Page 6 of One Chance to Stay
She spun about and bolted for the kitchen. I worked my way to the living room, taking off my jacket and hanging it on the coatrack. I settled into a comfy chair, leaving on the bright orange hunting cap. Evelyn offered coffee, but I doubt it had anything to do with hospitality. In Maine, coffee served as an excuse to share gossip. She had an agenda.
Despite being in a warm room, I still had the occasional shiver. On the drive to my truck, Seamus said I’d experience it for another day or two. I thought he was annoyed that he had to take time out of his day to rescue an idiot. He hadn’t spoken another word, and we sat in silence. When he let me out, he drove off.
He turned around, heading back toward his house, and I expected him to pass without another glance. Seamus stopped. I got in my truck, and after a little effort, I got it out of the snow. Only when all four tires touched the pavement did he continueon his way. Seamus didn’t waste words when actions could speak for him.
“So, tell me about the bears.”
Evelyn appeared with two oversized mugs piping with steam. She handed me one and curled up on the couch. I noted the multi-color knitted socks. Jon warned me I’d be leaving with at least one pair.
I took a sip and ignored the scalding heat. After yesterday, I’d have chugged it. I would never leave the inn without at least three shirts, a couple of jackets, and thermal underwear.
“I’ve never seen a black bear before.”
“But you saw a bear.” Her eyebrows shot up as she sipped from her mug.
“I…” Oh. I should have guessed Jon’s love of furry men would have colored his sister’s language. “He’s not a bear… exactly.” I swore Evelyn leaned forward when she realized she had sniffed out my diabolical secret. “I think you’d call him a grizzly?”
“Half the men in this town fit that description.”
I retold the story, and when I got to the moment I stared down the barrel of a gun, I could hear her gasp. I left out waking up naked. Amusing in hindsight, I didn’t want the rumor mill to get the wrong impression.
“Are you okay? Like, do you have all your digits?”
“All twenty-one,” I assured her. I didn’t intend to be vulgar. I’d lie and call it a bad habit I picked up at the bar to get more tips.
Evelyn laughed. “Seamus, you say?” Her eyes rolled upward as she ran through the list of every person in Firefly. “I can’t say I know the name. That doesn’t mean much. I can barely keep track of who owns which store. Speaking of, did you see that we’re getting a liquor store? There’s also a rumor about a gas station, but I think that’s just wishful thinking.”
Yes, this passed for small-town news.
“Next thing you know, you’ll havetwobakeries.”
“Whoa, now—” She held up a hand in shock. “Firefly isn’t ready for that. I think they’re only allowed one grand opening per year.” I forgot Jon had said she had lived in Massachusetts for years. She clearly understood the outlandish behavior of the townspeople.
“Make sure you tell him thank you.”
The bait had been cast. Try as she might, her eyes sparkled as she spoke. Evelyn Olsen had a subtle way of inserting herself into the conversation. If it had been her brother, he’d have already ordered a gift basket. She, on the other hand, set a trap and waited for me to walk into it. She might not be from Firefly, but she had studied their ways.
“What do you get that says, ‘Thanks for not letting me freeze to death?’”
“How much is your life worth?” She waggled her eyebrows, softening the philosophical question. “I think this might exceed the usual pie.”
The phone rang in the kitchen, and Evelyn jumped to her feet. Without another word, she hurried away. I could hear the “Thanks for calling Valhalla Bed-and-Breakfast, how can I make your stay?”
How did I say thank you to a man living in the middle of nowhere? I assume he didn’t need a fresh box of ammo. I bet he had livestock. Maybe some chicken feed? That didn’t quite send the right message. Whatever it was, I wanted it to break through that steely exterior and make him smile. I was going to hate myself for asking, but I needed outside input. Thankfully, I had three patrons living in town who would gladly share their opinions.
I pulled out my phone. I tapped the screen before remembering it died the night before. The screen came to life.
“One hundred percent?”
The little battery icon showed a full charge. Had the cold done something weird? Or had a big softie plugged it in while he washed and dried my clothes? I didn’t fight the smile on my face. Underneath that growling persona, my savior had a squishy center. This only renewed my determination.
Patrick: Where do I go for gossip?
Jon: Rita is having a fling with Logan Jr.
Amanda: That’s common knowledge.
Jason: She’s had a crush on him since seventh grade.
