Page 5 of Only Human in Strangeville

I sensed more than basic curiosity from the man. Maybe he was going to flirt with me? Just because he wasn’t wearing a ring didn’t mean he was available. So sue me, I’d looked. For that matter, Oliver didn’t wear a ring, either.

“I needed a fresh start, and this place seemed quiet enough to get away from big city life.” I’d come up with a fake back story. It was very similar to my real life, but different enough to mask the real details. I’d lived in Miami, according to my backstory. I’d certainly been there enough to know the area.

“City girl?”

“Beach babe,” I added with a grin. That much was true. I’d miss the water, but I could visit again someday.

We drove through the small downtown I’d walked to yesterday. General store, grocery store, a few restaurants, and a bar. All the basics. There were other shops too. Antiques, crafts, things like that. I’d heard there was a farmer’s market every Saturday. Not much beyond that. The mail came from a post office on the edge of Mayday Hills—I’d asked.

Davin gave me a quick once-over before returning his attention to the road. “Beechworth is a quiet town. It takes us a while to get used to new folks. I hope you give us a chance to adjust to a newcomer.”

“Oh, of course. Everyone has been very nice, so far. I don’t expect the entire town to throw open their doors to me.”

He smiled and pulled into a small car lot on the far side of town. I could have walked the four miles, but it would have taken me an hour or more.

“Thank you so much for the ride.”

“Not a problem. Take a look at what I’ve got and see if anything suits you. Keys are in the ignitions. Feel free to take them for a test drive.”

“Wait, you don’t want to go with me?”

“I will, if you prefer, but I don’t need to.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“If you have questions once you’ve looked around, I’ll be in the office. I feel people prefer not to have me staring over their shoulder.”

“That’s great. Thank you.” I had no idea what to say. I’d never encountered a dealership like this. Keys in the ignition? What if I ran off with the car?

Davin slipped out of the truck and before I could put my hand on the handle, he opened the door for me and offered me a hand down.

I didn’t need it, but I automatically accepted, his hand warm in mine.

“Prices are on the windshields.”

Feeling in something of a daze, I headed over to the section of vehicles that had the small SUVs.

***

A few hours later, I was the proud owner of a new compact SUV that should withstand the snowy conditions we’d experience a few months in my future. It was the least stressful experience I’d ever had buying a car. Paying cash had sped things up a bit, but Davin hadn’t batted an eye. I’d even gotten his number. Well, I had his business card and directions to call him should I have any problems with the vehicle. He promised to make sure I was happy. We’d see what actually happened if I had troubles, but I felt good about the purchase.

Wanting to get a better feel for my new home, I decided to head to the diner. I could use lunch, and local color always showed up at places like that.

Now that I had wheels, the trip took mere minutes. I parked on the street and headed inside. The building had a fifties façade, making it feel even more like an old-time, small-town diner. Inside, the tables had chrome edges and the barstools were black vinyl.

The woman behind the bar had a white-frilled apron, and another woman worked the grill, visible in the back through the service window.

The tables were about half-full, and I recognized a few people I’d seen working at the grocery store yesterday. Their tables were piled high, and they shoveled food in their faces with enthusiasm.

I took a seat at the bar.

“Hi, hun.” Her nametag said May. She looked to be a bit older than me, with a friendly smile and a relaxed air about her.

“Hi. What’s the special?”

She gave me a rundown of the menu, and I ordered. While I waited, a man slid onto the stool next to me.

“They’re werewolves.”

---