“And people here don’t only like bein’ in a small town, lot of them live here because they like it and they’re pretty damn proud of the beautiful state of Colorado,” Mick went on.
“If it’s that unpopular, how’d he get zoning permission?” I asked.
“Can’t say,” Mick answered.
“Bribes?” I guessed.
Mick nodded but said, “Can’t say.”
“Really?” I whispered, my eyes big and they were on Mick.
Mick kept nodding and Jeff grinned at him as he repeated, “Really can’t say.”
I smiled at Mick, the toast popped up and I went to the fridge to get the butter.
“Anyone want jelly?” I asked the room at large.
“Not for me,” Mick said.
“Nope,” Jeff answered.
“Crazy,” I muttered and Max chuckled.
I took out a plate, grabbed the toast, put in more bread and started buttering before I asked, “Mindy, darling, you working tonight?”
“Yeah,” she answered and I looked at Jeff.
“You know, Jeff,” I called and his eyes, which were resting on Mindy’s bottom, jolted to me. I ignored catching him checking Mindy out and asked, “It’s asking a lot, considering how much responsibility you carry in your day to day job –”
“Nina –” Max muttered low but I kept going.
“Because I know your job is super important –”
“Nina –” Max muttered again but I ignored him.
“But, if you could look in on Mindy tonight at The Dog, it would be appreciated.”
Mindy twirled around, fork in hand, and stared at me.
“No problem,” Jeff said quickly.
“I’m…” Mindy whispered and turned to Jeff, not meeting his eyes. “That’s all right Jeff. You don’t have to do that. I’m fine.”
“Don’t have to, but I’m gonna,” Jeff said back and Mindy’s face flamed.
I smiled.
Then I was jerked back with a steely arm around my waist and my back hit a wall of solid Max.
“Stop it,” Max whispered in my ear.
I twisted my neck to look at him and whispered back, “What?”
“Really, I’m good,” Mindy said to Jeff and I looked back into the kitchen.
“Yeah,” Jeff replied firmly. “We’ll see you stay good.”
My smile came back.