Page 11 of Quintessentially

“Hey, honey.”

I turn and meet Joyce Simpleton’s smile and shining dark eyes. “Joyce. You still here?”

“And where do I have to go?” She tilts her head toward the booths to the side of the room. “Grab a seat. I’ll bring you some coffee.”

“Black. Thank you.”

When she arrives with the filled cup and saucer, she speaks softly, “They were talking about your return. Thought maybe you got lost. You know, forgotten your way?”

“No, it was my—”

“Good to see you, Dax,” she interrupts. “Mick was right. No reason to be staying at a hotel. Ruth’s house is just sitting there.”

“It’s part of her estate.”

“And last I heard you’re the executor.”

A smile comes to my lips. “So everyone does know about her will.” It isn’t really a question.

“We know John and Ruth were two of the best. We know your folks have been here, but Chicago is a lot closer than Florida. That’s why Ruth named you as the executor.”

Florida is where my parents now live.

I take a deep breath. “May I ask you a question?”

“Honey, you can ask. I can’t promise I’ll answer.”

“What can you tell me about Kandace Sheers?”

“Pretty broad question,” she replies. “What do you want to know?”

“Is she still here in Riverbend?”

Joyce nods.

“She married?”

Her lips come together. “Son, move to town for a few days while you’re working things out. Open your eyes and see what there is to see. Keep your ears open too. You just might learn a thing or two.”

“Did you hear what Sheers said?” When she shakes her head, I continue, “He told me to forget about her.”

“Have you?”

“I thought I had. I convinced myself I had until I drove through Riverbend last night. Now I can’t get her off my mind.”

“How about you?” Joyce asks. “Married. Engaged. Gay. Dating.”

Again I smile as it’s my turn to shake my head. “None of the above.”

“What can I get you to eat?”

I look at my watch and mentally add an hour. “Shit, I’m meeting with Jeffrey Murphy in half an hour.”

“Plenty of time, seeing as his office is across the street and up the stairs.”

“Joyce, are you trying to convince me of the advantages of small-town living?”

“Don’t need to. They speak for themselves.”

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