Page 5 of The Leaving Road

“You back now?” she pried.

I shook my head. “Only long enough to settle my dad’s estate and list the house.”

Her eyes silently appraised me. “Mmm.”

“Don’t do that,” I whispered

“Do what?”

“Treat me like I'm glass.” I picked at the words on my cup.

“Then don’t act like you are.”

I sucked in a gasp as she knocked on the table.

“Looks like you have company.” She rose from the table as a portly man in a suit with a smile far too wide for his face made his way over to me.

“You’ve been running for eight years, Magnolia… Maybe it’s time you stopped,” she whispered as she took her leave.

Chapter 4

Magnolia

Momma’s words floated over me, causing an almost electric feeling around me, sending small zaps along my spine, making me a little uncomfortable. I wanted to crawl out of my skin. She never hesitated to call me on my crap, but she was the first whose words seemed to elicit some kind of emotion in me, and I didn’t think I liked it.

“Magnolia, dear, it’s just amazing to see you.” Mr. Jensen pulled me up from my seat and gave me a hug. He smelled like spearmint and leather, which was comforting in a grandfatherly kind of way.

Jeez, I’ve been hugged more times in the last twenty-four hours than I have in the last year.

“Mr. Jensen. Please, take a seat.”

“Pish posh, you must call me Ted,” he said as he took off his coat. I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped me; his name was Ted, and boy, did he look like Ted.

“Okay, Ted.” I smiled, feeling at ease for the first time since I returned.

“Have you ordered yet?” He gestured to the coffee in front of me.

“No, I just got some coffee while I waited. Is everything here still fabulous?”

A loud crash sounded from the back kitchen area, and Papa Tucks face appeared in the window that gave you a glimpse into the kitchen in back. “Miss Magnolia, how dare you question my food,” he scolded. “You should know I never send a bad plate out.”

I raised my hands in mock surrender. “I only tease, Tuck.”

“Damn right, and for that, you both will get today’s special,no complaining.” He waved his spatula at me, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the poorly delivered threat.

“Well, that works for me, Tuck!” Ted responded rather cheerfully, then he turned his gaze back to me.

“I prefer to handle business after the meal, and I’d like a chance to get to know you a little better. Your dad talked about you a lot before his passing.”

“You knew my dad?” I asked, curious as to why he never mentioned him.You never asked, either.

“Toward the end, when his health was deteriorating, he confided in me so we could get his will exactly the way he wanted it.”

“Oh, I see.” A pang of guilt shot through me as a frown formed on my face. I should have been there for him; I should have made more of an effort.

I saw Momma coming out of the kitchen, knowing Tuck got our food out before other orders—also did a good number at thawing out my insides.

“Two specials of the day coming right up: lobster eggs benedict, with a homemade lobster sauce and American potatoes instead of hash browns. I’ll get you a refill on coffee, but do you two need anything else?”

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