Page 34 of Ava
“Oh. I never thought of that.”
“Yeah, I think you should throw it by her. But, when we were out shopping today, I had a thought, and I took notes. I’ll have to run it by Morgan.”
“What thought?” Justin frowned at her. “You didn’t tell me your thought and I ignored you, did you?”
“No, I kept it to myself, but my thought was, the basement is huge, right?”
“Yes, what about it?”
“What if, with the card we used today, we go back and purchase seven more beds and set them up in the basement. That would get you guys out of your camper, and I’m sure with the hotter weather coming, you’d be more comfortable, and you could have access to the kitchen, and other bathrooms until the other women arrive. It’s just a thought.” She shrugged when there were varying degrees of apprehension and joy on their faces.
“First, why seven?”
“One for Chuck. I don’t know why he doesn’t join you at the supper and breakfast table, but everyone says he’s been your best friend for years.”
“Because, I’m an ass.” Chuck sighed. At her confused look, he elaborated. “Yes, I met the J’s in kindergarten. We went to school together and then to college, but see, I would always pick on Morgan and ask her out. It’s not like I was in love with her or anything, but whenever I saw her, I’d ask. She’d always shoot me down. Well, one day, Wyatt happened to be back home, and he heard me. He was there to ask her to marry him. I stay away by choice, I don’t want to piss Wyatt off, and have him come after me, because I used to hit on Morgan.”
“Do you really think he would hit you?”
“Maybe, maybe not. I don’t want to take any chances.”
“I know it’s not any of my business, but do you eat?”
“I do, I have scrambled eggs and toast for breakfast, a sandwich for lunch, and tonight, I’m going into town for pizza.”
“Oh.” Ava didn’t know what else to say, and they finished up, and it ended up that Josh and John decided to go into town with Chuck. They took money from the A’s with the promise to bring something back for them to eat later that night. A midnight snack they said. Ava shook her head, and went out to Justin’s truck. They were the last ones to leave, and she looked at him, and asked, “Why the different expressions on all of you when I offered you the basement? Did I step out of line?”
“Not really, it’s that the A’s and Chuck don’t know what you and the other women will be doing when you’re here. I’ll have to talk with Morgan to run your idea by her, and about how we can incorporate the A’s and Chuck into everything. There’s no way we can have them in the room if we’re talking about what you’ll be doing, or what you’ve found out.”
“Ah, I understand, but other than Morgan, is there anyone who can help you read them into what’s happening?”
“Dillon and Tom.”
“The Sheriff?”
“Yes, you know him?”
“I met him this morning. He showed up after Morgan and I got to the office with maps of some local counties, and told us that starting tomorrow he’ll be delivering cars that we can use on the back roads, instead of our bikes.”
“That’s good.”
“Morgan told him to call you when he’s about to make a delivery, that you could set him up in the garage.”
Justin nodded. “I can do that.” He pulled in and parked, and shut off the truck, then turned to look at her. “I want to tell you that I actually enjoyed myself today. You’re a fun person to talk with.”
“Thank you, so are you.” They continued to stare at each other, until Alfie banged on the tailgate, and they jerked apart, unaware that they had been leaning in toward each other. They started, and Ava quickly gathered up the folder with the receipts, and hurried out of the truck. This was the second time she didn’t wait for him. The first time was back at the house.
They hurried into the back room, removed their shoes, and washed up. As the men started helping Dolly get the food on the table, and finish setting it. Ava took her purchases to her room, and dropped off her other items. She then went back out to the truck, and brought in the three cases of Cola she’d bought. In the kitchen she put them on the counter and asked where the pantry was. Dolly gave her a look, then grinned at the soda beside her and told her where they stored it. Ava looked in shock when she saw there were already at least ten other cases on the bottom shelf in the pantry. Laughing, she didn’t feel bad about taking Lucas’s soda any longer. At least it was only one or two cans a day, and when she moved into the house, she could always take it with her.
Back out in the kitchen, she saw that the food was being put into bowls, items were being pulled from the oven, and she grinned.
“Spaghetti?”
“And meatballs,” Justin said as he popped one into his mouth, then had to do the hot, hot dance with his hands and mouth.
“Dummy,” Alan laughed as he grabbed the bread from the oven, and began to place it on platters. Ava looked over and saw Morgan, Wyatt, Dillon, the two boys, and April arrive. She looked pale, but seemed to be fine.
“Where’s Johnny and Joshy?” Morgan frowned as she went to the refrigerator, and pulled out a pitcher of ice water.
