Page 13 of Loving My Enemy

“Oh, they smell divine!” Bettyoohedandaahedover the kit, squealing like a teenage girl when she inhaled the scents.

Elka laughed. “There are five scents available but I’m working on expanding my options.” She had an easy way about her that put everyone at ease, whether they left with something or not.

About an hour passed in unbearable silence before I couldn’t take it anymore. “Elka, tell me about yourself.”

“My name is Elka.”

I smiled at her sarcasm. I deserved it and it was nice to know she did have a backbone in that tiny frame of hers. “Where are you from, Elka?”

“The west coast,” she answered easily. Even though she wouldn’t look at me, I knew it was the truth.

“Do you have any family?”

“I do.”

“Brothers and sisters?”

Her lips tightened instantly. “Not anymore.”

There was a story there and I wanted to hear it, but she was too angry to give even an inch right now. Luckily, no woman could resist an offer of sugar. I stood and stretched, wondering if she’d looked me over the way she had before I yelled at her about her trailer. “I’m going to get one of those deep-fried homemade candy bars. You want anything?”

“No thanks,” she said so quickly, I knew that would’ve been the answer no matter what.

What was the point in trying to be nice to someone who didn’t know the meaning of forgiveness? “Whatever.” I didn’t even know why the hell it mattered at this point. I hadn’t done a damn thing to warrant her forgiveness and since she refused to even accept my apology, it was hopeless.

The problem was, I had no choice but to make things right because Tyson was rightfully pissed off. I acted unprofessionally and it was a reflection on him as well as the department, and according to the mayor, the whole damn town. Which meant I needed to do something that would make it impossible for her not to forgive me.

Chapter 8

Elka

So far, my absolute favorite thing about the town of Tulip, Texas was the generous outdoor market that took up most of First Street, as well as Lady Tulip Square, named for the big bed of Lady Tulips planted in the center. I’d already spent an hour walking around, picking up flowers and seedlings, and taking advantage of all the fresh produce for sale. My clean eating habit was hard to break when faced with heirloom tomatoes and Japanese eggplant.

Besides, with the sun beating down on my face, warming my skin through my lightweight white skirt and matching tank top, I could pretend like I belonged. Even if I didn’t. Not yet, anyway. Austin wouldn’t constantly doubt himself; he was the most confident person I knew, which wasn’t saying much since I didn’t a lot of people, but still. He would walk with his shoulders back and his head held high, pretending he fit in until he actually did.

Channeling my favorite person in the whole world, I did the same, smiling while picking up a pint of strawberries, answering polite questions, and asking a few of my own. I spotted the Bell sisters a few booths down. They had matching tight black curlsand almost-violet eyes. Mimi dressed like a fifties housewife while Trixie dressed like a teenage boy in jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers.

“Mimi, your corn jelly is absolutely delicious!”

Her cheeks turned a bright shade of red when her mouth widened into a proud smile. “Thank you, dear. That’s lovely to hear.”

And because I was trying to fit in, I turned to Trixie and bought a two pack of her famous corn. “I’m making Mexican salad with black beans, avocado, tomatoes, and onion with tortilla chips.”

“I wouldn’t mind a taste of that,” Mimi said with a hesitant smile.

“I’m happy to share it with you. It’s not like I can eat it all on my own before it goes bad anyway.” That seemed to perk her right up.

“We live in the yellow Victorian two blocks north of your cottage,” Trixie said, turning to her next customer.

This town was as kooky as it was wonderful and I knew I couldn’t let one bitter man with anger issues color the entire town for me. It was easy to admit that aside from Officer Vargas, Tulip had been amazing so far. Very welcoming and friendly.

“Oh there you are, sweetheart.” An older man with a head full of thick red-and-silver hair stopped in front of me, panting with his hands tugging on the straps of his overalls. “I’m Rusty and I owe you a mighty big apology, young woman. I’ve picked up your hatchback and one of my nephews has already got it hooked up to see what’s going on with it. I’ll have it fixed up for you in no time.”

My shoulders sank in relief. Making a dozen trips to the post office on foot was great exercise, but it was not good for my mood or my creativity. I needed my car fixed and fast. “I am soglad to hear that, Rusty. Thank you.” My smile beamed so wide, my cheeks ached.

“Don’t thank me. Thank Antonio. He’s the one who took care of it all.” Rusty shoved his cap back over his head and kicked at the dirt absently. “I’m real sorry about making you wait. Fishing and beer don’t always mix.”

“I’m just grateful that it’ll be done soon.” What did it mean that Antonio had “taken care of it all”? “You’ll let me know the damage before you start repairs, right?” I’d read an article that said women had to be careful when it came to things like auto repairs.

---