Flirting With Forever

by Molly Cannon

  The next time the door opened, it wasn’t a potential wedding customer, but Hoot and Dooley. The two old guys normally spent their day playing Parcheesi in the front of the barbershop.

  “Hey, Theo.”

  “Hey, Hoot. Nice to see you, Dooley. Taking a break from Parcheesi?” He stood up and walked over to shake their hands. “I’m afraid Irene’s not here right now.”

  “We didn’t come to see Irene.”

  “Oh?” Warning bells went off in his head. These two were usually up to something.

  Hoot explained, “The barbershop is closed on Monday, so it’s our day off.”

  “So, what are you boys doing here?” He figured he might as well come out and ask.

  “Well, now, we thought we’d come by and see how things are going over here.”

  “You mean the remodeling?” They were definitely up to something.

  “Yes, sir, we’re both pretty good amateur carpenters, so we thought we’d drop in and maybe pick up a few tips on the art of construction. But don’t mind us. We’ll stay out of your hair.” They each pulled up a chair and sat down like they’d come to watch a show.

  The two old men were fixtures in the town. Besides their daily Parcheesi game in the front of the barbershop, they published a town newsletter with coupons, an events calendar, and an advice column. Jake didn’t really want an audience, but what was he going to do? Hoot and Dooley did pretty much whatever they wanted around Everson.

  Theo picked up a drill. “Jake’s the real carpenter in the family. But he’s taught me everything he knows, so I do an adequate job.”

  “Don’t sell yourself short, son,” Hoot said. “Jake wouldn’t have left you in charge of his business if you couldn’t do the work.”

  “Thanks, Hoot.”

  “Do you think those shelves are going to be deep enough, Theo?” Dooley asked.

  Theo stopped what he was doing to ponder Dooley’s question. He stood back, appraising the work he’d done so far. “Jake drew up the plans based on Irene’s suggestions before he left town. I’m sure they took the depth requirements into consideration.”

  “You’re probably right. I don’t know what kind of matrimonial geegaws Irene plans to put on there. And Jake usually seems to know what he’s doing.”

  “He knew what he was doing marrying Marla Jean. That’s for darn sure,” Hoot volunteered. Marla Jean owned the barbershop where they whiled away the hours every day. She could do no wrong in their eyes. “Have you heard from the newlyweds?”

  “Jake sent a text to say they’d arrived. I don’t expect I’ll hear anything else until they are on their way home. They have better things to do than talk to me.”

  “Well, if you do happen to speak to them, tell Marla Jean that Milton is doing a fine job holding down the fort at the barbershop. It’s just like the old days.” Milton was Marla Jean’s dad. He owned the barbershop before he retired and passed the place on to his daughter.

  “I’m sure she’s not worried.” Theo drilled some holes and lined up the shelf for installation.

  The men crouched down to get a better look. “Good job, Theo.”

  “Thank you.” He moved on to the next shelf.

  Dooley squatted down beside him. “So, Theo, is it true you and Irene used to be engaged?”

  Theo put down his tools and stood up. Maybe now they were getting down to the real reason for the visit. “I know it’s hard to believe, but yes, it’s true, Dooley. We were engaged for a short time many years ago.” Everyone knew Hoot and Dooley weren’t above spreading gossip. Especially if it was juicy enough.

  “That’s what we heard, but we wanted to hear it from the horse’s mouth.” So they didn’t spread rumors unless they verified them personally.

  “Out of respect for Irene’s wishes, I’m not going to discuss it. It would be nice if everyone else would stop discussing it, too.”

  “Now come on, Theo. Irene has lived in Everson long enough to know that when a new scandalous rumor comes along, the more a person tries to squash it, the more it fans the flames.”

  “There is no scandal here. Lots of people get engaged and don’t go through with the wedding. That’s the end of the story.”

  “Except here you are, building shelves in her new business.” Dooley raised his eyebrows as if that proved some important point.

  Hoot nodded. “Are you sure there’s not still some tiny spark burning that’s never been extinguished? Irene’s an amazing woman.”

  He wondered if they were in cahoots with Donny Joe. “I agree. She’s amazing.”

  “Do tell,” Dooley said while fingering the whiskers on his chin.

  Theo watched their faces light up like they’d just uncovered a deep dark secret. But what was he supposed to say? That some part of him would always love her in some way? Not likely. He was just going to nip this in the bud. “We are just friends. So anyone who says anything else is just trying to stir up trouble. I would appreciate it if I thought you fellas had my back on this.”

  Hoot took his time considering it and then said, “You know, we were pretty well acquainted with Sven Cornwell while he was alive.”

  “Is that so?” Theo wasn’t sure he wanted to hear about Ree’s husband. On the other hand he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t curious.

  “We were.” Hoot smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “And so the question that comes to mind is ‘What would Sven say?’ ”

  “About what?”

  Dooley chimed in. “About you and Irene. She sits up there all alone in that big house on the hill year after year. It doesn’t seem right somehow.”

  Theo stopped and looked at them pointedly. “She seems fine to me.”

  “Well, if you say so, Theo. But in our opinion, we feel certain Sven would approve of her moving on with her life.” Hoot made the announcement like it had come from on high.

  Theo was happy to hear it. “She has moved on. Besides everything else, she’s planning weddings now. So she is plenty busy.”

  Dooley slapped his knee. “Good golly, we aren’t talking about her businesses. We’re talking about a new man. A new man like you, Theo.”

  Hoot was nodding his head as if Dooley was spouting gospel. “You’ll find some in town who will disagree, but don’t let those Debbie Downers get in the way of true love.”

  Theo felt a headache coming on. Who knew that besides gossip, these two good old boys dabbled in matchmaking, too. “I hate to disappoint Sven or anyone else, but I’m here to build shelves. That’s it.” He glanced at his watch. “Well, would you look at the time? I’m supposed to meet Irene for lunch in about five minutes.”

  “You’re having lunch with Irene?” Their gray, wiry eyebrows shot up in unison.

  “That’s right. A business lunch over at the Rise-N-Shine.” He herded them toward the door. “Will I see you over there?”

  Dooley shook his head. “No, no, I gotta get home and eat with the wife. Linda’s making bacon sandwiches. And tomato soup.”

  Hoot nodded. “Yeah, Maude wants me to drive her to Derbyville this afternoon. Gomer’s Dry Goods is having a sale on shower curtains. I swear that woman is always redecorating the bathroom.”

  Theo shrugged. “Tell me about it. My mom was the worst when I was growing up. Always buying those little decorative soaps and candles. What are you going to do?” he asked sympathetically. He’d rather talk about decorating than his love life any day of the week.

  Hoot patted him on the back. “Amen. So, we’ll get out of your way. It was nice catching up, Theo. And take some time to think about what we said.”

  Theo walked out onto the sidewalk with them as they left and used the key Irene had given him to lock up the place. Then he headed across the town square, somehow feeling that despite the words that had come out of his mouth, as far as Hoot and Dooley were concerned, he’d just declared his undying love for Irene in no uncertain terms.

  Irene settled into a booth at Rise-N-Shine and waited for Theo to join her. She’d c
aught up on some paperwork sitting at the gazebo, and two new brides-to-be had stopped by wanting to set up appointments. They’d both reported that Theo was hard at work in her store. She smiled, pleased with the day so far. The best part had been Lizzie thinking Theo would make the ideal Elvis to perform her wedding ceremony. The truth was he would be perfect, but the horrified look on his face had been priceless. She didn’t think he’d be volunteering for the role.

  “So, I suppose you plan to break his heart again?”

  Irene looked up to find Nell Harcourt glaring at her like she’d murdered someone’s pet goldfish.

  “Excuse me?”

  “He might have everyone else around here fooled, but I know for a fact that Theo still has feelings for you.”

  “Is that a fact? He told you all that in the five seconds you’ve known him? I find that hard to believe.” Irene wasn’t in the mood to deal with Nell. “By the way, does your mother know you talk to customers this way?”

  Nell glanced nervously toward the counter at the front of the diner. Bertie was holding court with several regulars. “Leave my mother out of this.”

  “Ah, so she wouldn’t approve, would she?”

  “I’m just worried about Theo, that’s all.” Nell’s voice was sullen as she trotted out what she surely considered a noble defense for her behavior.

  At that moment Theo pushed through the front door of the diner. Irene smiled and waved at him. “I’ve known Theo a lot longer than you have, Nell. And I can assure you he’s always been able to take care of himself.”

  “Irene Cornwell, you don’t deserve a nice man like that.” Nell certainly had no problem speaking her mind.

  Irene laughed. “Thanks for sharing your thoughts, but what I deserve is a nice lunch without being harassed. Why don’t you ask Jill if she wouldn’t mind waiting on us today instead of you.”

  Nell scurried away as Theo sat down across from Irene. “I think we have a problem,” he said.

  “I know,” Irene agreed.

  “You do? Did you talk to Hoot and Dooley, too?”

  “Hoot and Dooley? No, but Nell was giving me an earful before you got here, though.”

  He groaned. “I would have thought she’d have learned her lesson by now. What did she say now?”

  “Not much. She warned me not to break your heart again. What’s going on with Hoot and Dooley?”

  He arranged his silverware and opened his menu. “They stopped by the store while I was working. Just in case I needed any carpentry pointers.”

  Irene smiled, knowing how opinionated the two of them could be. “How thoughtful of them.”

  “Yes, indeed. While they were at it, they made several pointed inquiries about our engagement. They seemed to believe I still carry a torch where you are concerned, and I might have a chance to win you back if I put my mind to it. They also ventured the opinion that Sven would approve.”

  Irene was dismayed by their pushiness. “Oh, good gosh. I’m sorry, Theo.”

  “Don’t be sorry. It’s not unreasonable to think I’d have trouble getting over someone like you.” His blue eyes narrowed as he gave her a long, lingering look.

  Irene rolled her eyes. “I bet you’ll be happy when Jake gets home so you can get out of here.”

  “You know Jake wants me to stay, don’t you?”

  “Marla Jean said something about that before the wedding.” She could see he was measuring her response.

  He looked at her seriously. “So, what do you think about that?”

  She shifted in her seat. The idea of Theo being around all the time made her restless. “It doesn’t matter what I think, but I assumed you’d be ready to move on. I heard something about Australia.”

  “That’s right. My friend Mitch Baker runs tours taking groups into the outback.”

  “Really? That sounds like quite an adventure. Right up your alley, Theo. Staying in a dinky place like Everson can’t hold much appeal compared to that.”

  “I don’t know. I’ve had my share of adventures. Sometimes I think I’m ready to settle down. So, I’m asking again. How would you feel about that?”

  Jill came to the table and took their drink order.

  After she left, Irene asked a question of her own. “Tell me, how long are you in one place before you start getting the itch to move on?”

  “I don’t get itchy. I get another offer. A better offer that I don’t see the need to refuse.”

  “Are you ready to order?” It was Bertie. It seemed the owner of the diner had decided to wait on them herself.

  “Hi, Bertie,” Irene said. “I’ll take a Cobb salad.”

  Theo smiled and said, “I’m having the special. Smothered steak with mashed potatoes and Texas toast.”

  Bertie nodded approvingly. “You got it, darlin’. You get one more side with that.”

  Irene butted into the conversation. “You might try having a vegetable.”

  He wrinkled his nose. “You mean something green, don’t you?”

  “It’s good for you.” Irene smiled at his reluctance. He’d always been a meat-and-potatoes man.

  “Okay. By chance, do you have any more of those mustard greens?”

  “I do, for a fact. Been simmering on the stove with a hunk of ham since this morning.”

  “Well then, Bertie, give me a mess of greens.” He smiled at Bertie like she’d made his whole day complete. He was such a flirt, Irene thought.

  “Coming right up.” Bertie left, and Theo got right back to the subject at hand. Pushing Irene for an answer, he asked, “No more evasions. How would you feel if I stayed around?”

  Irene stared at Theo while a million possible answers swirled around in her head. Instead she asked, “So, how do you feel about impersonating Elvis?”

  Chapter Nine

  He laughed. “I think that qualifies as an evasion. Are you saying if I stay here I’ll have to perform weddings as Elvis?”

  “It’s an option. It’s good to have options.” She didn’t want to answer his real question. It would open all the old wounds. Old wounds she’d managed to keep bandaged up and out of sight so far. It would open her up to more heartbreak, and she wasn’t sure she could handle that a second time in one lifetime.

  She wanted to pour all her time and energy into the new wedding business. It was the one thing in this town that was all hers. The one thing that didn’t have Sven’s name and money attached to it. She was happy to keep using his money to help good causes. But it wasn’t her money and it never would be. Maybe planning weddings wasn’t an earthshaking career choice, but it was all hers. And when she did her job properly, she spread happiness and got to share in the love of couples starting out in their life together. That seemed like a worthy endeavor in her mind.

  Theo was a distraction. Plain and simple. She’d been playing with fire since he’d been home. Even mentally giving in to that old attraction was a glorious temptation, and at the same time, the worst idea she could possibly consider.

  Not that he’d done anything out of line. Except for some harmless flirting at Jake’s wedding he’d been a complete gentleman. She could admit she was guilty of giving mixed signals. Flirting with him one minute and pushing him away the next. That needed to stop now.

  “Look, Theo, we’re old friends. There used to be something between us, but we haven’t seen each other in ten years and both of us have lived our lives without the other. So, if you want to stay here and work with Jake, you should.”

  He studied her closely. “Okay. That’s plain enough. I admit I’m giving it some thought, at least considering my options for Jake’s sake, but most likely I’ll be moving on once they get back to town.”

  Whether he talked of staying or leaving, her heart lurched all the same. Changing the subject seemed like the safest idea. “I figured as much, Theo. And now we need to talk about the parade float. That’s the reason I agreed to lunch.”

  Theo grinned. “So, it actually is a business lunch? Forget Dutch, then. In that
case you can pay for the whole thing.”

  She appreciated that he was going to let the other conversation go. She returned his grin. “That’s no problem. Now, what experience do you have with building floats?”

  He seemed to ponder the question and then declared, “None. I can’t say I have any. But I rode in a parade once with my high school baseball team if that helps.”

  She pulled out some business cards from her purse and handed them to Theo. “Here. You can talk to these people. They have floats every year.”

  He sifted through the stack. “Okay, let’s see here. Binnion’s Lumber, Romeo’s Pizza, the Posey Pot. Lord, this looks like every business in town.”

  “Just about, but when you talk to these people be diplomatic. This is a very competitive, cutthroat event, so they won’t be giving away any of their trade secrets.”

  “Cutthroat? Trade secrets? Great. What am I getting myself into?”

  She leaned forward enthusiastically. “First prize gets bragging rights for the entire year.”

  His eyes widened like it was all clear now. “Well, who wouldn’t cut a few throats for that?”

  She sat up primly. “Make fun if you like, but the Fourth of July parade Penelope Bottoms Grand Prize trophy is a big deal around here, and I plan to win it this year.”

  He leaned back in the booth and slung one arm across the back. “Listen to you. Who exactly is Penelope Bottoms?”

  Irene could tell he wasn’t properly impressed, but she didn’t care. “She was the first official queen of the parade back in the 1950s. Penelope personally presented the trophy to the winning float until her death in 2002. But her legend lives on in the quest for the trophy each year.”

  Bertie showed up at the table to deliver their food. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard you say you think you can win the Penelope trophy this year.”

  “I’m going to give it a try,” Irene said.

  Bertie sat Irene’s salad down in front of her. “Well, now, I don’t mean to rain on your parade, so to speak, but we’ve won it for the last three years.” She stopped and pointed to the four-foot trophy that sat behind the diner’s lunch counter. “Ain’t it pretty?”