Page 87 of Starry with a Chance of Nightshade

I went at Dave as he opened his arms wide. I hugged him and he wrapped his arms around me, squeezing me. He then lifted me off the ground and squeezed me some more. How a man in his seventies had that much strength was a mystery to me.

He set me on my feet and then held me out at arm’s length. “I almost didn’t recognize you. What’s with all the metal in your head?” he asked, his Jersey accent poking through.

I laughed at his description of my piercings. “Dave.”

He peered down at me. “Your hair has changed quite a bit.”

I nodded.

“You look good,” he said, tearing up some. “I was afraid something happened to you. Something bad. When you never showed for work, I called everyone who knew you. Couldn’t get in touch with any of those girls you roomed with. I called the police. They told me there was nothing to be alarmed about. That you were an adult, free to come and go as you pleased. I tried telling them you wouldn’t just run off without warning or letting me know. That you’d worked for me for years and were a good, responsible young woman.”

I couldn’t help but tear up along with him. “I’m sorry. Before…back then…I should have called or written. I should have let you know I was okay. I never meant to worry you.” I bit my lower lip, trying to keep from outright crying. “I’m so sorry. You were always so nice to me and Torid.”

He put his hand on my shoulder in a fatherly manner. “I’m just damn happy to see you’re all right, even with all those holes in your head now.”

I laughed through my pending tears.

He glanced at my arms.

The sleeves of my duster had pulled up a tiny bit. “Are you covered in tattoos too? I’m not sure I can handle this.”

I snorted and pulled at my sleeves to cover my arms fully.

“How is Torid?” he asked.

“Torid?” asked Stratton, drawing attention to himself.

Dave glanced over at him and then back at me. A question formed on his face. “Are you here together?”

“Yes,” I said.

Dave’s attention snapped back to Stratton. “Am I to assume this is a date then?”

“Yes,” replied Stratton. “As much as it can be since she’s refusing to let me go all out with a fancy dinner.”

Dave’s chest puffed. “I’ll have you know my establishment has been voted the number one chicken-on-a-stick eatery in the tri-county area thirty-six years running.”

Stratton wisely put his hands up. “Sorry. I stand corrected. This is a very reputable establishment.”

“Damn straight,” said Dave with a laugh. “And if you want to win her hand, take her to a poetry reading or get her a book. When she wasn’t waiting on customers, she was reading nonstop. Smart young woman you’ve got there. You treat her right or I’ll ram a pitchfork so far up your—”

I shot forward. “Dave!”

He watched Stratton carefully. “You know who and what I am. I know you do. That means you know what I’ll do if you dare break her heart.”

I turned around slowly, embarrassed. “I’m so sorry.”

Stratton was all smiles. “I hear what you’re saying, Dave. And please know I have no intention of doing anything other than treating her right. If I didn’t, Faye, Angela, Peggy, and Yolanda would have my head.”

“Only if they could find it,” warned Dave.

I bit back a yelp. “We should get back to our dinner.”

Dave never took his eyes off Stratton as he nodded. “You’ve been warned.”

Stratton looked to be fighting to keep a straight face. “Yes. I’m aware.”

I gave Dave a wide-eyed stare, my back to Stratton.

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