The Sweet Talker

by Cathryn Fox

Yeah, I’m afraid that just might be true. But that scares me so much. I take a breath to pull myself together.

  “Are you okay?” she asks and puts her hand on my arm.

  “Yes,” I answer quickly. “I just mean I love Mabel. She’s such a sweet dog.”

  She opens her mouth, her brows knitted together like she’s working through something. She glances down, and when her eyes lift to mine again she says, “Okay, you head on up to get her and I’ll be right behind you in a second.”

  I hurry up the stairs and Mabel barks at the sound of my footsteps. I swing open the door and grin. It’s so nice to be greeted by someone who is truly happy to see you. Bending, I give her an ear rub and in return get a big wet tongue across the face. I wipe away the wetness with my sleeve.

  “We need to work on your greetings, girl.” I check her bowl, give her fresh water and some food. When I’m done, I turn to find Josie standing there, a huge smile on her face as she takes the frame off the window sill.

  “Brody…you did this?”

  “Yeah, do you like it?” God, I sound so needy.

  “I love it.” She smiles at me, and my heart thumps. “This was so sweet of you.” She throws her arms around me. “Thank you.”

  “I spotted it at the pharmacy, and thought you’d like it. You don’t have many pictures around.”

  She backs up, and goes thoughtful. “You’re right, I don’t. It’s not that I don’t want pictures. I just haven’t really had the time.”

  I put my hand on her waist and tug her to me. “Did you lose photos when you lost your phone.”

  “No.”

  I exhale and under my breath say, “Thank God.”

  She crinkles her nose. “What?”

  “Nothing, I’m just glad you didn’t lose anything.”

  She turns but not before I catch the sadness in her eyes, and she mumbles, “I don’t know if I’d say that.”

  “Josie?”

  She tugs her coat from the closet and turns my way, a smile on her face. “Nothing, let’s get out of here. I could use some fresh air after a crazy day.”

  My pulse drums in my throat, and I want to press, want to ask what she lost, but it’s clear she doesn’t want me to push when she leashes Mabel up and heads to the stairs. I follow behind, an uneasy knot in my stomach. Maybe I could leave her phone somewhere that she could find it. But that would be wrong and deceitful. I tug the door shut behind us and follow her down the stairs, my mind racing and searching for solutions.

  After Mabel does her business, we all pile into the car, and Josie rests her head against the seat, a small smile on her face as she turns to me.

  “Thanks for getting me out of the house.” Her hand slides across the seat and she touches mine. “I’m looking forward to my surprise.”

  I start the car, and Mabel presses her nose to the window as I pull into traffic and head for the highway. Josie sits up a little straighter. “Where are we going?”

  “Have you ever been to West Haven?”

  “Actually, no.” I nod, and feel her eyes on me. “You made out okay with your delivery there today?”

  “Oh, yeah, for sure.”

  “Why are we going back?”

  “You’ll see.”

  She just shakes her head at me. “Fine, Brody. You can have your secrets.”

  She hums to the radio as I drive, and conversation turns to her parents and how much she misses everyone. As she reminisces, an idea forms. If she can’t go home for Christmas, maybe I can bring home to her.

  Soon enough, I pull off the highway and drive through the quaint town of West Haven. “So pretty here.”

  “They don’t decorate quite as much as Holiday Peak, but close.”

  “Where’s the pharmacy you delivered to today?”

  “Right here,” I say, and pull off the road. She stares straight ahead at the big old homestead in the distance, and the busy hill behind it, kids and adults both sliding down it on toboggans.

  “What…”

  I point to the sign. She reads it, and her nose crinkles. “Farmacy? I don’t get it.”

  “It’s not a pharmacy, it’s a bed and breakfast, and they have tons of different animals that guests can pet for therapeutic healing. A farm-acy. It’s brilliant.”

  Her jaw drops open. “No way.”

  “Yeah, and you don’t have to stay at the bed and breakfast to do it. It’s open to the public. I already bought us tickets, and they use the funds to care for the animals. They have snowmobiles, sleds, and all the animals we can pet.”

  Her smile is so big, it lights up her entire face. “I love this, Brody.”

  “I figured you would.”

  “Asking around about me again, were you?”

  “Nope, don’t need to. You’re an animal lover, and after seeing the stress on your face today, I thought you could use a natural, therapeutic treatment to unwind. You’re wrapped up in getting all your orders correct for others, but you can’t forget about yourself.”

  “You won’t let me do that.”

  “Damn right I won’t.” Mabel sticks her head between the seats.

  “They won’t mind Miss Mabel?”

  “Dogs are welcome. I asked. They have an area where she can play with other dogs. She’ll love it.”

  I slowly go up the driveway and park, noticing there are a few less cars than this afternoon. Josie hops from the car, and Mabel follows her out. She’s spinning in circles with all the new smells. We leash her and head to the back of the house, where we’re greeted and shown around. We introduce Mabel to the other dogs in the fenced off area and head to the barn for chili and fresh biscuits. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Josie smile so hard.

  “How did I not know about this place?” she asks as we sit at one of the large tables, and dig into our food.

  “You haven’t really lifted your head in a long time,” I tell her, and give her thigh a little squeeze.

  She tugs on my hat, and I take it off. She laughs at the mess of my hair, and says, “You’re right, but I’m having fun now.”

  “Good. That’s the main thing.” I take a spoonful of chili. “This is so good.”

  We’re joined by a young couple, and their daughter, who looks to be around four. We say hello after they introduce themselves as Brad and Talia, and their daughter, Madison, we introduce ourselves, and Brad’s eyes bug out of his head.

  “I thought that was you,” Brad says, a big smile on his face. “What are you doing here?”

  “Enjoying the farmacy with my girl, Josie.”

  “Honey,” he says, “this is Brody Tucker from the Seattle Shooters.”

  Talia gives me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry. I don’t follow sports.”

  “No worries,” Josie says with a laugh. “I don’t really either.”

  “Mommy, I want to go sledding,” Madison says.

  “We will. Right after we finish eating.” She smooths her daughter’s hair from her face, and I don’t miss the way Josie is looking on with longing. Children were once a part of her future, and it’s clear she still wants them.

  “What’s been your favorite part about the farm so far?” Josie asks, and Madison cradles her arms and rocks them like she’s holding a baby.

  “I love the little lamb. Mommy, can we take that lamb home?”

  Talia rolls her eyes and laughs as she gives her daughter a hug, and I almost hear a wistful sound rise up in Josie’s throat. “We’d have a whole farm if it was up to her.”

  “I can’t wait to see and hold the baby lamb,” Josie says.

  “I’ll show you how to do it,” Madison says, a very serious expression on her face. “You have to be very careful. They’re just babies, you know.”

  I bite back a laugh as the little girl jumps from five to fifteen right before my eyes. Or maybe that’s normal. I’ve only ever been around my teammate’s kids and not for long periods of time. I really don’t know the first thing about being a parent. But it doesn’t look so bad.
r />   Josie grins. “I would love it if you showed me.”

  “Then we can race down the hill on our toboggans. Right, Mommy?”

  Talia’s expression turns apologetic again. “I’m sorry, you don’t have to—”

  “Oh no. I want to,” Josie interrupts, as she leans into me, nudging me with her body. “Brody here might look like he’s an adult, but he’s really just a twelve-year-old boy at heart.”

  “Hey, I resemble that comment,” I tease, and throw my arm around her. Her warmth wraps around me and squeezes tight, and laughter bubbles up inside me. My God, I love being with her. She’s so fun, so easy.

  Everyone laughs and Talia says, “If you’re sure. I don’t want to intrude upon your day. It’s just that Madison here has never met a stranger.” Her gaze goes back and forth between the two of us. “Do you two have kids?”

  Josie opens her mouth but I pipe up. “Not yet.” I pull Josie closer, and kiss her cheek. “But I’m always willing to work on it.” I love the pink flush on Josie’s cheeks and suspect I’ll pay for that later. I’m looking forward to it.

  Talia smiles at us. “You two are a very cute couple, and your kids will be gorgeous.”

  “Can we talk about hockey now?” Brad asks.

  We all laugh and Talia nudges her husband. “Don’t be rude. I’m sure Brody has better things to talk about.”

  “It’s fine. I could talk hockey all day.”

  “Fine, you two talk hockey,” Josie says. “I want to hear more about these farm animals. Can you tell me more, Madison?”

  “Oh yes.”

  I laugh at Madison as she goes back into teenage mode. As the girls talk, Brad and I go over a few of the stellar plays made so far this season, and before we know it, we’re all done eating and headed to the petting zoo.

  We spend the next few hours petting the animals, racing our new friends down the hill, and taking a short snow mobile ride along the trails. By the time we’re done, we’re both exhausted. We say goodbye to our friends as Brad scoops up a very sleepy Madison, and we collect Miss Mabel, who has been playing in the snow.

  We drag our feet as we head back to the car and once we’re buckled in, Josie exhales and her head turns my way. “Thank you, Brody. I’ve had the best day ever.”

  “It’s not over yet.”

  She stifles a yawn. “No?”

  “There’s this payment we need to talk about.”

  She chuckles. “Right, how could I forget about that.”

  “You’re tired, so I’m going to make it easy on you.”

  “Really?”

  “You can just lay there. I’ll do all the work.”

  “That is awfully sweet of you.”

  “What can I say, I’m a damn good boyfriend.”

  “I am so lucky.”

  “Nah, I’m the lucky one,” I tell her, and mean it from the bottom of my heart. The problem is, though, I want to be more than just her boyfriend.

  I just have to figure out how to convince her she wants that, too.

  12

  Josie

  Two days until Christmas Eve:

  * * *

  “It’s a gorgeous day,” I say as I step back into my loft after taking Mabel for an early morning walk. Last night Brody said he’d take her out and let me sleep in, but he was sleeping so peacefully I didn’t have the heart to wake him, plus he’s been doing so many things for us, it’s only fair I take my own dog out for a walk. She’s my responsibility, not his, and when he leaves, it will be back to just the two of us.

  As soon as I realize Brody isn’t in the kitchen, I wince, hoping I hadn’t woken him. I figured he’d be up by now but no, the place is silent so he must still be sleeping. I unleash Mabel and press my finger to my lips, suggesting she be quiet, not that she can understand. Brody is the dog whisperer, not me. That brings a smile to my face but it falls fast. Mabel is going to miss him when he leaves.

  I’m going to miss him when he leaves.

  Damn. Damn. Damn.

  I put on a pot of coffee, and ignore the sinking sensation in my gut. As it percolates, Brody’s voice trickles down the hallway and reaches my ears. Is Brody talking to someone? I quietly walk down the hall and my foot hits the door, opening it an inch.

  Brody’s head lifts and pales as he glances at me. My gaze drops to take in my open tablet, balanced on his lap. He quickly shuts it.

  “I didn’t realize you were back.” He rakes his fingers through his mess of hair, combing it in place. “You were so quiet.”

  I glance at my tablet as he slides it to the side like he’s trying to hide it from me. “I thought you were still sleeping.”

  He stretches, and my gaze goes to his T-shirt as it pulls snug over his shoulders. “I just woke up. Checking…uh, the weather.”

  I’ve not known him long, but in the few days we’ve spent together, I never once got the sense that he was lying about something. Until now. “Why didn’t you use your phone?” It’s strange that he’d grab my tablet and not his phone, a device he’s not only familiar with but was sitting right next to him. He had to get up to get my tablet from my dresser.

  “I couldn’t find it.” He scratches his head and glances around.

  “It’s right there, on the nightstand.”

  He laughs, but it’s a bit forced and shaky. “I guess I must still be half asleep. Saw your tablet and just grabbed it.”

  “What’s it calling for?”

  “What?” he asks quickly.

  “You were checking the weather. What’s today’s forecast?”

  “Oh.” He shoots a glance at the window. “Nice and sunny.”

  I cross my arms and gaze at him. Why is he acting so cagey? “It’s gorgeous out. Cold, but the sun is shining.”

  He pushes to his feet. “A nice day to do deliveries.”

  I shake my head. “You don’t have to. Our driver is back today. Thank goodness.”

  His eyes light, clearly happy about that. Was yesterday a hardship? Did he not want to do deliveries? That can’t be right. He pushed to help and he was so excited about finding the farmacy. But maybe he’s tired of playing house. Maybe he’s pushing away a bit because our time is almost finished here.

  “Did you have plans?” I ask.

  He nods quickly, steps toward me and drops a kiss onto my forehead. “Yeah, I…well, Declan. We should probably hang out today.”

  “You absolutely should.” Maybe he really was checking the weather and I feel bad that I’ve been monopolizing all his time when he came here to enjoy the holidays with his friend. “Are you thinking of hitting the slopes? It’s a beautiful day for it.”

  “Yeah, that’s a good idea.”

  My gaze goes to my tablet again, and as much as I want to open it, check it, I also don’t want to. I don’t want to think he’s being deceitful. What could he possibly be trying to hide from me? Heck, if he was hooking up with another girl, he sure as hell wouldn’t be doing it on my tablet. I have to be making more out of this than it really is, and I can’t forget that he’s leaving here shortly. I should just enjoy this time while I can and not read anymore into his strange behavior.

  “I should get going.”

  I gesture with a nod. “I need to get to work too. Coffee is on.”

  “How late do you think you’ll have to work tonight?”

  “I think most people have already picked up their candy for the holidays. I don’t think it’s going to be a late night at all.” I turn, head to the kitchen and he follows me. Mabel finishes eating and he drops to his knees to pet her. “I’d better go,” I say finding it hard to tear my gaze away from Brody as he pets Mabel, and wishing his hands were on me instead. It’s crazy to think I’m jealous of my dog.

  “Okay, see you later,” he says and I note the way he’s not looking up at me. I honestly have no idea why he’s acting so strange.

  I leave him with Mabel and head down to the shop, and as soon as I flip the sign and unlock the door, in walks Patrick with a fres
h new haircut.

  “Hey Patrick,” I say. “I love the new haircut.”

  A sheepish look comes over his face. “My barber was out sick and I was desperate so I went to Chatters.”

  “I know lots of men that go to the hairdressers for a cut. Nothing wrong with that.” I grab my apron and tie it around my waist, and glance past Patrick’s shoulder to see Brody’s car drive down the street. He sure is in a hurry to get to the slopes or wherever it is he’s going.

  Patrick walks up to the display window and picks out a few chocolates for his lunch break. “Is Brody enjoying Holiday Peak?” he asks.

  “He sure is. We’ve been having a lot of fun.” Honestly, last night at the Farmacy was so much fun. I do love his childlike enthusiasm and zest for life.

  He nods. “You two make a nice couple.”

  “Thank you.”

  He looks away, a frown on his face, and I suspect he has something on his mind. Kayley comes in, and we both greet her. She goes to the back room to grab her apron and take the chocolate from the fridge.

  “How are your holiday’s going, Patrick?” I ask.

  He shoves his hands into his pockets. “Good. Good.” He nods, slowly walks around the store, takes a breath and in his most casual voice says, “Nikki cut my hair.”

  “She did a great job,” I say.

  “Yeah, she is,” he agrees, and I don’t miss the quirk in the corners of his lips. “I mean, yes she did a great job. Um…do you know if she and Declan are a couple. I know they’re friends, but I was wondering if they were more than that.”

  “All I really know is that they’re friends from childhood. Other than that…” I let my words fall off.

  “Right, right,” he says brushing it off. “Just curious.”

  Holy crap, Patrick likes Nikki. I honestly don’t know what the deal is with her and Declan, but if Declan really likes her, he’d better let her know. Patrick is one of the good ones, and he lives in this town. He’s also not known as the heartbreaker. He might be a bit shy, a little awkward around women, but I think any woman would be lucky to have him. It’s not my business and I don’t like gossip, but maybe I should say something to Brody.