Page 14 of As They Are
“How mad was Henrietta this time?” he asked. Marjorie huffed out a laugh as I grabbed the largest bag of a generic coffeebrand. Marjorie loved annoying people in the local Facebook group, but it also drove her wife, Henrietta, up the wall. She was always apologizing for Marjorie’s comments; though if I were being honest, Marjorie was far less annoying than Hugh, who constantly put ridiculous things in the group. But he wasn’t trolling. He was always very serious.
“The usual amount. I know we said we would relax when we retired, but I’m sobored.”She let out a sigh. “At least the Neighborhood Watch is entertaining.”
“You always give me a chuckle. Though, I think Kerry’s one comment away from banning you.”
“I know how to make a new profile. She can’t keep me out for long.”
I joined the line, coffee in hand, right as Marjorie finished. She turned around and her eyes met mine.
“Oh, hey, Doc.”
“Hi,” I replied. “Everything okay?”
“Right as rain,” she said. “Staying active always helps. Just like you told me.”
I nodded. “It’s a good day for a walk.”
“Hen has my phone again.” She let out a sigh. “So, I might as well find something to do.”
“Has reading not been enough?”
She shrugged. “Hard to read and not miss the days when I was surrounded by books.”
“Understandable.”
“This is why I read Facebook and ruin people’s days. Though it might break my marriage.” She sighed. “I’ll figure something out. Thanks, Doc.”
Marjorie walked off, and I turned to Dale, only to see him looking at someone else.
I followed his gaze to strawberry-blonde hair pulled together into braids.
It washer.
The coffee fell out of my hands, something I would usually never let happen, and I raced to catch it before it hit the ground. But now she was looking atme.
“It’s you!” she said. “My bodyguard.”
“Henry?”Dale laughed. “A bodyguard? Didn’t know you had a job on the side.”
My brain ground to a halt. I was used to constantly remembering how to be normal. Confident. Dr. Henry Connor. “I ... uh, she’s kidding. Of course.”
“Not really.” She crossed her arms. “You were so sweet about making sure no one bothered me while I had a tire issue. He could make it a full-time job.”
“Unfortunately, I’m a little busy being the town doctor.” I managed to get my thoughts back online and held out my hand. “Henry Connor. Nice to meet you.”
“Wren Hackett.” She gave me one hell of a handshake. My dad always said he could learn a lot of things about people from the way they shook.
“I’m Dale. Not that anyone asked.”
Wren turned to him. “Sorry, nice to meet you too.”
“You look familiar,” he said, narrowing his eyes.
For a moment, Wren’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “Do you know where the light bulbs are?”
“Third aisle on the right,” I replied. She walked away with only a glance at Dale, and it finally hit me that maybe she didn’t want to be recognized for some reason.
“Damn. Was I rude?” Dale asked. “I can’t take being compared to Hugh again.”
