When Ford finished his presentation there was a hefty amount of applause from the crowd and many quickly lined up for him to personally sign their copies of his latest novel. June and Sofey stayed seated to wait for the line to go through so they could visit with Ford when he was free. Sofey stretched her back and looked around. There, in the very back row was a familiar blonde lady. She was chomping her gum while talking loudly on her cell phone. But it was her huge diamond ring that caught Sofey’s attention.
“June!” Sofey nudged June’s leg. “I think that’s Rita back there talking on her cell phone.”
June swung her head around, “Yes, it is her.” June scanned the room. “I wonder where Riggin is.”
“Yeah, me t-”
“There he is!” June was on her feet, headed in Riggin’s direction.
Sofey rolled her eyes but followed June’s lead. How weird that such a good-looking guy could come off as such a jerk on TV, but then seem so nice in person. He was probably just nice at the funeral because, well, it was a funeral. His grandpa’s funeral.
“Riggin, I’m surprised to see you here! How are you doing, dear?” June took his hands.
Riggin half-smiled at June and shifted his weight on his feet. “I’m doing OK, thank you for asking.”
“I’m glad to hear that, sweetie.” June patted his hand. “Did you know Ford is my grandson? I had no idea you enjoyed his writing!”
“Oh, I didn’t know he was related to you.” Riggin looked around and caught Sofey’s eye. “Hi, Sofey. How are you?”
Sofey blushed, Oh my gosh, his cute crooked smile is so sex- “I’m good, thanks. Hey, um, thanks for letting me use your jacket the other day. I’m sorry I haven’t gotten it back to you yet. I was going to give it to June and-”
Riggin held up his hand and smiled. “No worries, really. I never wear that thing. I’m more of a casual dresser.”
“Riggin. I’m. Bored.” Rita was looking at her brand-new rose gold cell phone when she walked up to them. “I’m seriously ready to go. I’m tired of listening to this romance babble.” She popped her gum and looked up from her cell. “Oh! Hellllllooo.” As she grabbed Riggin, she placed her left hand on his chest and put her head on his shoulder. “Wasn’t that a great presentation? I mean I just love this author.”
Sofey stood, wide-eyed, staring at Rita. What is up with this girl?
“So, Rita,” June said sweetly, “which of the author’s books do you like best?”
Rita giggled, “Oh, well, it’s too hard to choose, really. I mean, they’re all sooo good.”
“Uh, we have to go.” Riggin looked at his Timex watch. “It was nice seeing you both.” He smiled at Sofey and blushed. Those cow eyes. They’re just so pretty. And she likes to read romance.
Rita gave June and Sofey a half-hearted smile and princess wave goodbye, popping her gum as they walked away.
“Now, what on Earth was that? Seems to me Riggin has his work cut out for him with that ill-mannered girl.” June waved her hand in the air as if shooing Rita away. “Well, it looks like Ford is free for a minute. Let’s go talk to him.” She grabbed Sofey’s arm and pulled her to Ford’s table.
“Hello, ladies.” Ford stood up when he saw his grandmother and a pretty lady with big brown eyes walking toward him. After kissing his grandma’s hand he looked at Sofey, “I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“Oh,” Sofey blushed, “No, we haven’t. I’m Sofey, June’s neighbor and friend.”
“Sofey! I’ve heard so much about you. It’s nice to finally meet you and put a name to a pretty face.”
Sofey could feel her face getting red hot. Why is this man trying to embarrass me?!? “Thank you. And I’ve heard a lot about you too. Congrats on your book. I’m jealous.”
“Sofey is a writer too, Ford. Someday she’ll get something finished and publish it.” June looked sideways at Sofey. “Anyway, maybe you can help her out? Give her a few pointers?”
“Sure!” Ford looked at Sofey, “But I only got in here because I have connections with the owner,” he winked.
“Excuse me, Mr. Daily? I’m so sorry to interrupt, but someone is wanting to speak to you about a possible book deal...”
“Yes, Ford, you go talk to them. We’ll visit later during your stay here.” June said.
“Ah, Granny, I’m leaving tomorrow morning. I’ve got to get back for some training.”
“Well, phooey, I guess you and Sofey can get to know each other on your next visit.”
Ford and Sofey simultaneously blushed as Ford gave June a big bear hug.
“I’ll let you know when I’m coming back, Granny. And Sofey, we’ll connect and get you going on your writing.” Waving goodbye, Ford hurried off.
“Let’s go get our table, Dolly.”
“Sounds wonderful!”
Chapter 6
Riggin slowly opened the closet next to Pappy’s bed, it was time to get rid of some of Pappy’s things and turn his old room into an office. He didn’t want to change Pappy’s room, but Pappy had made Riggin promise he would after he died. When Riggin bought this house, he had had Pappy in mind the whole time. This was his room.
The smell of Old Spice still lingered, bringing back a million and one memories that flooded his brain. Stumbling backward, he plopped himself on the edge of the hospital bed Pappy had been sleeping in for almost a year. He hung his head and let the tears fall down his cheeks and onto the floor. “Why did you have to die, Pappy? Why?”
Riggin wiped his face with his palms and slowly slid down the bed to the floor and landed next to one of Pappy’s shoes. He picked it up. It was one of Pappy’s favorites, a brown loafer. He had said that pair made him feel young and healthy again, plus they didn’t hurt his feet. Riggin slipped it on his foot and, to his surprise, it fit just right. He got on his knees to find the other one. Digging through a pile of shoes, he thought, man he had a lot of shoes for an old man. How in the world did he ever find a matching pair when they’re all in a pile? Riggin chuckled out loud, “Oh yeah, he only wore one pair for the last year. Silly old man.”
Riggin was reaching in the back of the closet when he finally found what he thought was the other brown loafer, when his hand hit something. A box? MORE shoes, Pappy? He pulled out the old shoe box and sat back, stretching out his long legs. He slowly opened the lid and found one loose envelope and a stack of others tied together with a purple ribbon. He picked up the loose one and read “Hank” written in the most beautiful handwriting he’d ever seen. As he opened the letter, he smelled the faint scent of flowers.
Riggin smiled slightly as he read and noticed that every single “I love you” was underlined in purple pen. Pappy loved the color purple. So, Betty really did love Pappy at one time, huh? If you loved him so much, if this letter is true, why did you leave, Betty? Riggin hadn’t thought of her as Grandma since his 8th birthday when she never came home after leaving them. He never could figure out why she didn’t love him and Pappy, but in this letter she swore she did and that she would always love Pappy. It was dated two years before Riggin went to live with them, when his parents were still alive. He missed the Grandma he knew when Mom and Dad were living and everyone was happy. But that had been a long time ago, before she’d left him and Pappy. Women always leave. Riggin let his head fall back to rest on the bed and fill with thoughts he needed to sort through. Why did you have to die, Momma? Why did you and Dad have to leave me? Riggin wiped the tears away and closed his eyes tighter. Then Grandm- Betty- had to leave. For whatever reason Pappy could forgive you...but I can’t! You say you love us but you leave! Riggin shook his head, trying to make sense of Betty. And then there was Ember. Oh, Ember. You also said you love me, but then you betrayed me! I’d rather you’d left too.
Riggin wiped his eyes dry with the sleeve of his sweater and pushed himself upright against the bed. He untied the ribbon and flipped through the rest of the envelopes. These envelopes had been mailed to Pappy throughout the years, the return address changing
from time to time. The last letter Pappy had received had been mailed a year and a half ago. He opened it and read through the ‘sorrys’. She was ‘sorry’ she wasn’t there. She was ‘sorry’ for leaving. She was ‘sorry’ for causing him pain. But she wasn’t sorry enough to come back, even though that was the last thing she actually said sorry for- “I’m sorry, I just can’t come back. Please, Hank, try to understand and please, move on.”
Riggin tore the letter in half and then in half again and again, throwing the pieces in the box and the box in the back of the closet. He had had enough. “I’m sorry, Pappy.” He said to the air, “I just can’t get it done today.” He walked out and shut the door silently behind him.
Grabbing a glass, he filled it with ice and poured himself some sweet tea. Betty was still stuck to the fridge with that damn plain black magnet but Riggin couldn’t make himself take it down. Just like Pappy, he still loved her, even after everything she’d done. Besides, he loved Pappy more than anything, and Pappy wanted her there.
Riggin settled into Pappy’s old recliner and leaned back, closing his eyes. As soon as he drifted off to sleep, Ember was there. Her red straight hair hung limp down her back, ending at her waist. She smiled at him with her mouth but her eyes were emotionless. She beckoned him with her finger curling in and out to go to her. Riggin shook his head, trying to get her to disappear. But she wouldn’t go, she wouldn’t leave him alone. I love you, Riggin. You love me, Riggin. I only did it because I was lonely. You know no one else will love you like I do. Riggin shook his head violently. “You didn’t love me!” he screamed and bolted upright. “What a nightmare.”
Pappy had warned him against her. He had said she was a manipulator and a liar. She wouldn’t call if she had a man, but as soon as they started having issues, she dialed Riggin’s number and they were best friends again. This rarely- no never- went over well with any girls Riggin was seeing at the time, but he had a hard time letting her go. Even though he knew she never loved him, at one point he really had thought she did. And he had loved her.
Pappy’s voice echoed in his head, “Boy, don’t be fooled by that girl. She’s no good. She’s a bad seed. You deserve so much better! Let that Scrawny thing have her, HE deserves her!”
Riggin lowered his head, he knew Pappy was right. He didn’t love her anymore. He didn’t miss her. He missed being with someone. But like Pappy said, “There are worse things than being alone, son.”
Riggin had nodded, “Like being with Ember.”
“Find a good girl, son. Find a smart girl. Treat her right and she’ll love you forever...and for real.” Pappy winked and added, “And make sure she likes cats.”
Just as Pappy finished speaking, Chester walked in and jumped on Pappy’s lap, purring.
A folded piece of paper on the coffee table caught Riggin’s attention. He picked it up and reread the note.
Riggin,
I just wanted to thank you (again) for letting me use your jacket at your grandpa’s funeral. I’m very sorry I caused such a scene, especially at such a sad time for you.
On a lighter note, I wanted to say congratulations on your marriage to Rita. You two seem very happy.
Sofey Merchant
Riggin set the note on his lap and thought for a minute. ‘You two seem very happy.’ So, we really are pulling this off, Rita. Riggin smiled sadly. If you only knew, Sofey Merchant, what your beautiful brown eyes don’t see.
Riggin picked up his phone and scrolled to Rita’s contact. There was her smiling face, staring at him. He looked at her for a couple minutes and took a deep breath. Letting it out, he pushed the call button.
“Heeeyyyy, Riggy!” Rita’s high pitched voice hurt Riggin’s ears. “I’m so glad you called! I’ve been missing youuuuu….”
“Hey.” Riggin winced. “So, we need to go out in public again. Where do you want to meet?”
“Oh, wow, you’re so romantic,” Rita said flatly.
“Yeah, well, there really isn’t a reason to be romantic, is there?”
“Hmmmm, yeeaahhh, there’s a million reasons to be, actually.” Rita smacked on her bubble gum.
“Rita, we’re not -”
“Yeah, it’s just Riggin, don’t worry about it.” Rita didn’t bother to move her mouth from the phone to speak to whomever was in the room with her. “Uh, so, yeah, whenever you want to meet, sweetie.” Rita said to Riggin.
Riggin rolled his eyes and took a deep breath, “OK, well, let’s meet at Marty’s and get groceries.”
Rita snapped her gum. “Great. Sounds like what married people should do. But, if we’re not riding together, how does that make a happily married couple?”
Riggin gritted his teeth, “Fine, I’ll pick you up in an hour.”
“Mmmmm, yeah, an hour doesn’t work for me at all. It’ll be at least two hours before I’m ready to go grocery shopping.”
Riggin looked at the grandfather clock, it was just about to strike 2 PM. “I’ll be there at five. Be ready.”
Rita popped her gum, “Cool. I love showing up to places in the Beamer.”
Riggin ended the call and tossed his phone on the side table. Why did I call her? Why didn’t I just go to a movie or something? I should’ve called Terry. He would be way more fun. I mean I could still call him...and ditch the…
He needed some more sweet tea to clear his head. He poured the freshly brewed sun tea over ice in a thick Mason jar. He listened to the ice pop and he watched it crack. Chester meowed as he jumped up onto the oak dining table.
“Chester, get down,” Riggin scolded, walking over to pick up and snuggle the big orange feline. As Riggin snuggled Chester, the orange flyer on the table caught his attention.
Chapter 7
Sofey found her favorite parking spot open and pulled up next to the sidewalk in front of Folded Corners. Grabbing her long wool sweater and her purse from her backseat, she headed in. She could smell the fresh bread and coffee beckoning her before she even got to the weathered wooden door. Taking a deep breath, she filled her lungs with the smells of perfection just before entering. She meandered by the shabby chic tables next to the windows and through a large living room-like area decorated with vintage Western couches and fur rugs. Finally, she entered the small restaurant portion of the bookstore, which was fixed up like a 50’s diner. After ordering her muffin and coffee, she wandered around looking for a secluded table, no matter how unlikely it would be to find. An author signing was going to start in an hour, and young adults, middle agers, and older folks were already starting to crowd the tables to have their books signed by their favorite thriller author.
Maybe today she would sit on the deep red chaise lounge in the back corner of one of the repurposed bedrooms by the cowboy romance section. No one was ever there, and it was one of her favorite spots in the store. Finding it empty, she put her food and drink on the walnut coffee table in front of the seat and went to find a great book to read (and probably purchase) before leaving.
She loved Folded Corners and was there frequently. The staff knew her by name, which she appreciated, and you could eat, drink, buy books or even just borrow them. They were open late and had a wonderful outside seating area that was fun anytime of the year due to the heaters and misters that lined the porch. Finally, filled with the aroma of fresh bread, goodies, and coffee made all day and late into the evening mixed with the intoxicating scent of new and used books, the place always smelled heavenly. Sofey was fulfilled here and really couldn’t pick a favorite part of Folded Corners.
She wandered around the store, in and out of rooms, looking at the different genres that lined shelf after shelf. She would pick one up from each section and study the cover, flip to a random section of the book, read a paragraph, and finally turn the book over to read the back cover. After collecting a book from the women’s fiction section, the romance section, and the thriller section she wandered back to the chaise lounge to get comfortable, eat, and read. Maybe I’ll kick off my shoes and put that little, f
uzzy blanket on my lap. I can’t wait to eat my chocola- “...Um, excuse me. I’m sorry, but I was sitting there.”
The tall, dark-haired man turned around. “I’m sorr-”
They stared at each other trying to grasp the unexpected situation they found themselves in.
“Oh, um, hi.” Riggin ran his hand through his hair. “Sorry, I didn’t realize…”
Sofey shook her head and blushed, “It’s OK. Um, so what are you doing in this neck of the woods?” She looked around, “Where’s your wife?”
It was Riggin’s turn to blush, “I came by myself. She doesn’t really like to read.” He held up one of the books in his hands. “I’m here for the book signing. And to find some other books.”
Sofey nodded, “Joyce Gray is a great author.”
Riggin tore his gaze from Sofey when he realized he was staring.
Meanwhile, Sofey wondered what in the world he was staring at. She touched her nose to make sure there wasn’t anything there. Uh, he’s probably going to make fun of something, might as well be my square face and pointy nose. He probably got lots of practice making fun of people on that stupid show he was on. Whatever. Sofey swallowed her pride, and pushing past Riggin, she sat on the edge of the chaise lounge, picked up her muffin, and buttered it. “Soooo, what other kind of books are you looking for, anyway?”
She made the extra effort to indicate with her eyes the section they happened to be in. “I’m sure it isn’t Cowboy Romance, no respectable reader would be caught dead reading that. It’s just garbage.” She teased, trying to sound sincere even though they were both at the Ford Daily book signing, and even though her own novel, that sat unfinished in a binder, was the epitome of a cowboy romance. Besides, maybe he needed to be made fun of.
“Well, I was looking for a good western.”
Sofey nodded. “Do you come here often?”
Riggin cleared his throat and shifted his weight. “Uh, yeah, I'm here occasionally.”
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