Carolyn Ridder Aspenson - 05 Open House Heist by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

Author:Carolyn Ridder Aspenson [Aspenson, Carolyn Ridder]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781648759086
Barnesnoble:
Publisher: Severn River Publishing
Published: 2020-01-09T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

My bedroom window blinds allowed the smooth purple and orange glow of the sunrise to filter in between their slats, but I didn’t mind. I loved waking to the soft, warm glow, and I always made a point to stand outside sipping a cup of coffee and watching the colors of light change as Bo did his business. Bramblett was quiet then, and I often wondered how many people woke up early enough to see the deep, colorful ball of fire rise up over the horizon.

Bo caught a whiff of something he wanted and followed the scent toward the road. “Bo, stay close please,” I said, barely above a whisper. The scent led him to the mailbox, and he sniffed it like it was best smelling thing on earth. I was all for a sniffing adventure, but the cool breeze went right through my terry-cloth robe and under my pajamas, and tiny goosebumps popped down my arms and up my legs. “Okay, buddy, let’s go. You can sniff to your little heart’s desire in a bit with your new girlfriend, but Momma’s got to get a move on.”

He followed me back inside, never once lifting his nose from the ground.

An hour later I had him sit outside of Millie’s Café as I ordered a vanilla latte inside. While Bo waited, he greeted Millie’s other customers. He was a very popular—and free—first face for the café.

“I’ve been thinking,” Millie said. Her usual smiley and chipper attitude replaced with a down-turned mouth and wary eyes. “I’m not sure I can do this seeing Buford again.” She came around to my side of the counter and made me examine her. “Look at me. There ain’t no fixing this mess.”

Her new employee handed me my drink. “Come outside with me, please.”

She drug her feet along next to me, her angst and trepidation increasing with every step. She patted Bo on the head, and he licked her apron.

“We’re doing this, Millie, whether you like it or not.” I played hardball, knowing if I didn’t, she’d talk herself even more out of it. “You are a beautiful, smart, and amazing woman.”

Her shoulders perked up a touch. “I am?”

“Of course you are. Any man would be thrilled to have your attention.”

“They would?”

I nodded. “And you know what? You don’t even need a makeover.” I glanced at her apron, brown polyester pants, and red University of Georgia sweatshirt. “Well, maybe an outfit update, but the rest of you is beautiful.”

She straightened even more, flung herself into me, and gave me a bear hug almost as tight as Momma’s. “Lilybean, you are the sweetest thing I’ve ever met.” She squeezed me tighter.

Bo jumped on us and hugged us with his muscular legs. We both laughed.

“I guess I could use a little freshening up, but not too much. Maybe a little erase and rouge.” She adjusted her apron. “Maybe y’all could give my hair a tease, too?”

“We’ll do whatever you’d like. What time can you get out of here today?”

Her eyes popped open.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.