Page 18 of Say I'm Yours
“I know you’ve finally had enough, not like I didn’t tell you to put your foot down a million times, but you know he loves you.”
“Ithinkhe does, which is the issue.”
Wyatt leans against the counter. “Well, whatever you decide, it’s going to be fun to watch.”
“You’re such a jerk.” I toss a piece of paper at him.
“Is there any way you could stop by when you’re done workin’? Angie hasn’t really left the house much, and I think she’s ready to kill me.”
“Can you blame her?” I joke.
He shrugs. “I need to help Cooper on the farm, and I don’t like the idea of her home all day by herself.”
Wyatt isn’t an alarmist, but after all they went through last year, I can’t blame him. I would probably be cautious as well. “I was going to close early . . .” I offer. I wasn’t planning that, especially after the mess I found in the back, but Wyatt doesn’t usually ask for help.
“I really appreciate it.”
He leaves, and I decide to lock the door and focus solely on my task. If people come in and out, it’ll slow my progress.
After an hour, I feel a little better. I got a lot of the boxes sorted so when I come in tomorrow, I can really get it done. I worry, though, how it got this bad. This isn’t the first thing that she’s had problems keeping straight recently, and as much as I don’t want to, I think I’m going to have to suggest she hire some help.
Instead of driving, which would be much faster, I leave my car parked and walk to Angie and Wyatt’s. Summer time in Tennessee is my favorite. I walk down the street with the sun shining and a warm breeze blowing through the sky. There is something about the freedom I feel this time of year. Plus, I don’t have to go to work.
“Well, hey there stranger,” a voice I would know anywhere says.
I turn with excitement as Mrs. Hennington pulls up alongside me. “Hi, Mrs. Hennington!”
“Need a lift?”
“Oh, no thank you. I’m just walking over to see Angie,” I explain. “Wyatt said she isn’t feeling well.”
Mrs. H. shakes her head, a warm smile tilting her lips. “I don’t know what my grandbaby is tryin’ to do to her, but she’s havin’ a heck of a time. I was headin’ over to check on Zach since he’s watchin’ Cayden and Logan today.”
Oh, dear God. Presley is a brave woman for leaving Zach home with teenage boys. I’d put money on him being hogtied somewhere while they dance around him.
“I think that’s probably a good idea.” I giggle.
“It amazes me sometimes that my sons manage to get themselves dressed.”
Macie asks me how I’m doing, and if I’ve been to the store. We chat a little about what she and the girls have been up to. They’ve apparently decided to start planning another trip. As we talk more about my mother, I debate telling her my concerns, but I decide not to. If I tell her, she’ll worry or tell Mama. It’s probably something I should keep to myself.
We start talking about her trip, and I pray when I’m as old as those women that I have half as much fun.
“Well, honey, I’m going to get my behind over there and make sure my boys are all alive.”
“It was great seein’ you.” I smile.
“Grace, honey, don’t you stop comin’ by. I know you and Trent couldn’t work things out, but you’re always welcome in my home. Hell,” she lets out a soft laugh, “I’ll throw him out so you can visit with me, okay?”
And this is why she’s my favorite person in this town. Her and Rhett. No one says a mean word about them because they’re simply the best. Rhett didn’t start out with money, he worked hard and provided for his family, but he was always charitable. My parents couldn’t afford the horses we had, but Rhett provided them free of charge. He made sure everyone in this town had what he could give.
They’re good people.
“Thanks, Mrs. Hennington.”
“I’m sure I shouldn’t say this, but I’m an old woman, and keepin’ my mouth shut has never been my strong suit,” she warns. “I’m not askin’ you to give him anything. Not a damn thing, but I know my boy, and he’s missin’ you, sugar. Just know that.”
I squeeze my hands together and close my eyes. Each time I manage to get him out of my head, something happens, and he’s right back.
