dinner.”
A vision of what her family table must look like on a Friday night popped into my head, and before I could stop the thought, I wondered if the handsome doctor had a wife. Did they hold hands as he told his mother the unfortunate poop problems of my grandmother’s dog?
“Keaton is a good egg, that one. Shame he hasn’t been snatched up, yet.” Grandma eyes me, a devilish twinkle in our matching green pools.
The woman has a sixth freaking sense; I swear.
His mother sighs. “You have no idea how much I long for a daughter-in-law. If just one of them would settle down and give me a handful of grandbabies, I’d be complete. The house has just been so lonely since Jack passed.”
Her sadness is palpable, and my heart hurts for her. I don’t even know her, but I can tell from the droop of her eyes that she lost someone very close to her.
Grandma walks around the counter and squeezes a supportive arm around her shoulders. “I know how you feel. Since Lester went to heaven, it hasn’t been the same. But we’re still here, and we have to try to carry on.”
This woman must have lost her husband, I realize, because she wears the same look of grief as my grandmother, who lost her husband five years ago.
Eliza sniffles and nods then perks up. “Gosh, excuse me. I didn’t come in here to break down. I came to mail this package to my sister in Connecticut.”
“Well, good thing you did, because Presley here just started to fly solo and she can help you with whatever you need.” Grandma gives me an encouraging look, which fills me with confidence.
Even though she teases me, and can be rough around the edges, my grandmother has shown more pride in me than my parents have in my entire life. Not that I had anything resembling a tough childhood, and I love my parents, but as the middle child, I’ve never been doted on per se. I’ve never had the drive or talent like my older sister or younger brother, and the members of my family usually count on me to screw up.
Grandma is giving me a chance, and my chest fills with determination to prove her right.
“I certainly can. Would you like to send this via USPS, Fed Ex or UPS?” I start with my questions, trying to follow the steps my grandmother walked me through.
Eliza asks me how much it will be for each, so she can weigh her options. Using the computer behind the counter, I let her know, and once she picks the postal service, I put in her details and print the label, sticking it on her package. Then I ring her up, make the sale, and smile once she’s told me she doesn’t require anything further.
“I think you have the perfect new owner, Hattie.” Eliza grins at me.
Is it strange that I’m so proud of myself for correctly preparing a package for shipping? Who am I?
“We’ll see.” Grandma’s brows draw together, but I see the smirk she’s trying to conceal.
“Presley, it was very nice to meet you. I hope we see you soon, maybe at the Summer Kickoff Carnival next weekend? My boys and I always run the caramel corn booth.”
How very quaint and adorable that sounded. And I had to bite my own tongue to keep from drooling when I thought about hot Dr. Nash and caramel in the same sentence.
“Sure, it’s not like I’ve got other plans in Fawn Hill.” I shrug.
She leaves after a brief conversation with Grandma, which I can’t hear since they’re by the door.
“Come on, chicken legs, let’s go get some dinner,” Grandma says, walking behind the counter to close the till and shut down the computers.
“Where do you want to go?” Picking up some scattered boxes and packaging materials, I help her clean and straighten so that we leave the shop pristine.
“Not even a question, we’re going to Kip’s. Can’t get a better slice of pie anywhere within a hundred miles. Plus, if you know who to ask, they have fresh-baked Amish bread behind the counter. Get ready for some carbs, my dear.”
Sounded like a great night to me.
After closing up shop, we walk the two blocks to Kip’s Diner, which is bustling even on a Tuesday night. When I walk in behind Grandma, almost every table turns to say hello, and there are a number of people who shout “Hattie!” across the restaurant. Families with little children, older