Breaking Stars - J. Sterling Page 0,28
from the kitchen as I plodded down the hallway in my shorts and tank top. Putting down the newspaper, she asked, “How’d you sleep?”
“Great. Thank you.”
“Are you hungry? I made some muffins with the blueberries from outside, and I can whip you up some fresh eggs and bacon, if you’d like?”
“The muffins smell amazing. I don’t need anything else,” I said, reaching for one out of the basket on the counter. When I took a bite, the steam burned my mouth, and I fought the urge to spit it out all over the table. I swallowed, forced a smile, and asked if she had any milk, all while trying to appear semi-normal.
Laughing, she poured me a small glass. “I should have mentioned they were hot. Did you get to e-mail your family last night?” Her tone hinted at something more.
“I did. Thank you. I actually need to check my e-mail again, if that’s okay?”
“Of course, dear. The back house is always unlocked. And Tatum’s at work already. Probably trying to get you that tire, so you can get on out of here.” Her face fell and she looked away for a second, then she brightened and patted my arm. “You should go see him if you don’t have any plans.”
I scrunched my face at her suggestion and said, “I don’t have any plans, but I don’t think I should go see him either.”
“Oh, I just meant that you should go ask about your car was all.” Her cheeks turned rosy and I wondered what she was up to, but didn’t dare ask.
“I thought I might walk around your property, if you don’t mind.” When Tatum brought me here yesterday, I noticed that the land seemed to stretch for miles. There was a path through the tall grass and trees that begged me to explore it.
“Of course. That’s a great idea. The swimming hole’s not too far down the pathway, if you want to go for a dip.”
“Swimming hole? That’s a real thing?” I probably sounded like a complete idiot, but that term was one I’d only heard in old TV shows and movies. I’d never actually heard it said in real life.
She let out a little chuckle. “It is very much a real thing. There’s even a tree with a rope swing,” she added, gently teasing me.
“I’m sorry. I know I sound stupid, it’s just that I’ve never been anywhere like this before.” I blew at my muffin before biting into it again, and chewed slowly.
“Sweetie, the last thing I think you are is stupid. But make sure you wear bug spray for the mosquitoes. Oh, and there’s a beach towel in the linen closet next to your room.”
“Thank you so much,” I said after I swallowed. “Oh yeah, can I get your phone number so that I can give it to my mom and best friend?”
“Absolutely,” she said as she moved toward the table. “I’ll just write it down for you.” She scribbled onto a piece of scrap paper. “Make sure you tell them to call anytime.”
“I will. Thanks again,” I said, looking around. “Where’s Buster?”
“Tatum takes him to the shop sometimes. It’s a shame too, because Buster loves that swimming hole.” She extended her hand and I reached for the piece of paper.
“Does he go in?” I asked seriously.
“Does he go in? It’s more like, can someone please keep Buster out of the dang swimming hole!” She waved her arms around for emphasis, making me laugh.
“Well, now I wish he was here. Might be fun to have a partner in crime.” I tossed the last bite of muffin into my mouth.
“I imagine that someone else might be up for that job,” she said, her eyebrows raised meaningfully.
“Mrs. Montgomery, stop it. Your son can barely stand to be around me, let alone want to be my partner in anything.” I probably sounded flustered, but decided not to try to hide it.
She gave me a mock frown. “I thought we went through this already, dear. I realize you just got here, but I see the way my boy looks at you. I haven’t seen that spark in his eyes since his daddy died. So if you’re not careful, you might get a heck of a lot more than just a partner in crime during this vacation of yours.” She sipped her coffee and eyed me over the top of the cup.
I measured her words carefully against my already unbalanced heart. Hearing them didn’t register with my brain. None of it