Page 7 of Beneath Southern Stars

“She’s a little shy. Thank you for the gift, that was very kind.”

He shrugs. “It’s nothing at all. My lady friend wanted to send me with some cookies but thought better of it since I’m a sucker for her sweets.” My silence doesn’t stop him as he continues on telling me about his route and naming people as if I should know who they are. “And then there’s the Jubilee. Laney’s taken that over, but I doubt Linda’s going to let go easily. Though, if anyone can keep that old woman preoccupied it’s our Laney. Have you met her? She lives right there,” he says motioning toward the house next door.

“We did, actually. Her little dog has... a lot of energy.”

A boisterous laugh bellows from deep in his core and he says, “Steve has that in spades. Well, I should be off. In fact, Laney’s expecting me. Say, do you like ice cream?” Pepper nods her head enthusiastically. “Well then you best stop by Frozen Spoon. Best banana splits you’ll find in the county. See you around.”

We watch as he waves and pulls away from the dock. I adjust the hat on Pepper’s head and watch as he slowly moves to the next dock. The woman next door—Laney—rushes across the yard with a box in her hands. From where I’m standing I can’t see her face or hear her speaking but by the look on Connie’s face, it’s hilarious.

Pepper is tugging on my hand while I watch as the woman looks around, scanning for who knows what, and hands the box to Connie. They exchange a few more words and she spins on herheel and runs back toward the house. I take it back, maybe she is a little strange.

I turn my attention back to Pepper and let her lead me toward the house. When we get back to the deck, she doesn’t return to her puzzle but instead stands looking up at me. Her caramel eyes shining bright. Ice cream. Town. Anywhere but here is what she wants.

“What do you say we head into town for some ice cream?”

She bounces, not unlike that little dog did, and rushes toward the house, her feet padding across the hardwood floors. If I’m not mistaken there may also be the sound of a giggle too.

Chapter Five

Laney

“It just killsme to not sample along with the customers. How do you stand it every shift?” I ask Ginny, the teenager I’m working a short shift with at Frozen Spoon. I love this ice cream shop, and it’s filled with memories of my life. Celebrations at the end of the school year, heartache after the boy I liked didn’t return my feelings, and just because it’s the weekend and ice cream is never a bad idea. Although Ginny laughs at my question, I don’t for one second believe she thinks I’m hilarious. She is more likely laughingatme thanwithme. I remember being a teenager and thinking anyone over twenty was ancient and ridiculous.

“You can sample. I won’t tell,” she promises. What she doesn’t know is that my one weakness in this world is ice cream. Specifically, a hot fudge sundae with nuts and a cherry. It’s not really a sundae if there’s no cherry. I’ll die on that hill.

“I can resist. I’m an adult and have the willpower to not indulge. Hard as it may be. I’m just glad I was able to help you out today.”

Ginny smiles and rests her hip against the counter and sighs. We’re in a bit of a lull now but the last hour has been crazy busy. Unfortunately, her co-worker rolled her ankle while sweepingand had to leave before her shift ended. I almost ignored the call when it came in, worried I’d miss Connie picking up my package. I’m only here a few hours until another employee can relieve me.

“You really were a life saver today. But whyareyou here? You’re like my mom’s age and have a job of your own, right?”

I suck in a breath. Her mother’s age. I mean, I guess I could be if I were a teenager when she was brought into the world. A very young teenager. Lifting my lips into what I’m sure looks like a deranged effort at a grin, I shake my head.

“I’m twenty-seven for goodness’ sake. And yes, I have my own job but I also am my own boss so I can set my own schedule. Besides, I like helping out the community. It may not seem like it now, but we’re blessed to live in Magnolia Grove.”

She scoffs and I chuckle. Whether it was the mom comment or that I simply do not have any willpower, I snag one of the mini spoons from the cup and dip it into the birthday cake flavor. I could and probably should be embarrassed by the moan of appreciation that falls from my lips but I’m not. That’s some damn good ice cream. I’d continue in my moment of bliss if a throat didn’t clear and scare me to the point my mini spoon goes flying.

Slowly, I open my eyes, one lid at a time hoping I won’t have to live in a constant loop of teasing. Nope. Maybe judgment but not teasing. I don’t think my neighbor, who I still don’t know his name, is the teasing sort. He’s once again wearing those damn sunglasses but today he’s added a ballcap. His jaw is clenched tight and confirms I was right on the money. Not a teaser. My eyes drift down his arm where his hand holds that of his little girl. A giggle bursts out of me as I take in the hat she’s wearing. Connie mentioned he spoke with the neighbor but hadn’t mentioned he gave the little one a hat like his. Her curls peek out from underneath the brim and two adorable dimplesaccompany her smile. She is the cutest thing ever. Not that I’d admit to Regan and Riley that thought ever existed.

Ginny is unusually quiet, her eyes on the man. I refuse to acknowledge his handsomeness. Or how the T-shirt he’s wearing looks like it’s been tailored to fit every ripple of muscle on his body. Not that I’m looking. No sirree. I’m a professional ice cream shop scooper and shall ignore all that he is.

Clearing my throat, I plaster on a sweet smile and greet our new customer. “Hi there. Did you get settled in okay? You’ve picked a great place for ice cream. Frozen Spoon is, in my opinion, the best in the state.”

Not unlike he was the day we met; he stares at me like he’s not quite sure what to make of me. I’m wearing my glasses today so maybe that’s adding to his confusion. Like he thinks he knows it’s me but isn’t one hundred percent sure. I don’t think I look too different with my glasses but maybe I’m wrong. While I’m contemplating my possible Clark Kent ability to look different with a pair of eyewear, the unsmiling man slips his sunglasses off and drops them in the collar of his shirt.

“Hi there. I like your hat,” I say to the sweet girl, her pink framed glasses still the cutest things ever. She smiles and looks at her dad. Is she asking for permission? Don’t tell me he’s some control freak or doesn’t allow her to speak to anyone. Not like I’m technically a stranger.

Eyes the color of the most decadent chocolate stare back at me. Ugh. Those are nice too. It’s really unfair that men can have such beautiful lashes. What a waste.

“I’m guessing that’s a gift from Connie.”

“Yeah. He uh, he stopped by on his route and gave it to her. It was his suggestion we come here. Said the banana split was the worth trying.”

“It is. Unfortunately, I am not skilled in the prep of that particular menu item. Ginny?” I turn to face my scoopingpartner only to find her staring at the man. She looks a bit like a largemouth bass if I’m being honest. I mean, he’s not bad to look at but his manners are less than ideal.

I lift my foot and tap Ginny’s leg. She startles and looks to me, eyes wide. “Ginny, I am not well versed in the banana split. Would you mind getting that started? I’ll ring up these folks while you do.”

She scurries off without a word and I hope she isn’t making a run for it. I need to get over to Jitterbug for a pick-me-up before I head to One More Page for job two of the day. If Ginny is making a run for it, I’ll have to let down the store owner, Savvy, and I hate disappointing my friends. Especially when it’s covering a shift at our local bookstore. Other than my greenhouse, I think it’s one of my favorite places in Magnolia Grove.

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