Page 43 of Pick Yourself Up
Marcus smiled. “This is Finch, and he’s friendly.”
Amber’s cheeks flushed. “It’s nice to meet you both. This is my friend, Boomer. Friends, Boomer. Free.”
At the commands that were common with K-9 officers, Marcus shot a questioning glance at Gray. He nodded back, letting him know his assessment was correct. Marcus nodded, but didn’t ask questions. Gray wasn’t surprised. The man’s reputation in the forces was top tier.
Amber laughed when Finch butted her hand with his massive head. “You like having your head scratched, buddy?”
The Dane quivered in ecstasy when she found the right spot. Gray knew how he felt.
Refusing to be jealous of a dog, he turned back to Marcus. “We’ve got the compost buckets to exchange, but we’re hoping to check out the town while we’re here. Any suggestions?”
Marcus grinned. “Of course. Lunch at the No Fail Diner. You can’t go wrong with Manuel’s tacos or Ginny’s cinnamon buns. Check out Phail General and Central. Piper added a tourism center to the back of Troy’s store. She’s got displays showcasing many of our local artisans along with Phail merchandise. There are walking trails with Phail Facts along the route that way. Then head to the Saloon for supper. Branna’s stocked with all six beers from our Phail Brewery.”
Gray grinned. “I hear they’re named after all of you. What’s your favorite?”
“The Straight Arrow Stout, but the others are almost as good.” Arrow had been Marcus’ callsign in the army, so the name was a perfect fit.
Marcus’ phone rang, so he waved them on their way and headed back to the station with Finch. Gray turned toward the diner. “Lunch?” They knew from the others that the diner was dog-friendly as long as the animals remained quiet and with their owners. Boomer wouldn’t be a problem.
She grinned. “Definitely. Can’t wait to try the tacos I’ve heard so much about.”
He opened the door for her, and they were hit by delicious, spicy scents. Amber’s soft laugh had him checking out the decor. The Mexican scents were at odds with the blue and green Scottish plaid covering the booths and stools, as well as the huge Phail crest covering the wall. “This is great.”
“Welcome to the No Fail Diner. I’m Ginny Phail and I’m guessing you’re Gray, Amber, and Boomer.”
They stared at her, and she shrugged. “Small town. Have a seat wherever you like.”
Ginny took their orders and brought Boomer a treat with their lunch. When she set down their food, she smiled. “Piper is over at Phail Central and hoping you’re heading her way. She’s so excited that you’re opening another B&B. She’s a sweetheart with a head full of ideas. Don’t have a clue how she comes up with things. She loves talking business and is always happy to help.”
Then Ginny left them to their meal. Gray reached across the booth to squeeze Amber’s hand. “Small towns have better gossip chains than the army. I didn’t think that was possible.”
She grinned. “It’s so weird.”
He nodded. “We don’t have to go.”
That earned him a soft smile. “Oh, I think we do. No disappointing Piper and the rest of the town that we didn’t see all the sights.”
The tacos were everything he’d heard about and he ended up chatting with Manuel about the differences between Italian and Mexican cuisine. He couldn’t wait to try some of Manuel’s suggestions on his next turn to cook.
After they stored the cinnamon buns they’d bought for the gang in his truck, he took her hand and they strolled to Phail General.
Troy grinned when they entered the store. “Welcome to Phail. So glad you finally made it to town.”
Gray grinned. “It’s great to be here. You’ve got a weird town, Epic.”
Troy laughed. “Thank you. We aim to please—or at least to make you laugh.”
Piper appeared from the back of the store. “You came. I’m so glad I didn’t scare you away.”
Gray laughed. “We don’t scare that easy.”
A small black and white bulldog trotted out from the back room and arrowed straight to Boomer.
Piper smiled. “Speaking of not scaring easily, this is Oreo.” Oreo circled Boomer, where he sat at Amber’s side and then plopped on his butt in front of the bigger dog with a happy yip and a grin.
Boomer checked with Amber. “Friends, Boomer. Free.”
When Boomer lowered his head, Oreo licked his nose and then bounced in place with excitement.
