Second Time Around by DL White

Author:DL White
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: DL White

Helen’s Kitchen was packed wall to wall with people. Every table and chair were occupied, and some stood around the edge of the room balancing a plate on one hand and a fork in the other. The Temptations holiday album was on full blast and the whole place held the scent of roast turkey, prime rib, potatoes, greens, yams, and fresh baked rolls.

As promised, Helen’s crumb cake and vanilla ice cream topped off the meal perfectly. Sage manned the beverage station, handing out bottles of water, ladling up spiced cider or freshly brewed coffee. Bennett, stuffed to the gills, ambled across the room where he’d been sitting with Monroe and a few of his friends.

“Sage,” he greeted her, with an upward head nod.

“Bennett.” She graced him with a smile that warmed his belly. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I didn’t know I was coming until last night. My neighbor Monroe invited me.”

She brightened, almost laughing. “He is hilarious. Always coming into Rooster’s flirting.”

Bennett smiled. “He mentioned that. So you’re saying I have competition?”

“A lot, if all you’re talking about is flirting. The old men in this town love a pretty lady.”

Bennett laughed. “I’ma tell Monroe you called him an old man. So uh…” He nodded toward the industrial sized coffee maker. “Is this a Rooster’s blend?”

Sage shook her head. “Just something Helen orders in bulk. It’s good. It’s not Rooster’s, but it’s good. You want a cup?”

He nodded. “Only if you think you can break to join me.”

“I suppose people can press this button and pour a cup of coffee for themselves for a few minutes.” Sage poured two cups of coffee, then doctored hers with cream and sugar. Bennett did the same, then led the way to the front door of the building.

They stepped outside, where it was not warm, but not cold. Helen and her husband, Orlando, had decorated the facade of the restaurant and the surrounding trees and bushes with Christmas decorations. The bench that sat outside the building was also strung with a few lights. Bennett lowered himself to the bench and scooted over, making room for Sage. She settled in next to him, her hands wrapped around the paper cup for warmth.

“You suppose this town gets snow, ever?” Bennett asked.

Sage shook her head. “Hardly ever, from what I hear. A little too far south. Maybe if a freak storm blows through Alabama.”

“Oh. Would be pretty if it did. Especially around the lake.”

“Mmhmmm.” Sage sipped her coffee, then sighed as she swallowed. “So, you want to talk about the weather some more, or did you have a reason for asking me out here?”

“I…” Bennett chuckled. “I really didn’t have a reason. I saw you come in earlier, while we were setting up. I didn’t get a chance to say hi, so I’m doing that right now. You uh… you look nice.”

He was sure she was blushing, even if it was on the inside. The edges of her mouth tipped up in a smile and her lashes fluttered.

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