couples, and throngs of teenagers fill the booths. Motown music puts a jovial tune in the atmosphere, and I’m instantly charmed. Plus, whatever that smell is coming from the kitchen, it’s making my mouth water.
We sit in a corner booth in the back, and I get the feeling that they keep this open just for my grandmother. Our waitress, a bright-eyed brunette teenager, greets her and asks if she wants the regular.
“Yes, dear. My regular cheeseburger with Colby-jack, extra pickles, onion rings on the side and a nice, cold glass of iced tea. And bring some of that Amish bread out before our meal, I want my granddaughter to try it.”
The girl nods and looks to me. “I’ll have the same.”
Whatever Grandma orders must be good, so I just go with it.
I look out the window as she collects the menus and walks away, watching the late May sun descend over the buildings on Main Street. It really is a cute little town, with its pretty storefronts and brick buildings positioned between rolling green hills and mountains.
“See something you like?” Grandma interrupts my thoughts.
I smile, shaking my head. “Just looking.”
“See anyone you like?” She winks, waving a hand over the diner.
I can’t help turning my head, looking around the diner to see if a certain pet doctor was there. “Subtle, Grandma. But no, I don’t have time for that.”
“A young, beautiful fox like you doesn’t have time for passion or love? Then I must have one foot in the grave if I see some faces I’d like to get to know.”
Rolling my eyes, I can’t help the laugh that bursts forth. “You’re shameless. But my life is all over the place, it would be unfair to invite someone into this chaos.”
Our waitress sets delicious-smelling bread down in front of us, and I drool at the steam coming off of it.
“Hmm, seems to me you might be able to find some roots here,” Grandma says this quietly, almost willing my thoughts to consider making this move permanent.
“Stop messing with me, you old coot.” I shoot her a perfectly practiced stink eye.
She chuckles and breaks off a piece of bread. “It’s fun having you around, kid. Makes me feel young again. Makes me feel like I might get you into some trouble.”
I had a feeling she might be right about that second part, and I was a little scared and a little excited to find out what said trouble was.
5
Keaton
Living in a small town has its advantages.
Everyone knows your name. People are friendly. It’s not hard to find anything. The taxes are cheaper. There is a sense of inclusiveness.
But with everything, there are disadvantages.
Everyone knows your name and your occupation. Which leads to many people thinking you’ll give them a discount because you went to high school together, or because their mother donated to your brother’s marathon fundraiser, or some other thing.
People are friendly, which leads to nosiness, which often means every single person in town will ask why you aren’t married yet. I won’t even tell you how many times I’ve been asked why I don’t just find a nice girl.
And that sense of inclusiveness? Sometimes, you just want to be alone. A nameless face in a sea of thousands.
I don’t mean to be a downer, because I truly love Fawn Hill and my friends and family, but it’s just been one of those days. I had a dog die on my table this morning and then got a call from a local farmer that his horse lost the foal she was carrying. To top it off, Dierdra forgot to make confirmation calls to today’s patients, so three out of my four wellness visits didn’t show up, and I spilled coffee in my car.
Which is why I did a stupid thing.
Generally, I am as in-the-lines as they come. I go to work; I pay my taxes early; I call my grandparents weekly and always use the crosswalk. I don’t color outsides the lines; I don’t break rules or promises, to myself or others. I’m predictable and boring, as I’ve been told a thousand times by Fletcher, and I like it that way.
I’d been good for two weeks about not allowing myself to go into McDaniel’s Books & Post. I already had a crush on Presley McDaniel, one that I’d been denying since she came into my practice. There was no good that could come from crushing harder on her. She was a nomad, and there was no way a woman like