch with Monroe?”

  “Yeah. I hope we can do it again.” Her face scrunched up. “Paula’s dad took the whole day off to spend with her.”

  “What a nice gesture. Just as it was considerate of Monroe to take time out of his day for you.”

  “How come Dad can’t spend time with me?”

  Courtney’s hair was thick like Melanie’s and her scarf always came off during her struggle in sleep through the night. While Melanie gathered her thoughts, she brushed tangles of hair from Courtney’s face. “You have to ask him, honey.”

  “Mr. Roberts went back to the ranch with us. We played soccer for a while. Then we rode horses. Paula was afraid to go near the alpacas, but I wasn’t. They like me.”

  “They know you. You’re over there all the time.”

  “If it was warmer we could swim. Monroe said if we brought a swimsuit next time we could go in the hot tub. Mrs. Seaborn would watch us.”

  “Monroe?”

  “He said I only have to call him Mr. Bedford if we’re playing soccer or in public.”

  “I see.”

  “Are we going there today?”

  Melanie took the pillow from behind her daughter’s head and hit her with it. Courtney squealed.

  “You’re spending the day with dear old Mom.”

  Claire had called Melanie to ask if she’d bring her granddaughter Connie over to her shop. Connie’s mother had to go in to work an extra shift and couldn’t do it herself.

  After Melanie stopped by the girl’s house, she stopped by to visit Aunt Thelma, who lived nearby. She’d asked Melanie to come by so she could give Courtney a jar of her famous jam.

  “We’re making strawberry jam. Do you know how to make it?” Thelma asked.

  Cooking wasn’t Melanie’s favorite pastime. She could buy jam from the store. “No.”

  Aunt Thelma shook her head. “The things girls aren’t being taught today. If anything catastrophic happens, most of the country wouldn’t know how to survive,” she scolded, dumping tons of strawberries into the sink to be washed. “Leave Courtney here so I can teach her. I’ve got most of my grandkids here to teach them.”

  “Connie’s with us. I was taking her to her grandmother’s store. Besides, I’m spending the day with Courtney.”

  Aunt Thelma frowned at Melanie over her glasses. “I’ll call Claire, see if she’d mind her staying.”

  “I don’t know, Aunt Thelma.”

  “I won’t let anything happen to the child.”

  “All right. And don’t forget the tenants’ meeting Friday night.”

  “As if Milton would let me. That man enjoys your stories just as much as the kids.” Dressed in their pj’s, little kids came into the bookstore on Friday nights to hear Melanie read them a story. This week the tenants’ meeting would follow.

  So now Melanie had a free afternoon. She got into her car and pulled off. A moment later, her cell phone jingled. She glanced at the number. It was Monroe.

  “I hope I can convince you and Courtney to go boating with me. Or if you bring your swimsuits you two can take a dip in the hot tub before dinner. Mrs. Pearl is preparing something special tonight.”

  “I thought Mrs. Pearl only worked for you once a week.”

  “With Courtney visiting so often, I asked her to come every day. She makes sure the girls have snacks and things.”

  “That’s so kind of you, but Courtney’s at Aunt Thelma’s learning how to make strawberry jam.”

  A beat of silence passed, then Monroe said, “So that means you’re free—and alone.”

  “Yeah, but…”

  “Then the two of us will go boating.”

  “Monroe. Monroe?” He’d already disconnected.

  Melanie pressed a hand to her tripping heart. That man! He hadn’t given her a chance to respond. He was taking a lot for granted, but a day on the lake sounded a heck of a lot more enticing than going home to vacuum, dust and scrub floors.

  As she pointed the
car toward Monroe’s, Melanie didn’t notice the thick forest of trees reaching up like mountains on either side of her. She didn’t notice the fields of sprouting peanuts, corn and soybeans. She didn’t notice the explosion of flowers in neighbors’ yards. But when she arrived at the ranch, she did notice Monroe leaning by his truck parked in his front yard.

  Waiting for her.

  She stopped beside him, stepped out of her car and smoothed a shaky hand down her jeans. A breeze wafted across her face, bringing the scent of flowers.

  He approached her. Was he as nervous as her?

  “Mrs. Pearl is preparing a picnic. It should be ready in a few minutes.”

  Melanie nodded. “It’s a nice day for boating.”

  Time froze when Mrs. Pearl came outside with the basket. She tossed them a smile full of mischief. “I’ve got a nice basket packed for you.”

  Annoyed, Monroe took the basket. “Let’s go,” he said, and he and Melanie fell into step together.

  Melanie had expected a kiss hello. Disappointment fluttered through her stomach like the butterflies that quivered through Monroe’s flower beds. She’d have plenty of time on the boat to make up for the lapse.

  As they boarded the boat, Melanie noticed a few other vessels bobbing on the distant horizon. But nothing stood out as stark and real as the man beside her.

  “Nice boat.”

  “Oh, this old thing?” Melanie noticed that Monroe’s yacht was one of the more impressive ones on the lake.

  As they rode in companionable silence, Monroe glanced toward Melanie. She was standing close to him. He was content in feeling the breeze on his face and watching the wind blow the long strands of Melanie’s hair.

  Finally he had her alone.

  With unusual contentment settling over him, he focused on the surroundings. They approached an area that lead to giant cypress trees growing out of a black water swamp. There were no lake houses in this area, only the beauty of nature.

  Melanie moved to stand beside Monroe. “This place is so beautiful. We should start a tourist center. The azaleas, camellias and daffodils provide an unforgettable view. They grow a little wild now, but if we want to draw a tourist crowd, we could designate a park here.”

  The aroma of her perfume drove him crazy. “Who owns the land?”