Sofey had really enjoyed their conversation that night, which surprised her, but she was getting cold and it was hard to hide her involuntary shivers. “Uh, no, I’ve had some appetizers and pastries and their wonderful huckleberry tea, but never a full meal. I hear it’s really good, though.”
Riggin smiled. “I better let you go. It was really nice talking with you. Maybe I’ll see you here again.” Riggin turned and waved goodbye. “Say hello to June for me, please.”
“I will. Say hello to Rita.” What a lucky girl she is.
Chapter 10
“Dolly! Get yourself in here, it’s cold outside.” June ushered Sofey into her warm house and led her into the living room where she had popcorn and lemon lime pop waiting for them.
“I’m glad you’re back. How was your trip? How did Maggie and Chip do?”
“Oh,” June flipped her hands in the air, “that bird and squirrel did just fine. They love to travel and, even though those rugrat grandbabies of mine are all in their twenties, they still get a kick out of them.” June poured them each a glass of pop and handed one to Sofey along with a bowl of freshly popped buttery popcorn.
“Thanks. Tell me all about your trip.” Sofey had her legs curled up underneath her and a sherpa blanket draped over her lap.
“It was nice. Got to see the kids. Spent half the time at Tessa’s house and half the time at Cole’s.” June munched on a handful of popcorn. “Oh, and my van broke down at Cole’s. The mechanic said it’ll take three weeks to fix it.” She rolled her eyes, “Only the Good Lord knows why it’ll take that long in this day and age.”
“June! How did you get home?”
June snorted and put another handful of popcorn in her mouth. “Oh! Ford brought me home. You remember Ford, don’t you? The author from -”
“I remember Ford, June.” Sofey smiled.
“Well, he’s single, you know. He’s a bit of a flirt though, so sometimes it’s hard telling when he’s actually serious about a girl.”
Sofey laughed.
“Now, tell me what you did while I was gone. Find a new boyfriend?” June chuckled at her own joke.
Sofey cleared her throat. “No. I have not found a boyfriend.”
“Didn’t figure so.”
“Well,” Sofey sat up straight and pulled her shoulders back, “I did visit with a guy for like, mmm, three hours a couple nights ago.”
June perked up. “Really, now? A new guy? Where did you meet him?”
“I met him at that funeral we went to.”
June stared at Sofey and furrowed her brows. “At the funeral? Well, the only guy you talked to there was Rig….” June smiled and clapped her hands together. “And Rita, too?”
Sofey traced the rim of her glass with her middle finger. “No, she wasn’t there. He said she doesn’t like to read. But he was sitting in my spot, on the red chaise lounge I like to curl up on. So, I kinda had to talk to him.”
“You can’t have someone sitting in your spot.” June sipped her pop. “So, it sounds like you two hit it off. Maybe he has a friend he can introduce you to.”
Sofey rolled her eyes. “Or maybe we can just be friends and not worry about him introducing me to anyone.”
“Anywho, I knew he wasn’t all those horrid things the magazines say he is.” June smiled and turned toward Sofey, “Now, I want you to meet Ford. I mean, I know you two met at his book signing but I was thinking, maybe it would be nice for you two to, what do you kids call it, hang out?” June tilted her head, “He could use a friend here.”
“Juney, I’m sure he has no problems making friends.”
“Well, he’s going to be staying with me for the next few days to visit, then he’s going back to Idaho to get my car and deliver it to me.” June’s face turned sad, “They aren’t going to let me drive over there anymore. They said it’s too far and they’ll send me a plane ticket.” June pouted.
“I think that’s a really good thing, Juney.” Sofey patted her friend’s knee.
“So! When do you wanna go out with Ford? He’s out picking up some groceries right now. Hey! Why don’t you stay for dinner?” June beamed
“Um, I don’t think so, June. But, thank you. You and Ford should go ahead and have a nice family dinner together tonight. Plus, I’m going to be diving into my writing again and that is going to be my priority until it’s done.”
June shrugged, “He’s making steak and potatoes, you’ll be missing out.” June squinted at Sofey, “Why are you so against giving someone a chance, my Dolly dear?”
Sofey squirmed in her seat. “I don’t know, June. And anyway, I said I needed to write. Like, I’m busy, you know.”
“I think you do know, though. And you can do your writing and still eat dinner.”
Sofey poured herself another glass of pop and chewed on her popcorn. “I guess it’s because of all my failed attempts at love.”
“All your failed attempts? Oh, boy, Dolly, you’ve got to get over those things. And the ones you told me about the other night didn’t seem like things that would crush your soul so much that you couldn’t try again. And your parents were happy as clams together, right? I think there’s more to this than you’re tellin’ me?”
Sofey ran her hands through her hair and shifted on the couch. “Well, there was one more guy. I didn’t tell you about him that night because, well, I’m just embarrassed and I feel like such a fool. I’m just a wimp, and it’s embarrassing because I should have stood up for myself more than I did.”
June touched Sofey’s knee. “It’s OK, Dolly. I’m here. Tell me all about it.”
Sofey went through the whole story about Matt.
June hadn’t said a word the entire time Sofey was telling the story, she just hung on every word that came from Sofey’s mouth. Sofey finished by telling June all the things she wished she had said to Matt and his wife.
“Well, Dolly, that does sound like a nightmare. You gave all you had to that boy and he was dishonest. But that’s life, honey. It’s not good, or OK, but it is life. Those things shape you. Those are the things you learn and grow from.”
“How do I learn from that? What do I learn from that? The only lesson I learned was how to not trust people. Especially not enough to give them my heart. Plus, I’m sure Matt and his wife still laugh at how big a fool I am.”
“Come here, dear.” June pulled Sofey to her and gave her a hug. “You can’t know if someone will break your heart and you can’t ever have a guarantee that it will never happen. And it’s true that if you never give your heart away, it’ll never get broken. But, if you keep your heart to yourself it will grow cold and that is a very selfish way to live. There is someone out there who needs your love, just like you need theirs.”
Sofey returned the hug. “I never thought about it being selfish. But I guess I can see your point.”
June held Sofey at arm’s length and brushed her hair from her face. “And, for criminy sakes, get over that junk about worrying if people are making fun of you. That crap happened to you in high school was unfortunate, yes. And, I know it was undeserved. But, you are smart, talented, beautiful, and sassy! Any man would be lucky to have you.” June clapped her hands, “Now, let’s get that date set up for you and Ford, hmm?”
Sofey blushed but understood June’s point about letting the past hurts go. “Well, I did add one more item to my list.”
June smiled. “And what did you make requirement number ten?”
“That he can’t be married or ever have been married.” Sofey smiled
“That might just work out for you. But don’t count out the ones who were once married, at least not all of them. Maybe they were done wrong too.”
Sofey shook her head, “No, I don’t need the drama. No married or previously married, thank you very much.”
June put up her hands in surrender. “OK, OK. I’m just saying they aren’t all bad. Take my grandson Roscoe. Now Roscoe was a good boy and turned into a fine man, but he married much too young a
nd had a wife who slipped out on him one night and came back pregnant. She told him it was his and he had no reason not to believe her until the boy she had made the baby with showed up at Roscoe’s front door one Sunday morning. He said he was the baby’s daddy and that he was there to get Lila, Roscoe’s wife, and take her away with him. Roscoe almost punched the boy in the face when he turned to see Lila standing there with her suitcases.” June shook her head and smacked her lips in disgust. “Anyway, years later, Roscoe ended up meeting a really nice young lady on a blind date that a church friend had set up for him.” June thought for a minute while she grabbed more popcorn. “I’m sure glad that his new wife didn’t refuse him because he made a mistake in the past with a snake.”
Sofey grinned. “What about the rest of your grandkids?”
“Well,” June leaned back and threw a blanket over her lap, “Roscoe and Ford are brothers, they’re Cole’s boys. Quentin, Cora, and Blanche are Tessa’s kiddos. Quentin is happily married to his high school sweetheart. Cora is single. She’s an excellent hairdresser. And baby Blanche is single too. But she’s the baby so I don’t push her too much. She’s an advertising executive. She works way too much, but what’s a Granny to do?”
“It sounds like you have a great family, Juney. I always wished I had a brother or sister when I was younger. But once I got into high school, I was over it.”
“Dolly, I hope you’ll take another chance on love. Remember, you’re young and beautiful. Live a little or it’ll be too late, and you’ll wish you had. Hearts can mend, honey.”
June was beginning to break down the walls around Sofey’s heart. “Well,” Sofey stood and stretched, “when Ford gets back maybe go ahead and give him my number if he feels like going out to grab a bite tomorrow night.”
Chapter 11
“Wow, this is a great place.” Ford looked around the outdoor seating area of Folded Corners. The soft white lights gave off a romantic glow, giving Sofey a halo look above her head. Ford stared at her big, soft brown eyes and mile long eyelashes. She was beautiful.
“Yeah, it’s a fun place to hang out and they have so many cool books.” Sofey smiled. “I bet they have a few of your books.”
“Ah, I don’t know.” Ford winked at her, “I’m really not that big of a deal. Granny June got me in at Chateau Ridge. They wouldn't have asked me otherwise.” He took a long drink of his huckleberry tea, “Hey, this is delicious. Anyway, my main job is firefighting, you know.”
“Oh, yeah, I did hear that at your signing. And, I’m sure you’re a bigger deal than you say.”
Ford shrugged, “So, tell me about you. What do you do? What do you do for fun?”
Sofey squirmed a little in her chair. “Well, I work for Cordon Bleu delivering food to the elderly and others who need, or even just want, our service. I know it doesn’t sound glamorous but it’s actually really rewarding. I especially like talking to the elderly and a few of them have actually become my friends.”
“I don’t think it sounds like a bad job at all. In fact, it sounds pretty fun. I mean, you could get a ton of story ideas from just listening to them talk.”
“Yes! Exactly! I have a notebook in my car to…” Sofey realized she was just about to admit she liked to use her customers stories as inspiration for writing.
“To...” Ford leaned forward a little, listening.
“It’s silly, really. I mean, I keep the notebook to jot down funny stuff they say and just little ideas.”
Ford leaned back, smiling. “So, you really are a writer.” He couldn’t see her blush as he took a long drink of his tea. “Don’t worry about that, people use stories all the time for inspiration. I mean you aren’t using their stories, right? How else are you supposed to get story ideas? How long have you been writing?”
“No, I wouldn’t use their exact stories, just bits and pieces. Plus, I always ask first if I can use little tidbits. And I wouldn’t really say I’m a writer, or anything like that. I mean I do write but I haven’t actually finished anything.”
“If you write, you’re a writer.”
Sofey shrugged, “I guess. But I’ve decided to really make it a priority to get the story I started years ago done.”
Ford nodded, “Well, what’s it about?”
“You’re gonna think this is silly.”
“Try me.”
Sofey giggled, “It’s a romance.”
“A romance!” Ford smiled, “Nice. I’d love to read it when it’s done. If you don’t mind, that is.”
Sofey’s hands began to sweat, “Really? You’d really want to read it? Because you don’t have to say that.”
Ford leaned back, laughing, “I know I don’t have to say that. I really do want to read it, really. And, anyway, I told Granny June I would help you.”
“OK, then, you can be the first.” Sofey smiled and took a drink of her tea. “I’m gonna go to the restroom. Do you want more tea?”
“I’ll get us some! But thanks for asking.” Ford stood up and followed Sofey into the bookstore. “Man, those cinnamon rolls smell amazing. You want one?” He asked Sofey before she walked away.
“Yes! That sounds great.”
“Cool. I’ll meet you back at the table.” He walked to the pastry section and ordered from the giggly blonde girl behind the counter.
She smiled and walked away. This is such a great night. And he is sooo nice. What’s going on, how can this be going so well? Why didn’t June set this up earlier?!? Sofey laughed as she walked into the restroom.
Sofey smoothed her hair and put on fresh lip gloss after checking in the mirror to make sure her teeth were free of food. “Why, yes, I’d love some of the cinnamon roll, thank you.” Sofey winked at herself in the mirror. Oh my gosh, that sounds sooo stupid. Try again. Sofey cleared her throat, “Oh, this tea is my fave. So, how long are you in town?” Sofey slapped her forehead, you’re an idiot. She suddenly realized she was sweating. Lifting her arms, she gasped in horror, pit stains?!? She hurried over to the hand dryer and slapped the metal button three times, lifting her arm to dry her blouse. OK, OK, just breathe. Go out there. It’s fine. He’ll talk first, I won’t need to. Besides, I don’t know why I’m being so weird, I haven’t even felt fireflies yet... Sofey took a deep breath and grabbed her clutch from the bathroom counter and walked out, arms at her sides.
The smell of hot cinnamon rolls welcomed her back into the bookstore. She breathed in the heavy sweetness and let it calm her.
“Hey, Sofey.”
The familiar voice made Sofey jump. Turning around, she saw Riggin. “Oh, hey, Riggin. How are you,” she asked, smiling.
“I’m good. Just bought a coffee.” He held it up for her to see. “And looking for another book. I finished my other one last night.” He smiled back at her, “You look nice.”
“Oh,” she waved her hand without lifting her arm, “thanks.” She smiled and shifted her weight. “Did Rita come with you today?”
“No. She really doesn’t like bookstores at all.”
“That’s too bad.” She looked toward the door leading to the patio.
“I’m sorry, am I keeping you from something?”
“Um, well, you’re not keeping me. I’m here with Ford Daily. Would you like to join us? We have a great table, and we’re talking about romance books.” She smiled.
Riggin nodded, “Wow, Ford Daily. That’s cool. No, I think I’m gonna just go find my book. I have an early day tomorrow. We’re heading to North Idaho to help with a job there.” Riggin smiled, “But thank you for inviting me. Have a great night.” Riggin gave Sofey a small wave and turned to leave.
“Thanks. You have a good night too.” Sofey turned and walked away from Riggin and toward the patio with Ford.
Riggin waited for Sofey to turn away from him, then watched her walk away.
“You’re back!” Ford held up the pastry he purchased. “I bought the biggest cinnamon roll they had and grabbed us like a hundred napkins.”
“Yummmm! Th
ese are my absolute favorite.” Sofey picked up her fork and dug into the middle, slowly pulling out the entire center.
“Hey!” Ford stabbed the piece Sofey was taking with his fork, “You can’t take the whole middle section!”
They ate their dessert and laughed, telling stories to each other about June and her crazy pet bird and pet squirrel. They finished their tea just before Folded Corners closed their doors for the night and Ford walked Sofey to her car.
“Thanks for a fun night.” Sofey looked at her feet then back at Ford and covered her mouth for a yawn. “Oh, I’m sorry. I guess it’s time for me to get home and snuggle my Rob Roy. He helps me sleep,” she laughed.
“Your Rob Roy?”
“Yeah, that’s my cat.”
“No! You’re a cat girl! I prefer dogs, myself.” Ford grinned.
“Noooo...” Sofey said softly then giggled. “Well, I guess that’s it for us then.”
“Ah shucks.” He snapped his fingers in a highly exaggerated motion. “We can still be friends, can’t we?” He bumped her with his shoulder.
“Yes, of course.” She bumped him back.
“Alright then. How about a good night hug?” Ford opened his arms and gently pulled her in. “I’m glad Granny set up a time for us to get to know each other better. It’s good to have a friend.”
Sofey nodded. “It is.”
Chapter 12
Sofey’s day at work went by quickly and she was glad when she got to leave Edith’s without too much of a delay so she could clock out on time. She had been thinking about the cinnamon rolls from Folded Corners for the last week. Am I addicted to their cinnamon rolls? I think I am. I wonder if there’s a place to go to for help with that? It was nice to have shared one with Ford that night before he left to go back to Idaho, but she hadn’t expected to run into Riggin. It was so strange that Rita was never with him at the bookstore. But maybe that was his escape and she didn’t want to bother him. Sofey wasn’t aware she was smiling until Linda tapped on her shoulder, “Hey, girlfriend. What are you so happy about?”
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