Page 74 of So in Love
Crystal nodded and reached for her cup on the table next to the love seat.
“I can take that if you’re finished,” Stella offered with a smile.“I didn’t mean to upset you—just keeping things real.We like to do that here in Ribbon Ridge.”
“Actually, it sounds like you don’t,” Crystal practically snapped.She immediately regretted it.Piss off the wrong people, and they made your life hell.
Stella’s eyes narrowed slightly.“Well, we do protect our town—and our own.You’d know that if you were a Ribbon Ridger like this nice young man.”Stella picked up Crystal’s cup.“You’ve still got some coffee left.”
Crystal forced a brittle smile.“I think I’m done here.Thanks.”She turned and left without waiting for Jamie.But she didn’t have to.He was right behind her, his hand against the small of her back.
Once they were outside, she let out a series of swear words that would’ve made her mother plug her ears.
Jamie took her hand as she dug her hat from her purse and smashed it on her head.“I’m so sorry that happened,” he said.
“I can’t believe someone was eavesdropping on our conversation at the library.Actually, I can.I guess I'm just out of practice when it comes to small towns.I should’ve known better.”She looked both ways down the street and started across.
He kept up with her.“This isn’t your fault.”
She looked at him askance.“Isn’t it?I’m dredging up some pretty awful history that it seems most of the town—maybe all the town—isn’t aware of.It really seems as though they covered things up and did a great job of it.”
“It still isn’t your fault.It’s Redmond and Hoyt Stowe’s—my ancestors.I’m way more to blame than you.”
She stopped short on the sidewalk and stared at him.“That is the stupidest logic I’ve ever heard.”
His mouth curved into a lopsided smile.“It’s only marginally worse than yours.”
Rolling her eyes, she started walking again.“Fine.”
“Look, Stella’s an old-timer.Her parents would’ve been around in the ’20s when the KKK was having a resurgence.Maybe it’s a sore point for her.No one wants to be associated with that,” he said.“Well, no one worth a shit anyway.”
“You don’t seem to mind.”
He pulled on her hand and stopped walking.“Hold it right there.If you think it doesn’t drive me nuts that I apparently come from a line of KKK leaders, you’re kidding yourself.The fact that Turner Stowe seems to have been on the side of justice and morality keeps me from having a total identity crisis.You can think it’s weird, but I still feel some sort of guilt.”
She touched his face with her free hand.“I’m sorry.It really isn’t your fault.”
“I know that.Just as I know that your story is important and most of the town will support what you’re doing.Yes, there will be some outliers who are outraged that this dirty secret is being aired, but screw them.”
“I’m not sure I agree with your ratio of supporters versus those who are outraged, but your support is the only one that matters.”She kissed him softly, cupping the side of his neck with her hand.“Geez, you’re getting soaked out here.”
“Eh, it’s barely a drizzle.This isn’t rain—not in Oregon.”
She laughed.“I’m learning.Come on, my car will be here shortly.”
He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her against him as he backed under the awning of the shop they were in front of.“I’m going to miss you so much.You are coming back, right?”
“Of course.I have a story to tell and Ribbon Ridgers to alienate.”
He chuckled as he kissed her again.“I will be your champion.”
She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight.“Keep your sword sharpened—you may need it.”
Jamie parkedhis car in his parents’ driveway and grabbed the manila envelope from the passenger seat.He jumped out and strode to the door.Before he could knock, Dad opened it wide.“Hello, son!Good to see you.Been a while since you came for dinner.”
Because he’d buried himself in work the past two weeks.It was the only way he’d been able to endure Crystal’s absence.The nights and weekends had been long, his bed empty and cold.Damn, he had it bad.
“I made stew!”Mom called from the kitchen.“One of your favorites.”
No one made stew like his mother.Jamie walked inside toward the kitchen.“Please tell me you got some sourdough from Barley and Bran.”
