Page 80 of My Scorned Best Friend

A true date night with the love of my life. How perfect can our life be right now?

* * *

Two days later, I’m walking through town, thanking everyone for all the donations we’ve gotten recently. It’s really amazing how the townspeople have come together for this cause. I stop at Two Brothers and an Egg, and Tad is busy as ever, so I make it quick.

“Tad, I just wanted to thank you,” I say while he’s getting a muffin for someone.

“For what?” He looks at me, but I can tell his mind is somewhere else.

“The donation to the extension.” I smile.

“Oh, did Brad already do that? I know we were talking about it. Sorry it’s not as much as others. Business hasn’t been as great as it’s been in the past.” He frowns, but the donation he made online was more than most businesses around here.

“Everything helps, and I thought it was a very generous donation.”

He smiles and heads out from behind the diner counter to deliver the muffin to a table. “Anything for you, you know that. Bring your man around sometime. He hasn’t shown his face since he returned.”

“Ah, I think he’s a little embarrassed about how his season ended. He likes to impress you.”

“I’m serving omelets and pancakes. I just like to talk football with him.”

I laugh. “I’ll tell him.”

“Bye, Clara.”

I leave the diner and stop at Handyman Haven, where the gossip brigade must be having their meeting because all four of the veterans are huddled around the cash register with George, the owner. The gossip brigade is a group of veterans who I swear tell Nikki all the gossip that happens in town so she can announce it on her show.

“Hi, George.” I nod toward the men. “Guys.”

“Clara Harrison, to what do I owe the honor? You have a big, strong man to be helping you with projects around the house now.”

“Oh, I’m not here for that. I just wanted to thank you for your donation to the library extension.”

A frown hits his face, but he recovers quickly with a smile. “You’re welcome. Hopefully it does some good.”

“It will. Honestly, I never expected so much help from everyone. It’s been so encouraging.” I can’t help the megawatt smile on my face.

The gossip brigade whispers among themselves as if one has all the information the others don’t.

“Well, we all love you and know you’ll make it great.” George is unusually chipper today.

“Yes, thanks again,” I say. “I better get going.”

I walk out of Handyman Haven and head down the sidewalk toward the library. At least George knew what I was talking about. Some of the reactions I’ve gotten when I’ve thanked people have been odd. I’m sure that everyone is just busy with their own lives and has stuff going on. The fact that they donated isn’t on the top of their mind.

I walk into the library and a text pops up on my phone.

Xavier: The interview is set for next Friday at noon. We’ll be at my place.

Me: Thanks. I’ll be there.

Xavier: Come back and spend the day with me in bed.

I laugh and Unessa rolls her eyes.

Me: Some of us have to work for a living.

Xavier: You don’t have to work, I’ll take care of you.

---