Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind: A Novel by Ann B. Ross

Author:Ann B. Ross
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9780688177751
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Published: 2000-08-21T22:00:00+00:00

“Minding my own business,” I said, looking at my watch. “Particularly since I’m not supposed to be working in anybody’s office.”

She huffed a little at that, but her salary and the preacher’s came out of my pledge and I had a right to demand a day’s work for a day’s pay.

I went about my business of picking out the things on the mental list I’d made. A box of straws, a bottle of Extra Strength Tylenol, another Ace bandage, and a hot-water bottle for the soreness. I carried it all to the counter by the cash register where Norma was standing. She pretended she wasn’t interested, but she eyed everything I put down, and I saw her trying to get Buck Tatum’s attention by making little sideways jerks of her head at my pile of merchandise. He kept on counting pills, and I went back down the aisle.

After considering all the places where Hazel Marie had been messed up, I picked up two more hot-water bottles. I don’t like those heating pads with electric cords that plug in the wall. They’re all right if you’re holding them to a sore place while you’re sitting up, but try turning over in bed.

I took the hot-water bottles to the counter and with a look at Norma dared her to say anything. I stood there tapping my fingers on the counter, trying to think of what else I needed.

“Uh-huh,” I said, turning on my heel and catching a glimpse of Norma’s avid stare. I paid no mind as I went looking for a tube of Ben-Gay. Good for muscle soreness and stiffness. I added some Q-Tips, Band-Aids, and Mercurochrome. Then, on the Puckett woman’s request, a bottle of foundation to cover her bruises. Cover Girl, which seemed apt.

When I got back to the counter, I called Buck to come help me. I needed one more thing.

“I’ll be through here in a minute, Miz Springer,” he said from behind his drug counter. “Just getting a few things together for Miz Cantrell.”

I didn’t mind waiting a few minutes, but Norma said, “Oh, that’s all right. Go ahead and wait on Miz Springer. I’m in no hurry.” She turned and looked me straight in the eye. “Pastor Ledbetter sent me.” Letting me know she was on the job.

“All right, then,” Buck said, “what can I do you for, Miz Springer?”

“I need some paregoric.”

Norma’s eyebrows went up like they were on springs.

“Can’t do it, Miz Springer. Have to have a prescription now.”

I rolled my eyes at that. Somebody’s always changing rules that’ve worked well enough for years. I said, “And just what are people supposed to do when they need relief? Call a doctor and pay his bill, too?”

Buck and Norma exchanged knowing glances, as if they thought I was blind or too crazy to notice.

“Well, now, Miz Springer,” Buck said, pulling at the tail of his white jacket. He loved to dispense medical information along with his pills. He’d wanted to be a doctor or a veterinarian.

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