Page 42 of A Fowl Match

“Mason was grabbing coffee and offered to cover for a few while I talked to you. I was telling him all about you and Dustin.And how badly I wanted to talk to you in person about it,” she stammers, fidgeting with the keys in her hand.

“Oh Mason? What’s going on there?”

“We’re just friends. You know this. Anyway, I'm here to talk aboutyou,not me.” She brushes some of her red hair onto her back. “Please let me say my piece and then I have to get back. I couldn’t wait until this afternoon to say it.”

When I don’t stop her, she continues, “I knew it. I knew something was going on between you two. You had a thing for him all along, whether you wanted to admit it or not. I’m so happy for you. After your last relationship I thought you would never let someone in again. I’m so glad I was wrong. You deserve to be happy. And you need to let go of everything that you blame yourself for. Jackson cheating on you was not your fault. Your parents’ accident was not your fault. Please don’t forget that.” Tears form in the corner of her eyes.

“Thank you. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“I don’t know what I would do without you either. But I need to go, before the coffee is all burnt and I lose customers. Plus, we will both be a crying mess if I stay.”

Now I’m alone in my thoughts repeating what she just said:You deserve to be happy.She’s right. I need to stop self-sabotaging.

Chapter 28

Violet

WethoughtBobbie’sFreezewould be a good treat after spending hours practicing for the final competition, a three-legged race, with no luck. After countless falls my body couldn’t take anymore. So, we called it a day and chose to wing it tomorrow.

The shop feels instantly cool when stepping inside. The walls are decorated with painted brick, designed to look like blocks of ice. We order our ice cream and sit at a table in front of the large glass window. Dustin sits across from me with a sundae. He takes a huge bite—a spoonful of vanilla with hot fudge, sprinkles, and chopped nuts. Then he asks, “Who decided this three-legged race was a good idea?”

That is a question I’ve pondered myself many times. Especially with the older small business owners. It’s a recipe for disaster. Some teams will sub someone out for this challenge so that no one gets hurt—they allow it because of disasters in previous years.

“Twenty years ago someone on the founders of this competition decided it was a great idea. No one has changed the last competition since then.” Which I think is ridiculous, nonetheless. “And the worst part is you’re so much taller than me. Making this even more challenging than teams with people that are close in height.” I grab a spoon full of mint chocolate chip ice cream and the chill from it is refreshing against the beads of sweat trailing down my back.

“How did you do in this one last year?” he says between bites.

“Not well. We placed last.” My shoulders shake in laughter. “Tripped and fell straight out of the start line. Dan and I struggled to get back up for a couple of minutes. By the time we did, everyone was already at the halfway mark. And there was no coming back.”

“Well that just means we have to keep practicing. Tomorrow before the race we can practice a couple runs. I have time.”

“That works for me.” I take the last bite of my ice cream pointing at the empty container. “This right here is the key to my heart.”

“So, all I had to do was get you some toothpaste flavored ice cream and you would have fallen for me.”

I blink my eyes shyly looking up with a deviant smile. “Yes. But it doesn’t taste like toothpaste, it’s delicious.”

“You can’t convince me otherwise.” His lips lift slightly in the corner. He gets up from his chair and grabs our bowls to throw them out. He kisses me quickly on the lips. My cheeks flush. I’m still not used to being in a relationship. But it’s a pleasant surprise.

I look over at the counter, noticing Bobbie and one of the younger workers swooning. They snicker to each other and fan themselves with menus. When they catch my gaze, their eyes quickly dart away. They both hastily duck under the counter.Menus fly through the air and the sound of giggling reverberates over the tune of a Patsy Cline song.

I can’t help but grin at the sight. The best thing about a small town is the fact that everyone knows each other. Well, most of the time I love that. Unless you want privacy, then it’s no fun, because you can never hide anything. The news of our new relationship will soon blow over when the events commence tomorrow. New articles will be written on their social page, and we'll be old news.

I hope so, for my sanity.

“Are you ready?” He outstretches his hand.

“Yes, let’s go.” I place mine in his, and the connection sends tingles through my fingers. I wonder if he feels the same thing when we touch. I’ve never had this kind of reaction to someone else before.

We walk across the sidewalk as the sun is setting. The glow from the sky illuminates his face. The dimples in the corner of his cheeks are prominent.

“Did you ever find out if the antenna worked? Is their cell service any better?”

“I honestly forgot. Let’s find out.” He dials his grandpa and puts it on speaker.

“Hello?”

“Hello Dustin.”

---