Not necessary,” Vanessa said. “Really. It was delicious, but I had enough.”
“I’m sure.” He snorted. “You think that was good chicken stew, you should try mine. I’m known for the best chicken stew in this town. Your cup would have been empty, and you’d have been wishing for more.”
“Are you bragging?” She raised an eyebrow and giggled.
His friend nodded. “His is the best.”
“See?” Mike said. “Not bragging if it’s true.”
“Well, that’s a little hard to believe, because this was pretty darn good.” She held the now-empty cup in the air.
“Naw.” He shook his head. “You just don’t know any better, and I can prove it.”
She swept a hand over her damp coat, hoping the milk wouldn’t sour before she could find a dry cleaner. “Prove what? That it’ll taste better than what’s on my coat?”
“Let me make you some good chicken stew. It’s the least I can do. And I promise not to spill it on you.”
Something in the way he looked at her with his playful green eyes held her for a half second too long, and before she could stop herself, she said, “You’re on. Name the time and place.”
The corner of his lip rose. “Right after the Christmas parade. Everyone goes. We can meet in front of the fire station around two forty-five?”
Am I actually considering this? “Okay. That sounds fun. I’ll be there.”
“Great.” He quickly recomposed. “Wait. You’re serious, right?”
“Yeah. Really.” Only she had no idea why she was agreeing. Trying to look sure of herself, she took his phone from his shirt pocket and punched in her number, then hit dial. Her phone rang. “All set. Call me if anything changes.”
“See you around.”
She raised her hand over head in a backhand wave as she left.
What in the world did I just do?
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Vanessa watched her step as she tromped down the bleachers. What the heck was I thinking? Reprimanding herself all the way down the stairs for agreeing to meet Mike, she almost ran straight into Buck.
Buck caught her elbow as she swung around the pole at the bottom of the bleachers.
“Where are you off to in such a hurry?” he asked.
She gestured to the front of her coat. “There was a little chicken-stew accident on that last touchdown.”
“Ew. That’s a mess. Told you we take our football seriously in this town.”
“You did.” She laughed. “I just didn’t realize it was tackle in the stands too.”
He tossed his head back with a hearty laugh. “I guess it kind of is. Glad you’re being a good sport about it. Can I get you some paper towels or something?”
“No, I should say that I loved the chicken stew. However, I don’t recommend it as a perfume.”
A man stepped up, almost inserting himself between Vanessa and Buck.
“Talking to the enemy?” He was clearly talking to Buck, but looking squarely at Vanessa.
“Where are your manners, Vern?” Buck turned to Vanessa. “Don’t mind Vern. He’s forgotten his manners.”
“It’s no secret why she’s in town,” Vern said. “The meeting is right after the game. If there wasn’t something going on there’d be no reason for a meeting. What’re you about to announce, lady? Are we losing jobs? Right here at the holidays? How many?”
“Vern. Back up.” Buck raised a finger in front of the man’s face. “Don’t get your skivvies in a bunch. You’re all wound up without even hearing their intent.”
“It’s not good. It’s never good when they send someone down from that big conglomerate.”
The man’s words chipped away at her good mood.
“I told you before: AGC promised nothing would change. Y’all are jumping to conclusions.” Buck spoke with a confidence that shook Vanessa’s.
The employee of Porter’s raised his chin and narrowed his eyes. “What about last time?”
“Well, that guy is long gone and nothing has happened. Now, give this nice lady a proper welcome to our town.” Buck didn’t lift his gaze. “Go on.”
Instead, the guy looked at Vanessa and shook his head. “I hope you do prove me wrong.” He turned and stormed off.
She prayed Buck hadn’t noticed her look of shock when he’d interjected. He meant well. She was sure of it, and AGC might have promised nothing would change, might have even meant it … at the time, but things were about to change and there was no stopping it. Her heart raced. She’d have to call the office and get the original documents sent over. Was there something in the agreement that she needed to know about?
“I’m sorry about that,” Buck said. “Uncalled for. People