Kindling

by Agnes H Hagadus

  “That’s sweet. I think I’m going to get a complete collection of Candy’s work. I’m going to have some time to read.” Allison attempted a joke. The moment she said it, the mood changed.

  Allison regretted it, but they had to face facts. There was a short drive to the bed and breakfast. There was the dinner to attend. They would attempt to sleep before both went their separate ways.

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  Dallas thought she recognized the car that just pulled out of the parking spot she maneuvered Lucy’s small car into. The tall truckdriver definitely needed to stretch after the long drive from just outside of Atlanta.

  The Reading Café. Dallas had seen a lot of places such as this in her time. Yet, something stood out. She couldn’t quite place what it was.

  Lucy met her fiancée on the sidewalk. Soon, it would be Lucy driving her own car. It would be a long drive, especially not being able to speak with Dallas.

  The couple held hands as they made their way to the entrance. Before Dallas could reach for the door, it was opened. The ringing of the bell startled the truckdriver.

  “Fancy meeting you two here. You just missed Geraldine and Allison.” Candy stood aside so that she could allow the couple to enter her store. “Were you two thinking of books, drinks or sweets? Or a combination?”

  Lucy was overwhelmed. She remained surprised at how forthright Candy was. Not that those she dealt with at her business weren’t aggressive at times. “I don’t know about my better half, but I was thinking of all of the above. Not much of a reader, personally, but my mother is.”

  “Well, you’ve come to the right place.” Candy led the pair to the line for treats. It was shorter than it had been a few moments ago as things were waning between rushes.

  “I’m just up for something sweet and noncaffeinated.” Dallas thrived on caffeine, normally, but had finished off most of the coffee she had brought for the picnic. It was time for a changeup.

  “Saving your appetite for the go away dinner?” Candy was grateful her best friend was still working. “If I’m wrong on your order, just let me know. Lucy will have a vanilla chocolate milkshake, with sugar cookies. Dallas will have a buttercream milkshake. With extra cherries.”

  Dallas wasn’t exactly surprised Candy had guessed what she would desire. She’d sensed the young woman was a little like her. In other words, she could read people, nearly as well as she could read a book. “Perfect, Miss Candy.”

  “I’ve never had anyone peg me so before.” Lucy was more than surprised. “Except, of course, for my truckdriver. She knew what I wanted before I even knew.”

  “It’s a gift.” Candy winked at Sammy. Her best friend knew she wanted her usual coffee, but she also wanted to pay for the couple’s food. “What about something to read? I know an author personally. There are autographed copies to be had. In fact, I sent some with Allison and Geraldine.”

  “I’ll definitely take a copy for my mom.” The scents were overwhelming Lucy. While her little store had a small deli section, it was nothing like this. “I almost wish I could have asked for advice when it came to business.”

  “You can always get in contact with me.” Candy placed her hand in her pocket. “I don’t know why I carry these with me. My Aunt Irene, who left me this place, insisted.”

  Lucy took the business card. All Candy’s contacts were on there, except personal. “I appreciate it. There’s a small business organization, but they aren’t always all that helpful.”

  “We have to help support one another. After all, I’m up against the franchises. And books are now digital so I lose out on those sales.” Candy wasn’t bitter. As long as people were reading, she was happy. It was why she had added the café. To keep The Reading Café in the black.

  “I know what you mean.” Their order was up. Dallas insisted on carrying the tray as they made their way to an open table. “So many big corporations. And most are now going to online ordering or home delivery. Neither I can afford.”

  It was interesting listening to the two little ladies. Dallas competed as well, but it was different in the truck driving industry.

  Sure, there were your big outfits. Ones that were worldwide. But there were enough smaller to medium size businesses that enjoyed having a more personal touch.

  If she did say so herself, Dallas would have to say more reliable. The big corporations had communication issues. She’d seen it in all types of corporations.

  “I’ll leave you two to enjoy your treat. I’ll have a copy for your mom of my book.” Candy winked at them both. “You’ll also receive employee discount for any other books you might want. Just tell whoever Candy’s orders if I’m not around.”

  Dallas watched the petite blonde walk away. She was a bundle of energy. But she was also one of those rare spirits in the world. She’d seen all kinds in her travels. She made a mental note to one day return to The Reading Café.

  “She’s something else.” Lucy hadn’t realized how thirsty she was. The temperatures had risen while they were enjoying their picnic. There was also the fact her car’s air conditioning only worked when it wanted to.

  “And so are you.” Dallas hadn’t meant to say it. But it was true. She still wondered how she had fallen so fast and hard for a perfect stranger.

  Especially when they seemed nearly as different as night and day. But in her observation of life, that seemed to be how it was. One was yin, the other yang.

  And yet, true soulmates complimented one another. It was like they were the breath of the other. Even separated by an ocean, thousands of miles of land or by a room, they are whole once they find one another.

  Somehow, in traveling all across The United States, Dallas had missed out on meeting Lucy. How many times had she been in Lucy’s neck of the woods?

  Timing, as they say, is everything. Dallas stared into the depths of Lucy’s soul. In one way, it terrified her. If only because it was like seeing the reflection of her own soul.

  “I could say the same for you.” Lucy was enjoying and loathing the day. Enjoying the new experiences and tastes of The South.

  Loathing it because in a few hours, Lucy would most likely lay her head on Dallas’ shoulder for the last time for an untold amount of time.

  The thought took away from some of the pleasure Lucy had been experiencing at the taste sensations Candy had chosen so wisely for her.

  “I think we complement one another perfectly.” Dallas reached across the table and took Lucy’s hand. In her other, she picked up her drink. “Here’s to a lifetime of getting to know one another, traveling and loving one another.”

  Lucy nearly couldn’t react. It took a full ten heartbeats for her to grasp her own drink and gently touch it to Dallas’. “Cheers. And I second that.”

  Once again, they were staring into one another’s eyes. It didn’t matter they were in public. All that mattered was they were together and loving one another.

  That was when Dallas’ cellphone rang. The ringtone informed her that it was one of her moms. “I have to take this, Darlin. I apologize.”

  Lucy knew it was one of Dallas’ mothers calling. “Never apologize for answering when one of your moms call.” Lucy managed to wink knowing what the phone call could mean.

  “Hello, Mom. I’m at a café with my girl here. What can I do for you.” Dallas made certain she was studying her fiancée as she spoke with her mom.

  “I hate to interrupt, but something has happened.” Dallas cringed at the sound of her mother’s voice. “I know you are already on your way here in the morning, but you might need to fly back. I’m afraid your momma is in the hospital. She attempted, as she often does, to do things she should have waited for others to do.”

  Dallas took a deep breath. Leaving her rig anywhere was not something she normally did. She couldn’t impose on Thelma and Jessie to leave it at the bed and breakfast. What was she to do?

  “I’ll have to figure out where to store the rig. And find a ride to the airport.” It wa
s instantly that all the color drained from Lucy’s cheeks. “Can it at least wait until a flight first thing in the morning?”

  “It’s serious, but not life threatening.” Her mother’s voice betrayed her. Dallas knew it wasn’t life threatening, yet. But she wouldn’t allow her mother to know.

  “I’ll call or get on the web and see when the earliest flight to Helena is. I’ll either call or text you with the info so you can either get me or let me know if I need to take a taxi.” Dallas watched as Lucy gently shoved her treat away from herself.

  “Send our love to Momma.” The call was short and sweet. But it was enough to possibly ruin the rest of their short time together. “I’m sorry for spoiling our time, Darlin.”

  Lucy took a moment to process everything. “Dallas, I’m not happy. But it’s not because your moms need you. It’s not because our time is cut short.”

  Once again, Lucy took Dallas’ hand in her own. “It’s because your momma is not feeling well.” While Lucy hadn’t heard the entire conversation, she knew it was because one of her moms was ill. It was the only reason to leave her rig behind.

  “Yeah. Mom didn’t elaborate.” Dallas needed a sip of her delicious milkshake. “She said it wasn’t life threatening. Yet, I have the feeling it could turn serious if not cautious.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Lucy squeezed Dallas’ hand. “I do know I can offer you a ride to the airport in the morning. It’s a little out of my way, but Mom can hold the fort a little longer, if need be.”

  “I would be honored.” Dallas managed not to lean into the treat Lucy had abandoned or spill the remainder of their drinks as she leaned across the table.

  It was a sweet kiss. It was a promise, in so many ways. Though they were deterred once again, they would not be separated more than they had to be.

  “I guess I better choose a book for your moms.” Lucy winked at Dallas. She stretched as she arose from her seat. “Can’t forget this.”

  “Mom likes cookbooks. Momma likes anything to do with animals.” Dallas also stretched. “And both are a sucker for a good romance.”

  “Well, I hope that means our love story will make them both happy.” Lucy winked before making her way over to the cookbook section.

  The two spent another twenty minutes deciding on which books to purchase. Lucy glanced at a few of the pages of the book Candy had written.

  There was something that drew Lucy to the characters. She’d never read anything that instantly wanted her to find out what happened to the lead characters.

  The book could wait until Lucy was attempting to fill the gap between the time she could speak to Dallas and work and everything in between.

  The car ride was somewhat quiet. Both wanted to say something. But both also wanted to merely enjoy one another’s company.

  In just a few moments, they would be back with their friends. It was amazing how close they had grown to the owners of the bed and breakfast and the other two boarders.

  There was also Sam, Abby and her crew. Not to mention the irresistible Melissa. Sadly, tonight would be their farewell. But not goodbye, at least not if Lucy had anything to say about it.

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  “It’s the most difficult time.” Thelma glanced at the doorway. She and Elvira were busy making the finale dinner for their first boarders. Melissa stood in the doorway with her arms across her chest. “And I’m not talking dealing with the loss of a family member.”

  Thelma returned her attention to the potatoes she was peeling. She remained unsure if she wanted to make scallop or mashed potatoes. “It’s…Beyond words.”

  “I remember.” Melissa slowly eased into the kitchen. It was her favorite place at her own bed and breakfast. The dining room used to be her favorite, but memories lingered. “The first time I had to say goodbye to a boarder.”

  “It’s like saying goodbye to close friends.” Thelma decided she had enough potatoes. Perhaps spicy au gratin would be for the best. She retrieved the slicer. Thinner the better.

  Melissa continued to watch Thelma as she worked. Part of her wanted to offer to help. But she knew this was personal. It was necessary to help in grieving the loss of friends. “But it’s not forever. At least, it’s not for me or my family.”

  Thelma gazed into azure eyes momentarily. The twinkling was like those of an impish elf. “I’ve convinced my daughter and her wife to come back when it’s for vacation and not for work. That’s difficult to do.”

  “I bet Abby had a little to do with convincing Sam.” Melissa couldn’t help laughing at the observation. “What we do for our soulmates.”

  “Like helping you cook.” Jessie eased by Melissa before making her way to her wife. She gently kissed Thelma upon the forehead. “Though making a salad isn’t exactly cooking.”

  “It’s the safest thing for you.” Jessie attempted to swat Thelma on the behind. Thelma was a little faster than her wife. “Missed me. Now you have to kiss me.”

  “With pleasure.” Some would be embarrassed by the intense display of affection. Not Melissa. She enjoyed watching the next generation fall in love. She only hoped she’d be there to watch her grandchildren find their soulmates.

  “Those potatoes aren’t going to make themselves.” Elvira had grown close to her employers. They gave her the chance no one else would. With a conviction for drugs on your record…

  It was Thelma and Jessie’s turn to laugh. Time was fleeting. Soon, everyone would be gathered around the dinner table. Maybe not everyone as there wasn’t enough room for all of Sam’s buddies.

  But those that had come into the bed and breakfast and made a lasting impression. Thelma wondered as she continued to make the potatoes. Would her newest friends leave an impression? Would they add to the ghosts she sensed now?

  The clearing of a throat caused Thelma to stop what she was doing. Jessie was immediately by her side. Sam and Abby were in the doorway. Abby was holding Miss Alex.

  “I have some news.” Sam stepped forward. Though she was one of the most imposing people one could ever meet, the smile gracing her features caused her to look a tiny bit less intimidating.

  “Abby and I will be leaving in the morning.” Sam could see the numerous questions flash across the innkeepers’ faces. “I received word only ten minutes ago. The investigation is nearly complete.”

  Thelma wanted to ask. Were they safe? She felt Jessie’s hand on her lower back. It comforted her as there was still the unknown, even with Sam saying she would be leaving.

  “The pastor worked alone in regards to your mother’s murder, Jessie.” Sam witnessed the slightest of trembling of Jessie’s lips. Otherwise, there was no indication she had even heard what Sam had to say.

  “He and your mother organized the demonstrations.” Sam took another step toward Thelma and Jessie. “Some of the parishioners took it upon themselves to setup some of the hate we discovered.”

  Sam swallowed. “And some of the parishioners armed themselves. Those are the ones who shot at me. Let’s just say I made them see the light of day, with the lead detective’s help.”

  “What this all boils down to is that you and your boarders are safe.” Sam took another step toward the couple. There was something in Thelma’s eyes. “Olivia and Tessa have volunteered to remain for the next two weeks. They will help monitor the cameras personally. To make certain you truly are safe.”

  “Honestly, I think that they just want a couple weeks away from the boss lady.” Sam whipped around. The gleeful expression in her wife’s eyes caused the former detective to shake her head.

  As Sam turned around, she witnessed Jessie having to aid Thelma in standing. “Yes, everything is over. Dina has been charged. Her family is refusing to bail her out. There was another incident, not involving the misguided young woman, that was taken care of. You two can continue to live the dream.”

  Thelma was shaking. She had always assumed someone would be harmed while staying at the bed and breakfast. At least harmed m
ore than the accident with Allison and the stones being thrown causing Dallas’ cuts to her face.

  In all honesty, Thelma had been certain someone might just have been killed under their watch. “I’m ok.” Thelma took a sip of water Elvira offered her. “I guess, even with you and your coworkers here, I’d expected the worst.”

  Abby handed her daughter to Melissa. “It’s quite understandable. It’s human nature. Especially when we’ve had trauma or disappointment in our lives.”

  “You know, don’t you?” Abby merely nodded. “You investigated me and know everything.” Once again, Abby nodded, but remained silent.

  Jessie held her wife. What did Abby think she knew? Was it the attack her wife had suffered that nearly kept them apart? Was it how her parents denied her any real love? Was it how her ex had abused her so that she had difficulty trusting in even friendship?

  Or was there something more? Jessie, in her heart, knew. And if there was something her wife hadn’t confided? We are all human beings. There are some things we can’t face.

  Even Jessie had her own demons she may never fully be able to confront. No matter if she could or not, she knew she had Thelma’s love.

  In this world, the times being what they are, love was the key. It would get you through. It would make you whole. And it was the main reason to run the bed and breakfast. Connecting soulmates. Was there a better job?

  Chapter 18

  The dinner had been…Allison wasn’t certain how to describe it. There had been so many people. There had been so many laughs. There had been so much joy.

  Yet, there had also been sadness. There had been a few tears shed. It was unreal how so many strangers could actually bond in such a short time.

  So what was Allison up to now? She was packing. Geraldine was in Jackeline’s room. The innkeeper had decided to drive to her own business after the farewell dinner leaving it available for the young cowgirl.

  Did it mean they would sleep in separate rooms? Allison hoped they could snuggle. Would they speak? Sometimes words were not necessary. Yet, in this case, Allison knew they needed to speak.