Georgia Summer

by Heather Colleen

  “Well, I’m off to bed, sweetheart,” her dad said as he walked over and checked the front door lock.

  “Sure, dad. Thank you again.” Georgia held up the canister appreciatively.

  Her dad began to head up the stairs. “Sleep well, Georg,” he called down to her.

  “You too, dad,” she answered softly. Georgia sighed, looking down at the canister with mixed feelings of gratitude and regret.

  ✽✽✽

  Back at the diner the next morning, Georgia was glad to have a diversion from her thoughts about Dr. Young’s death, the letter, his funeral, being attacked by Jace and, of course, her fortuitous run-in with Landon. Georgia shook her head. This had been probably the most eventful week of her entire life, she thought to herself.

  “Hey, can I get a cappuccino?”

  She looked up from the counter she had been cleaning. It was one of her regulars from the cotton gin, sitting at the counter just a few stools down from her. “Comin’ right up,” she called over her shoulder. She wiped the portafilter and then filled it with fresh grounds.

  “Actually, make that two cappuccinos,” another, deeper voice said.

  She recognized that voice. Georgia spun around on her heel, and was shocked to see Landon sitting directly across from her on a barstool, the corners of his mouth pricked up as if he were about to smile. “Uhhh…” Georgia stuttered, caught off guard by his sudden arrival. Damn, she thought to herself as she registered his appearance. He looked even better in daylight. He had what looked like a day’s growth of rough stubble along his jawline, highlighting the angular rise of his cheekbones and making his pink lips look even smoother.

  He looked amused by her expression, and his eyes seemed to be laughing at her surprise.

  “Wh-wh-what are you doing here?” she asked, trying to collect herself but failing miserably. She briefly looked at her other customer to see if he was watching their interaction. Luckily, he was busy reading the paper.

  Landon cocked an eyebrow, his eyes mischievous. “I had a craving,” he answered simply, gesturing towards the espresso machine.

  Though to the outsider it would have appeared that he just wanted a caffeine fix, Georgia knew his answer was loaded with a double meaning as he looked at her teasingly. “So, um, a cappuccino?” she asked, trying to steady her hands so that Landon wouldn’t see them shaking.

  “That sounds great, Georgia Summer.” His grey blue eyes were glowing from satisfaction as he watched her squirm.

  “Okay. Coming right up,” she managed to say, though it came off sounding far less confident than she had hoped. Georgia got to work on the two drinks, Landon eying her as she busied herself in front of the machine.

  As she started brewing the first shot for her other customer, she could feel Landon’s eyes roving over her body, his gaze intense. Georgia took a deep breath, trying her hardest to focus, and reminding herself that she had made dozens of cappuccinos before Landon walked in and surprised her this morning. This cappuccino would be no different, she told herself.

  Georgia poured the foam into the espresso and placed the cup on the saucer. She then walked the few paces over to her first customer, steadying her shaking hands by clasping the saucer tightly. “Here you go,” she said, smiling at her regular.

  The man thanked her and went back to his reading, thankfully not noticing how anxious she was.

  Georgia returned to the espresso machine, Landon watching her with great interest as she began making his drink. She removed the portafilter and wiped it dry, and then flushed the grouphead. As she filled the portafilter with fresh grounds, Landon spoke up.

  “So, how long have you been working here?” he asked, striking up a casual conversation.

  Georgia looked over at him as she tamped down the grounds. “Since I came home for the summer.” She relaxed a little. Yes, she could do this, she told herself. Landon was just another customer. Nothing special.

  She pulled the tamper back out and brushed the loose grounds into a bowl. Except that he’s much more handsome than any other customer you’ve served before, she heard another little voice whisper in her mind. Georgia bit her lip, trying to shake away this thought. She vowed to not look at him again until she finished his cappuccino.

  “Oh? From school?” Landon asked, interrupting her stream of thoughts.

  She placed the cup under the grouphead before brewing the shot. “I just finished up my first year at university,” she explained as she grabbed a clean milk pitcher. She purged the steam wand, its blast of air making a loud, puffing noise.

  “What are you studying?” The teasing in his voice was gone now, replaced by curiosity.

  “I’m pre-med.” She held the pitcher as she foamed the milk inside of it. A mesmerizing whirlpool of white swirled inside the pitcher.

  “Really?” Landon asked, his eyes studying her fixedly.

  Georgia nodded and poured the foamed milk into the freshly brewed shot. She was pleased that he was not only interested, but also seemingly surprised by her answer.

  “I knew it,” Landon said, his voice now assured, no longer sounding taken aback.

  Georgia looked up at him. She set the milk pitcher down on the counter. “And why is that?” she asked brusquely, disappointed that she no longer held his intrigue.

  Landon shrugged his shoulders. “What I mean is, I’m not surprised,” he corrected himself.

  Georgia creased her forehead.

  Seeing her confusion, he explained further, “I knew you were the kind of girl that would be out there saving the world, not stuck behind a counter fixing coffee for the masses,” he clarified.

  Georgia relaxed, remembering his comment from last night. “You’re right. It’s just a summer gig,” she said, giggling.

  Landon’s gaze softened as he heard her laugh. She had a gentle, disarming way about her that he found captivating.

  “Although,” Georgia began, speaking more confidently now. “For some, coffee may as well be life-saving.” She smiled, setting the saucer and cup down in front of him.

  He picked up the cup, his fingers lightly brushing her own as she withdrew her hands.

  His touch startled her as she felt that same brief, electrical current as last night when he had placed his hand on her arm. Georgia cleared her throat nervously and busied herself with wiping the drip tray. She glanced sideways, watching him take a sip. She could tell by his pleased expression that he liked it, and she felt herself glowing with pride.

  “Damn, that’s good,” he said approvingly. Georgia beamed. Landon took another sip, watching her as she bent down to grab another dry dishcloth.

  Georgia felt his eyes on her back and tried to ignore her initial feelings of self-consciousness. She had had plenty of men look at her before. Men had been looking at her and her sister since before it was appropriate, but luckily her dad’s punitive glare had always been enough to ward off even the most lewd, lingering eyes. But this time with Landon watching her, taking her in, Georgia didn’t feel uncomfortable or ashamed by the way she looked. His admiring gaze made her feel alluring, and even beautiful. She had never felt like that with any boy before.

  She stood back up, straightening her posture. “So, what have you got planned for the day?” Her tone was laid-back as she rinsed the milk pitcher.

  “Today? Well, I told my mom I would help her go through some of dad’s things…” His voice trailed off.

  Georgia felt her previous elation deflate as she was reminded of Dr. Young. It had been months, almost a year after her mom’s passing before her dad was able to go through her things and sift through her most precious belongings. Georgia nodded solemnly in understanding. Unfortunately, Landon didn’t have the time to simply wait until he was ready to go through the painful process of sorting through his father’s possessions. Time was a luxury, especially in the military. Who knew when he would return to Willow Creek next? “I’m sure your mom appreciates having you home right now,” she said reflectively, remembering how she had
abruptly hugged Faye Young at the funeral.

  Landon sighed, nodding. Wanting to change the subject, he took out his wallet. “So, how much do I owe you for this delicious drink?” he asked lightly, thumbing through the green notes in his wallet.

  Georgia heard the bell jingle as a customer walked in, and before she could answer Landon to tell him the drink was on her, a loud voice spoke.

  “Well, if it isn’t Landon Young!” the newcomer’s voice boomed inside the diner, turning the heads of a few that were closer to the door. Luckily, the diner was already busy enough so that he didn’t startle everyone.

  A man Georgia had never seen before made his way over to the counter. He had long, dark, silver-streaked hair that brushed his worn leather jacket as he walked. His wide nose, tan skin, and dark eyes made Georgia wonder if he was Native American. He clapped his hand on Landon’s shoulder in almost a fatherly way, as though he had known Landon for a very long time. Georgia wondered how they knew each other.

  “Here, let me get that for you,” he said to Landon, gesturing to his open wallet. Landon opened his mouth to protest, but the man quickly took out his own billfold, glancing over at Georgia.

  Georgia realized she was staring and quickly busied herself, taking Landon’s empty cup and saucer.

  “How much is this young man’s drink?” the man asked her.

  Georgia swallowed, forgetting the price of a cappuccino. She glanced over her shoulder at the coffee menu behind her. “Three dollars,” she answered.

  The man took out a crisp five-dollar note and set it on the counter where Landon’s coffee cup had sat. “Keep the change.”

  “You really don’t need to do that, Maddox,” Landon said, shaking his head.

  “Of course I do. I owe you one, remember?” Maddox asked, his tone more serious now, almost admonishing. Georgia was confused by his forcefulness towards Landon.

  Landon nodded as he looked up at Maddox, his gaze intense.

  Georgia sensed that they weren’t just talking about the coffee now. She swept up the excess grounds under the grinder, trying not to eavesdrop on their conversation.

  “I do,” Landon answered, his voice lowered as if he didn’t want Georgia to hear.

  Georgia emptied the grounds into the trash.

  Landon cleared his throat. “How have you been?” he asked Maddox, attempting to steer the conversation away from the previous topic.

  “Been good, very good, Landon. Three years sober now,” Maddox said with a smile of triumph.

  “Really? That’s awesome, Maddox.” Landon grinned up at him.

  Georgia peeked over at the two as she swept up the coffee grounds on the floor.

  Maddox’s smile evaporated quickly as his thoughts took a new turn. “And I’m sorry to hear about your dad, Landon. Really, I am,” he said gravely.

  Georgia glanced at Landon to gauge his reaction.

  Landon was looking down, studying his hands. He then looked up, his eyes briefly meeting Georgia’s before he turned to look at Maddox again. “Thank you,” he said quietly. He lowered his voice even more and leaned in closer to Maddox. “And how is she?”

  Georgia bit her lip in thought as she listened to them. Who were they talking about?

  “She’s fine, Landon. She's doing well,” Maddox answered.

  Landon held his gaze with Maddox, unblinking as he absorbed this. “I’m glad.”

  Maddox nodded in agreement. “Well, I’m meeting someone for breakfast, so I’d better grab one of these booths before someone else does.” Maddox held his hand out to Landon and Landon shook it firmly.

  Watching them out of the corner of her eye, Georgia wondered how this odd relationship had ever transpired between the two of them. Maddox was old enough to be Landon’s father, she guessed. And whom had they been talking about? Georgia’s mind raced with questions. She watched Maddox walk over to the last empty booth and take a seat, the silver streaks in his hair shimmering under the fluorescent lighting of the diner.

  “I guess I’d better go, too.” Landon stood up from his barstool.

  Georgia looked over at him, disappointed that he was leaving already.

  “Will you be at the park later?” he asked, his eyes hopeful.

  Georgia smiled, secretly glad he had asked. “Yes. I’ll be there at about the same time.”

  Landon gave her a small smile, clearly pleased with her response. “See you then.”

  Georgia nodded, her eyes bright. “See you then.”

  Landon turned to leave, but just before he made it to the door it swung open, revealing Sheriff Summer.

  The sheriff strode into the diner, his badge glinting. In his uniform and cowboy hat, Sheriff Summer always made an entrance wherever he went. Georgia watched her dad closely. She was curious to see how he would interact with Landon since their last meeting at the funeral.

  Landon nodded respectfully at her dad. “Hello, Sheriff Summer.” His voice was smooth and composed, much more like the Marine that Georgia had originally met over the weekend.

  To Georgia’s surprise though, her dad hardly glanced at Landon and breezed by him coolly as he went to take a seat at the counter in front of Georgia. Confused by his reaction, Georgia wrinkled her brow. She watched Landon leave, seemingly unperturbed by her dad’s treatment towards him.

  Turning to face her dad, Georgia felt her face flush with annoyance. “You know, that was Landon Young you just rudely ignored as you came in. He said hello to you,” she said tersely.

  Her dad looked up at her and cocked his head knowingly. Ignoring her greeting, he grabbed a menu next to him and opened it up, his eyes roaming up and down the breakfast items. “I had a nice chat with Mrs. Sullivan this mornin'. Said she saw you and Landon Young together on our front porch,” her dad said casually.

  Puzzled, Georgia asked, “And why would that matter to you, dad?”

  “It matters to me, Georgia, because that boy is trouble,” her dad said slowly, setting the menu down and looking back at her. He clasped his hands together.

  Georgia exhaled loudly through her nose in disbelief, unable to believe that her dad was just like everyone else in this small, gossipy town. “And what do you know about him?” she snapped, feeling a sudden rush of protectiveness towards Landon.

  “Well, have you heard the rumors about him?” her dad asked, testing her.

  Georgia shrugged. “I-I-mean, I’ve heard a few, but they’re just rumors.”

  “Well, Georgia. It turns out these rumors are indeed true, meanin' they’re not rumors at all, but cold, hard facts.” He leaned in closer and lowered his voice. “I don’t want you seein' him. That boy is dangerous.”

  Georgia crossed her arms over her chest. “And how would you know?”

  “Because,” her dad said sternly. “I’m the one that arrested him that night he tried to steal a gun from his own father. The very same gun, in fact, that Dr. Young shot himself with.”

  Georgia felt her heart stop beating. So it was true, she thought to herself. Landon had been arrested that summer after his high school graduation, and by none other than her father. Immediately, Georgia could hear her sister’s words echoing in her mind about how Landon had gotten himself into some hot water that summer. That he had tried to steal a gun unsuccessfully, and then had gone after some kid with his own bare hands. Georgia shook her head, not wanting to believe this. “That was years ago, dad. He’s changed.”

  “Georgia, I’ve seen a lot of criminals in my time, and let me tell you, they don’t just change.”

  Georgia dug her fingernails into her skin, her arms still crossed. Something just wasn’t adding up right with what her dad was telling her about Landon, the same Landon that had saved her from Jace last night. If only she could tell her dad the truth about how he had rescued her from a predator. She swallowed nervously. “I’m sorry, dad, but I don’t think you know the whole truth about Landon Young. Something just isn’t adding up right about him—”

  “Goddamnit, Georgia. Lis
ten to me!” her dad said, raising his voice as he slammed his hand down on the counter.

  Georgia felt her cheeks grow warm, and she hoped no one had overheard them as she looked anxiously at her father.

  “For all we know, if I hadn’t arrested Landon that night, he would have put a bullet through that other boy’s head, rather than just beating him senseless.”

  Georgia froze. Her dad’s words were scaring her. She didn’t want to hear this about Landon. This wasn’t the Landon she knew at all.

  Just then, Duke came by. “Good mornin’, Sheriff! What can I get you today? The usual?” he asked.

  Georgia’s dad stood up, though. “Actually, I was just leavin'. But thanks, Duke.”

  Georgia turned away, not wanting Duke to see her upset.

  “No worries, Sheriff. Come back in soon!” Duke replied.

  Her dad tipped his hat to Duke. Then without another word to Georgia, he turned on his heel and left.

  Georgia glanced over at Duke, hoping he hadn’t caught on to the tail end of their uncomfortable conversation. Fortunately, Duke didn’t seem to notice as he winked at her and went back to the kitchen.

  Georgia rubbed her forehead. She was suddenly exhausted from the morning. Looking up at the clock, she was glad to see that her shift was almost over with just five minutes to go. She cleaned up her workspace and swept the floor again, her dad’s words playing in her mind over and over again.

  As she finished cleaning up, Georgia wished she had someone to talk to. She knew she couldn’t talk to her sister about Landon, otherwise she would report straight back to their dad out of fear for Georgia’s safety. And she definitely couldn’t talk to her dad. Georgia sighed sadly as she thought of her mom. How she wished she could talk to her right now.

  After saying goodbye to Duke, Georgia left the diner, but instead of taking her usual route home, she turned in the opposite direction on Main Street. Georgia passed the familiar storefronts on her way down Main Street, walking by the hardware store, Jud’s Drugs, and Dr. Young’s medical practice.

  As she passed Dr. Young’s practice, she stopped. She gazed up at the old wooden sign that hung over the door, with ‘Dr. Young’ painted onto it in blue lettering. It swayed gently in the morning breeze, creaking ever so slightly. Normally, it would have been a busy place on a weekday morning like this, with the young and old alike coming in for various complaints. But now, its windows were dark, empty, and no longer beckoning to the sick and suffering.