Page 68 of Jagger

“Would the two of you stop it,” the woman behind the counter snapped. “That’s no way to talk to my customers. Jagger. Such a pleasure. Hunter dropped by earlier for one of my famous cherry pies.”

I could tell he didn’t care. There was such animosity between him and his brothers. Competition?

“You got a free booth, Poppy?” Jagger said in a grumbly voice, ignoring her sexual innuendo.

“Sugar. I’ll toss out one of our regulars if I need to.” She was a hoot, throwing a haughty look over the counter at the various booths and the workers who took up every stool at the counter.

“Don’t be that way, Poppy,” a guy finally piped in.

“Shut up, Mike. My place, my rules.”

Mike threw up his hands.

Spitting out a chuckle, I narrowed my eyes as I studied Jagger’s contorted expression. I had a feeling I was going to like this place. Of all the men I’d known in my life, he was the worst with people coming up to him or even saying hello. He suddenly reminded me of a man being told he needed his incisors removed without Novocain.

Poppy’s Diner was packed, at least three other dogs taking up positions at their owner’s feet by several of the colorful booths. The place reminded me of a restaurant you’d see in the fifties. Colorful. Quaint. Pictures adorning the walls. And garish lighting. Neon if I was correct. I was easily able to envision the place lit up at night. A customer would be able to see it a mile away.

My tummy immediately growled just with walking in. I gathered a whiff of baked apples and cinnamon, fresh coffee brewing and vanilla. Cally was already tugging on my leg, pointing to dog biscuits that were artfully placed on a cake pedestal, the glass covering preventing dust or unwanted, unwashed hands.How she knew about doggie treats was beyond me other than watching television.

“Look, Mommy, look! For Xena! Pwease. Can we get one?”

“I’ll get one for the pup,” Jagger said, already pulling his wallet from his jeans pocket. At least he’d allowed me to purchase him a nice long-sleeved Henley. The caramel color accentuated his deep chocolate hair. In turn, he’d insisted on ensuring I purchased a few items, including snow boots and warmer coats for both Cally and me. At the last minute, he’d tossed his credit card on the counter, refusing to allow me to purchase anything.

It had been the same at the pet store, the hardware store for a few items to ‘ensure our comfort’ as he’d called it and when he’d purchased fluffy towels because his at the cabin were ratty. I’d finally stopped trying to stop him from spoiling us. It wouldn’t have done any good.

“Nonsense,” Poppy said. She tossed a towel she was wiping her hands on behind her, coming out from behind the counter. An older lady, her bright smile suited her outfit, which reminded me of an eighties movie: fluorescent pink accented with various shades of purple, her tight-fitting pants shimmering with silver stars.

“You don’t need to do that, Poppy,” Jagger said. “Bella doesn’t like charity.”

He was just trying to annoy me and I’d decided not to allow him the chance to do so.

“Pft,” she hissed. “Don’t mind him, sugar. The Fox boys are notoriously grumpy all the time.” She plucked two biscuits from under the covering, bending down to Xena and making googling noises. “A little heroine. Xena for a princess warrior. Right?”

“Yes. Yes!” Cally jumped up and down, doing what I’d started to call her signature dance move.

Suddenly, there wasn’t a customer in the diner who wasn’t watching us with an amused expression. I felt a flush rush to my cheeks. I didn’t need to be in larger crowds right now. The women were trying to be polite, but I could swear they had daggers in their eyes. Evidently, Jagger was a hot catch around town. I could see why.

“John, bring another bowl of water,” Poppy called over her shoulder. “We have a new furry guest amongst our midst, a true heroine. Fix her up a cheeseburger too.”

Cally gasped as only she could do, so melodramatic I had to smile.

“Thank you, Poppy. You’re very kind.”

“Nonsense, girl. You must be Doctor Bella,” Poppy said. She held out her hand, her smile far too genuine to resist.

“Just Bella. Okay?” I shook it and instantly felt warmth.

“I’m Poppy Danfield. I own this fabulous establishment. I’d like to purchase the three… um, four of you lunch on me.”

“No, Poppy. We can take care of our check,” Jagger insisted.

She flapped her hand at him. “Don’t mind him, sugar. Like I said. Grumpy.”

“Yes, he is. Mrs. Danfield. Do you know anything about Xena? I mean, she wasn’t wearing a collar. We haven’t gone to a veterinarian yet to see if she’s chipped, but I was just wondering if you knew her.”

“Poppy. Please. She does look kind of familiar.” Poppy rubbed her jaw and glanced toward a man sitting at the end of the counter. “Doc Welby. This is Bella and Cally and you know Jagger, I think.”

I caught the look the doctor gave Jagger. It would seem my roommate wasn’t well liked by men, only the ladies appreciating the eye candy they’d been presented in town. I could easily read the minds of every single woman in the place no matter their age. They wouldn’t mind a nice roll in the hay with the man.

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