Page 18 of The House on Blueberry Lane

“Sure did. You’d be surprised how many older people don’t use the advanced services or features because they feel intimated by them. Our class was for the sixty-five and older group and was taught by banking and technology experts from the same age group. That increased the participants’ comfort level tremendously. The last thing an older person wants is a millennial trying to show them anything. Needless to say, the class went well, and those who attended discovered all the added features my bank has to offer that will save time.”

“I’m glad.”

“The results of a follow-up survey we did show those who took the class are using some of the new banking features already. They especially like being able to check their bank balances at any time. Next week, we’re hosting a class on the benefits of direct deposit. There are a group of people who feel they need to look at their check, cash it and then take the money to the bank. Colfax National Bank is working with the major employers in town to implement benefits that will come with direct deposit.”

“Such as?” she asked, biting into her meat. When she licked sauce off her bottom lip, he felt the lower part of his body harden and was glad he was sitting down so she had no idea how aroused he was.

When she looked at him, waiting for his response, he said, “One benefit is having your funds available to spend a day early. That means those who would normally wait for Friday to get paid, now will be able to spend their money Thursday. They like that.”

“I can see why.”

She then tackled the corn. He loved seeing her eat and it was obvious that she was enjoying the food. To avoid staring at her mouth, he asked, “Yesterday, you said you had your challenges. How so?”

She shrugged. “Just the regular challenges most teachers face.” Then she asked, “How’s your dad and brothers?”

He was surprised she’d asked, especially since she’d made it clear she didn’t want people to know about their past. But he figured she was only asking because they were alone.

“Everyone is fine. Dad got married last year, Dean got engaged at Christmas and Franklin is still Franklin.”

A beautiful smile spread across her face. “I’d heard about your dad’s marriage, but Dean really got engaged?”

He wondered how she’d known about his father and figured her best friend, Ruthie, must have told her. “Yes. Dean met Sherri a year and a half ago and didn’t waste time putting a ring on her finger.”

“I’m happy for him.”

It was on the tip of Jaye’s tongue to say that he was glad his brother had had a lot more sense that he’d had. In fact, Dean had come right out and said that he didn’t intend to make the mistake Jaye had made with Velvet.

“Not sure if you knew there aren’t any more Bad News Steeles. Every last one of them is now married. Gannon and his wife had a baby last year and Mercury and his wife are expecting.”

“I’m sure their mother is extremely happy.”

“Yes, Eden is very happy. All six of her sons have tied the knot and are producing grandkids.”

Deciding to change the subject, he told her how he enjoyed jogging through the blueberry field behind their house. “I’m beginning to like blueberries, especially in muffins.”

“Then I guess you’ve become quite acquainted with the Witherspoon Café.”

He chuckled. “Yes. I’ve had breakfast and lunch there a few times with some of the guys Vaughn introduced me to. Ray, Sawyer and Kaegan Chambray.” Kaegan owned a huge shipping company in town.

She nodded. “All nice guys I’ve gotten to know since moving here. Their wives, Ashley, Bryce and Vashti are pretty special, too.”

She sipped her beer, then pushed her empty plate aside. “That was good, Jaye. There’s nothing like Colfax ribs.” She wiped her mouth, then stood to throw her scraps in the trash. “Thanks for the invite. That was right neighborly of you.”

Jaye knew her statement was deliberately letting him know they had enjoyed the meal together as neighbors and nothing more. “You’re welcome. In fact, why don’t you fix a to-go plate? I have plenty of leftovers.”

“You sure?” she asked with a hopeful look on her face.

He smiled. “I’m positive.”

“In that case...” She prepared another plate and wrapped it in foil. “Thanks, Jaye.”

“You’re welcome, Velvet.”

“Well, I’ll be seeing you.”

“Okay.”

He watched her walk away in that sexy stroll of hers, hoping she would look back.

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