Page 31 of True North

The weekend rolls around, and I’m at the small lake in the center of Lewistown. It’s pretty. And it is currently lined with stalls and families out for the afternoon. Brad’s been part of the community initiative for years, apparently. And now, by extension, so am I. His family owns the accounting firm in town, and they have a charity drive for locals every year. They own shares in many of the businesses around town—some they even own outright, or so he told me on the drive out here.

Even Mama Mancini has a pop-up stall, with her baked Italian goodies drawing most of the crowd. Who could blame them? Her food is something straight out of Little Italy, and as divine as a bite can be. I stand behind the stall taking gifts for the children’s ward at the hospital.

“Here you are, sweetheart,” a familiar voice says, handing over a box with a toy truck inside. I look up from the clipboard home to the list of names and donated goods to find Rosie.

“Oh, hi! Thank you.” I move around the table, folding her into my arms. She smiles and returns the hug.

“How are you?” I ask as she steps out of my hold. I look her over. She looks okay, the same Mrs. Rawlins I’ve always known, her demeanor and dress unchanged. “How’s Harry doin’?”

“Well, you know my boy, keeping himself busy. Always a fence to mend or something to build.”

I tilt my head with a sad smile. I know Harry. But I was gone for ten years. So, I know him only as well as my absence over the last decade affords.

“He would love to see you, I’m sure. Are you still coming for our Wednesday lesson?” Her eyes search mine.

“Of course, wouldn’t miss it. I can pick you up. We can cook at my place, if that’s easier?”

She pats my hand. A knowing look that only time and experience brings covers her face. “You come to us, darlin’. I’m not afraid of my own house.”

“Are you sure? Harry can drive you in if you’re not comfortable driving with me?”

“No. Sweet pea, I know you’re tryin’ your best to protect this old lady. But I’m fine, really. See you for morning tea Wednesday. I’ll bake something and put on the pot, then we will cook.”

She waves me off as she follows Evelyn toward the next stall. I watch her go, still awestruck at the strongest woman I’ve ever met.

“Louisa, where do these go?” My thoughts are ambushed by Brad. I spin back to find him with his arms full of wrapped gifts.

“Oh, shoot. In the bin for lucky dip, hey. Who knows what’s in them.”

He gives me a stiff nod and drops the presents into the large plastic bin behind him. When he turns back, his gaze wanders in the direction Rosie went.

“She doin’ okay?” he asks.

“I think so.”

He comes to stand beside me and shoves his hands in his pockets. “Did you want to go for ice cream after this?”

I meet his gaze. The brown eyes searching my face are hopeful. He’s sweet, if not a little standoffish at times. I should make more of an effort.

“Yeah, that would be nice. Maybe we could drive out to the lookout after?”

“Why?” His brows furrow.

Um, because that’s what couples do?

Hang out, look at the stars.

Snuggle up and make out.

“Oh, it’s just a thought.”

Brad’s mother, Dot, wanders over. “That’s a wonderful idea, Louisa! Honey.” She turns to her son and straightens his collar, and I have to look away as light crimson crawls up his neck. “You two young ones take off. Ice cream and the lookout sound perfect.”

Brad feigns an awkward smile as she pats his face like a little boy. I roll my bottom lip through my teeth, if only to keep the giggle wanting out of my throat down. We walk back to his car and climb inside.

“Sorry about my mom, she gets like that about girls.”

Girls?

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