Henrietta's Heart

by Pat Dale

  “I see. Well anyway, my offer stands.” Her eyes spoke volumes as they searched his. “Any time you’re interested.”

  “Thanks for the offer, but I think we need to go get some rest. We have a big day tomorrow.”

  “Right. Well, I’ll be goin’, then.”

  He waited until after her car drove away before shutting off the lights and trudging out to the Jeep. His mind was very much on the open invitation she’d given him. To what? Her home, her kitchen? Her bedroom?

  Something in the way she’d said it let him know it was more than an offer for food. Much more. He’d have to be careful around Sheila. She was important to the successful operation of the paper and he could ill afford to alienate her. But she was clearly interested in him in a way that transcended the paper business.

  This could be tricky but I might be able to use her as a way to get Hattie’s attention. The thought intrigued him. Maybe if he tried to make her jealous, he could jar her out of that ‘devil may care’ attitude she’d adopted.

  His melancholy returned when he remembered how his jealousy ploy backfired when he’d tried it years before.

  * * *

  Wednesday morning arrived in the form of a terrible ache in the pit of Henrietta’s stomach as she rolled out of bed and stumbled into the bathroom. A familiar feeling of desertion weighed her down as she compared the scene from the previous evening with an earlier experience.

  The day Brad escorted Julie down the school hall with his arm around her, had never left her memory. It had been all her fault at the time. But still, did he have to flaunt his lack of concern that way? And now he’s doing it again with Sheila and her southern airs. Her busty phony southern airs.

  Shortly after heading for downtown, Hattie knew the pain in her midsection wasn’t heartache. She’d forsaken her evening meal again, the sight of the two of them being intimate chased her appetite away. She was hungry; excruciatingly hungry.

  A trip to the Townhouse would fix that. She headed up the hill toward the Interstate. Yes indeed, a nice leisurely breakfast would fix a whole lot of things right about now.

  She’d no more than sat down when a sound interrupted her examination of the menu. Chuck Manley entered the dining room with three other men, the ones she’d seen the day before. Wilson’s men.

  One of them, the tall one, seemed as overbearing as he’d appeared at the luncheon. The other two smiled a lot, but said nothing. Chuck was overmatched, but too dumb to know it. He nodded his head while tallboy rambled on in his morning monologue.

  Hattie was in danger of losing her appetite again. She considered moving to the side room, but Manley would probably spot her. She was trapped.

  A ripple of hunger pangs caused by the aroma drifting from the kitchen settled the issue. She would eat, long and leisurely, just the way she’d planned. Then she’d go to the men and force Chuck to introduce her. It might even be amusing to watch his embarrassment.

  And so she ate a generous breakfast, more eggs and bacon and pancakes than she’d consumed in the past month. While feasting, she listened to them bluster on about the local economy. When she got up, her distended tummy made it difficult to walk in the tight jeans. An adjustment to her leather belt eased the discomfort.

  She strolled nonchalantly toward the table where the men were gorging themselves. By timing her arrival carefully, she managed to catch Chuck with his mouth full of food.

  “Why, good morning, Mr. Mayor. I see you had the same idea I did today.”

  “Uhm. Gud, um...” Manley struggled to keep from choking. After clearing his mouth, he gave her a tight smile and rose from his chair. “Mornin’, Hattie.”

  “I hope I’m not interrupting anything, Chuck.”

  “Oh no, ma’am. We’re just havin’ a bit of breakfast.” He glanced at the others. “Uh, I’d like you to meet these gentlemen. They represent Mr. Wilson. You know—”

  “I understand who they are. I’d heard they were in town.”

  Manley snorted introductions as best he could. “You remember what I told you the other day?”

  “You mean what you said about an offer that was far too much for my worthless little plot up on the heights?”

  “Yeah. Only I don’t think I said it was worthless.”

  “No. Only that some people, these gentlemen I assume,” she motioned toward the table, “wanted to offer me much more than it’s actually worth.”

  His face was beet red as he sputtered, “Did I give you that impression? I don’t think that’s what I said. But it’s okay. Barry, Mr. Goodnow here, has discussed the offer with me, and it’s a good one. Very generous, indeed.”

  “Really?” She turned to tallboy and gave him her most winning smile. “Well then, he knows now with whom he should discuss details of any potential sale. Straight from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.”

  She held her hand out to the man who’d belatedly risen to his feet. “Barry.”

  “It’s nice to make your acquaintance, Miss McCall. It is Miss, isn’t it?”

  “Yes. I’m the owner of the property in question. The sole owner.” Her emphasis caused him to blink before resuming his characteristic display-window smile.

  “I see. Well then, I assume Manley has delivered our offer to you.”

  “Only in the most general terms. Nothing concrete. He understands, I suppose, that my first decision has to be whether to sell the property, on any terms, whatsoever.”

  Goodnow cleared his throat. “He didn’t tell you how much we’re prepared to pay for your parcel?”

  “Not a clue.”

  “Well, let me assure you, young lady, we’re—”

  “What? Prepared to offer more than the land is worth? You need to hold on, Mr. Goodnow. I just told you I have to decide first whether I want to sell. I haven’t done that yet. If, and when, I do, I’ll want to research the situation before agreeing to any terms.”

  “Oh? Manley here,” he gave the mayor a tight smile, “assured us you would make your decision by Friday.”

  “I do believe I may have said something to that effect.”

  Goodnow smiled broadly. “Well, in that case, it seems we should set up a meeting for Friday.”

  “But I didn’t say which Friday, Barry.” Her eyes sparked at his obvious confusion. Then she added, “Perhaps Friday of next week would be appropriate.”

  “But I thought—”

  “A lady can change her mind, Barry. Surely you understand that. And besides which, I need more time to research everything that could be affected by the transaction.”

  Her angry flashing eyes sent a hint of malice Manley’s way. “Furthermore, I would like very much to be included in any additional conferences you have in this matter.”

  “Additional conferences?”

  “Oh come, gentlemen.” Hattie tilted her head. “I’m aware of the meeting you had up here yesterday. I must admit I was a tiny bit miffed at being excluded. Especially since I happen to be the only female business owner in Leadburg. Something I’m sure our esteemed mayor made clear to you.”

  She enjoyed the momentary panic on the faces of the four men. “And as the owner of the only property you could possibly be interested in for your project, don’t you think you should have invited me, gender notwithstanding?”

  The men dropped their gaze as she stared them down sequentially, ending focussed on the mayor.

  “Well, gentlemen, I must get down to my little podunk store now. Wouldn’t want it to go under while I laze away the day, you know. I’ll await further word from you.”

  She spun and walked purposefully away from the deafening silence. She wanted to giggle at the panicked expression on Chuck’s face, but didn’t dare break her demeanor. That should give them something to talk about.

  * * *

  After she departed the restaurant, Goodnow glared at Manley. “I thought you said she was in the bag.”

  “Did I say that, Barry? I don’t remember saying that.”

  “Apparentl
y, you don’t remember a lot of what comes out of your mouth.”

  Manley blinked. “I’m sorry. But I’m not worried, you’ll get your land. Henrietta’ ll sell. She’s an English teacher, for gosh sakes. Not a retailer.”

  “She may be an English teacher, but my initial assessment of Miss McCall is that she’s quite a canny negotiator. We’ll get the land, but at a higher price than we’d planned.”

  She whizzed half way down the hill toward town before breathing easily, amazed at her poise. Never in her life had she talked with anyone like Barry Goodnow, and never ever had she been so aggressive.

  Adrenaline still coursed in her veins, evoking a rush unlike anything she’d experienced. Perhaps she was better at this business stuff than she’d thought. Better, too, than damn Brad gave her credit for.

  The memory of the buxom blonde wrapped all over him let the wind out of her sails in a hurry. It was the same thing as when they were kids and she’d expected him to wait for her when she played hard to get. Face it, kid. Brad’s not one to wait for anyone or anything. Tears pricked her eyes and she slumped against the wheel.

  It was mid-morning and the store was half-filled with customers when she shuffled inside. Still too early in the process to tell the staff about any possible changes. Soon, though, they’d have to be told.

  If she didn’t sell the land, she’d be committed to building on the site. If she sold, that meant their only chance of survival would be to establish a niche market and fast. She’d need all the help she could get, and even then it would be a matter of luck and timing to survive economically.

  In the meantime, she would prolong the negotiations as long as possible. She didn’t need old Brad, or Chuck, or anyone else to do that. It would be a welcome challenge.

  * * *

  The night passed slowly for Brad. His mind wouldn’t stop spinning leaving him staring at the ceiling for hours. Sheila occupied his thoughts for a while, her full blown good looks appealing to his masculinity.

  But he was far too involved with Hattie’s problem right now. Somewhere during the long night, his thoughts shifted to the petite redhead. His body heated at the recollection of what he’d fantasized. She’d fairly rip his hide off if she knew any of what he’d dreamed of doing.

  Later that morning, he glanced up from his desk when Sheila came in the room, his attention drawn to her full figure straining at the tight pink sweater.

  “Morning, Sheila. Sleep well?”

  “Well enough, big guy. How about you?” Her big brown eyes crinkled in a knowing smile. She’d seen where his eyes had strayed and she obviously liked it.

  “Okay. I guess I have too much on my mind right now to sleep very well.”

  She gave him a hint of a naughty grin. “Bet I could’ve helped you with that, if you’d let me.”

  “I’m sure you could have. Especially if you had in mind what I think you did.”

  She came closer to him and gave him a wide-eyed smile. “Just what did you think I had in mind?”

  “Never mind,” he blurted. “I—uh, I think we’d better get going on the final run. We’ve got to get this to the post office by two if it’s going to be in the mail tomorrow.”

  “Well, sure. That’s why I’m here. Anything you need.” She smiled through lowered lashes. “Anything.”

  Red-faced, he strode quickly into the back room where Joel was ready to run the presses. She followed right on his heels with a huge grin plastered on her face. Joel nodded to them and threw the switch.

  * * *

  The incessant clacking of the old clock reminded Hattie it was almost noon. Despite the biggest breakfast she’d eaten in years, she was already hungry. Decisive action seemed to bring out a ravenous appetite in a person.

  Among other decisions she’d made during the past two hours was one to press Brad for his opinion on the matter at hand. She had no intention of giving the waffling wonder a hint at her eventual actions. But she wanted him on the record. For her, or against her.

  After saying goodbye to Shirley, she remembered she wasn’t going to say a word to Brad about last night. It was none of her business, and he’d made his bed so he could lie in it. Somehow, that thought did nothing to ease the pain.

  She’d thought about going up the hill to see who was having lunch, but decided against it. She’d made a strong enough statement earlier. No, she’d steer clear of Wilson’s men for now. Let them come to her. That was the way to handle things.

  Recalling how she’d left those goons, she smiled and started up the street toward Neil’s Diner with a jaunting step. So long as she was part of the downtown scene, she’d support the other businesses down here. Including Neil, who made a really good bowl of chili. Hot, hot, hot; just the way she liked it.

  Ahead of her, Sheila emerged from the Express office in the tightest pair of jeans Hattie’d seen in a long time. Pasted on like wallpaper, those long legs, shapely bottom, and lean thighs were perfectly proportioned to her almost six-foot body.

  And that sexy pink sweater stretched tight over a bosom that lifted uncannily skyward. Nearly as tall as Brad, Sheila would make a good mate for him.

  Good if that’s what he wants, long legs and big boobs on an older woman.

  She waited until the blonde was gone before passing the newspaper office. Tears threatened when she stomped quickly by the door and down the sidewalk. No way would she let him know she knew about the two of them.

  “Hattie! Wait up.” The familiar voice froze her in her tracks. She turned to see Brad closing the door and waving to her. “Where are you going?”

  “I, uh... Well, I was on my way to Neil’s for lunch.”

  “That sounds good. Mind if I join you?”

  “It’s a free country. Come along if you want, but I’m in a hurry.” She resumed her rapid pace.

  He caught up to her, those long legs of his pumping until he could match her stride. Brad’s long legs. Sheila’s long legs. It sure was a long-legged doggone world.

  “Good,” he said, not even winded as he fell in beside her. “I’m in a hurry, too. Besides, I want to show you my editorial and get your response. It involves you.”

  “It does?”

  “Yes.”

  “My, how nice. And just what did you say about me?”

  “I’d rather show it to you. After lunch, if that’s okay.”

  “I suppose I could spare a couple of minutes on the way back to the store.”

  While eating Neil’s four-alarm specialty, she noted Brad was diluting his chili with crumbled crackers and catsup, and even a little ice water from his glass.

  “What’s the matter, Brad? Chili too hot for you?”

  “It’s really good, but it is awfully hot.”

  “I thought you liked things hot. Lots of things.” She shot him an enigmatic look.

  “Some things, yes. But this is almost too hot.”

  “My, oh my. I never thought I’d see the day you’d admit anything was too hot for you to handle.”

  “Well, you’ve got me bested on this one. You’re downing this stuff like pudding.”

  “What about Sheila? Does she like it hot?” The words slipped out before she realized what she’d said.

  His eyes blinked into that inscrutable expression. “Does she like what hot?”

  “Why, the little ol’ chili, of course. Whatever else could I have meant?” She’d shifted into a mocking copy of his aide’s speech mannerisms.

  Embarrassed, he tried to smile. “Right. Of course. I don’t know how she likes her chili, to tell you the truth. We seldom eat together.”

  “But she’s a big help to you at the paper, isn’t she?”

  “Very big.”

  Hattie scowled. “Yes. Very big. In all the right places. A very big older woman.”

  “Older woman? Sheila’s only two years older than we are. But why are we talking about her?” Maybe I’m right about her jealous streak. She’s way too curious about Sheila.

  “Oh, I don’ kno
w. Jus’ makin’ conversation, I guess.”

  “Right.” Brad averted his eyes. Now she’s mimicking Sheila. She is jealous!

  “Well, Hattie, I’m done if you’re in a hurry. About a gallon of water when I get back and the fire in my gut will be under control.”

  “Okay. Sorry I burned you out with lunch. Guess you should be more careful who you eat with.”

  His carefree grin returned. “Oh, I’d say the company was just fine. And I did order the chili myself, didn’t I? Can’t blame you for that.”

  Chapter Five

  The walk back was silent. Hattie’s mind was on things other than the store as she struggled to keep up with Brad’s long legs. Actually, long legs were part of what stuck in her head. Not his, but Sheila’s. In fact, the other woman’s entire body dominated her thoughts. A full size woman for a full size man. Not a pint-size runt like me.

  He broke the silence. “You’re awfully quiet, short-stuff. What’s on your mind?”

  “None of your business, and don’t call me short-stuff!” she blazed before realizing how angry she must sound. “Sorry, Brad. I’m just having some private thoughts about things. Nothing significant.”

  Once inside his office, he offered a chair and pulled out a handwritten copy of the editorial. In it, he’d outlined the need for a new approach to community prosperity. Then he finished by using her store as an example of a business the town couldn’t do without.

  “Well, what do you think?”

  “You make my store sound awfully vital. It all sounds good. But you didn’t answer the question of relocation. Thanks for being complimentary, but it doesn’t really solve anything.”

  His face fell at her critical words. “You don’t like it?”

  “I didn’t say that. I just think you might have been more aggressive in your choice of words. And open in your opinion. You know, like you used to be. At any rate, Brad, I need to know how you really feel about my moving the store.”