Page 40 of Enraged

“Some candles, my ass,” I muttered to myself as I carried the big ass bag up the front steps. Sitting the haul down, I opened the front door.Lena was unpacking the liquor, setting it up neatly on the bar shelf.

“You must have wiped out all of your inventory prepping for your honeymoon.”

Turning around, she shot me a glare. “There’s only about fifteen candles in there.”

Fifteen heavy ass candles.

Reaching inside the bag, I pulled out a jar that was on top. It was a pink candle labeled “Company’s Comin’”.

“What does this one smell like?” I inquired.

“Clean laundry. I’m thinkin’ about changing up my label to include a scent description.”

Removing the lid, I raised the jar to my nose.

Damn, that really does smell like fabric softener.

Replacing the lid, I examined the label.

It was simple – white withCreek’s Edge Candle Co.at the top and the name of the candle just beneath it in a minimalist font.

Simple and to the point.

“I think it’s great like it is.” I sat the jar on the countertop.

She smiled. “Yeah?” I nodded.

“Yep, some things just don’t need extra fuss. The incredibility speaks for itself.”

“Maybe not, but some folks might like knowing exactly what they’re gettin’ ahead of time,” she pointed out.

“If you like it how it is, don’t change it up to appease someone else.”

The warm look she gave me told me she knew I wasn’t talking about the candles.

Placing the last bottle of alcohol on the shelf, she turned to me. “Okay, roomie. What are you grillin’ for supper?”

Jolene

“That was delicious,” I told Dakota after polishing off my last bite of steak. “It was cooked perfectly.”

He smiled. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

The fire roared in front of us.

“I did. Sounds like you finished just in time, too.” I pointed at the ceiling.

Frozen rain pelted the tin roof, a sound guaranteed to lull you to sleep if you focused on it long enough.

He grabbed my plate and carried it to the sink.

How are we gonna wash those?

Grabbing a familiar bottle, he poured himself another glass of whiskey. “Need another?” He asked.

Nodding, I raised my glass. “You win the best bartender award.”

“I’m the only bartender,” he pointed out, filling my solo cup to the brim.

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