Page 4 of Her Filthy Grump

When she steps into the grass, the crowd circles around her. “Guys, stand back. We don’t want to spook Gertrude or cause her to reject her baby.”

An older couple in matching burgundy tracksuits nod at her statement. The woman grabs little Miss Sunshine’s forearm. “You’re so right, dear. Wild animals hate for their young to be messed with.”

“Isn’t that all women.” A man wearing a baseball cap cracks what he considers to be a joke.

“Garrett.” She glares at him. “This isn’t a joking matter. It’ll break my heart if Gertrude abandons this poor little thing.”

I close my eyes and try to block out their chatter. I don’t need the complications of this place. Where everyone knows everyone else. That only means more people to get into your business.

“Here you go, Gertrude.” Her singsong voice breaks through my barriers and rolls over my flesh.

I don’t need this. I don’t want this. I march back to my pickup. Get me back to the safety of the fire station. How soon can I get back to civilization?

Chapter Three

Layla

When Gertrude takes her duckling under her wing, my heart fills with relief. For a second there, I’d been afraid Mr. Pricklepuss was right, and she might abandon her baby. I’d call him Picklepuss, but he’s more of a prick.

Speaking of Mr. Tall, Dark, and Grumpalicious. Where did he go?The crowd in the park has thinned as the afternoon’s crisis has resolved itself. Mayor Wagner hops in his vehicle and waves goodbye.

The rumble of a muffler grabs my attention as the fireman steps on the gas and rolls up his window. Right before his face disappears behind the tinted glass, his shade covered eyes glance in my direction, and my knees go weak.

Don’t go there. You aren’t going to go allLayla Saves the Dayon him. Some guys you can’t fix. And why would I want to fix him? He’s not my type.

Dark eyes and a five o’clock shadow are not prerequisites to get hung-up on. I want a strong man with a big heart who treats me like a queen. Is that too much to ask?

Apparently so.I snort.

As a twenty-three-year-old virgin, you’d think I’d give up finding that elusive unicorn and settle for a donkey with a paper hat held on by an elastic string. Hell, if I was looking for a unicorn, I might have better luck.

When I make it back inside the café, my boss arches an eyebrow and glances at the clock.

I smile sheepishly. “Can we call it a late lunch?”

“Layla, one of these days, your big heart is going to get you into a world of hurt.” Blanche crosses her arms over her ample bosom.

“Whatever.” I roll my eyes, grab the coffee pot from the empty table, and snatch up my five-dollar tip. “You know the customers love my personality.”

“Yes, they do.” She grabs a dishrag and scrubs along the front counter. “That’s why I put up with your flighty do-goodery. That and your Grandma Monroe was one of my favorite classmates. By the way, how’s Gladys?”

“Grandma’s good. She’s settled in nicely at home after her hip surgery.”

“Fantastic. I suppose you’ve been helping her at the house as she recovers.” She gives me a weak smile and flushes a light pink.

“Of course. See.” I smile. “My do-goodery is beneficial in this case. Well, actually, in all cases.” I shrug. “Maybe I’m late to a few appointments, or I forgot a class or two when I was in college, but it was always for a good cause. I wasn’t out partying.”

“No, dear.” She shakes her head. “You were helping carry someone’s groceries or taking somebody’s dog to the vet. Hell, it’s usually my customers. So, how can I complain?”

I set the pot on the counter and lean my hip against one of the stools. After the interlude in the park, there’s only one table left with customers, and they’re tidying up their plates. “Is it a bad thing I like to help people?”

She touches my hand. “Only when you leave me in a lurch. You’ve got to remember to let me know when you’re going to be late or find someone to cover for you.” She tilts her head toward the front door. “Or going outside to rescue ducks.”

“Sorry, Blanche.” The scuffed counter has been around as long as Blanche, and like her, they’re both holding up well. “I should have made sure you heard me before I left.”

“Honey, I love your spirit. Everyone does. Don’t go changing that. Just remember to be a little more responsible before saying yes to helping people out. You’ve got to balance your desire to help while meeting your obligations.”

“You’re right.” I’ve been blessed growing up in this small town. Everyone looks out for me.

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