Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72362 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Joyce snorts and carries on knitting. She’s working on a tiny white bootie for an imminent grandchild.
“But as for the gossip, I mean, what if I’m wrong and it was someone else? What if Ava was just sharing with a friend and they were the one who told the town?”
“Oh, it’s definitely Ava’s work.” Martha taps her crochet hook against her chin. “You can set your mind at ease on that score.”
Noor’s mouth is set in a straight, unimpressed line. “That girl.”
“But how does it benefit her?” I ask. “What does it achieve?”
“She’s trying to push you out of the picture,” says Joyce. “Put pressure on you and hope you buckle. A lot of people love the idea of her and Connor staying together in this town, and she knows it.”
Noor stabs the needle through her rude cross-stitch with much zest. It says “live, laugh, fuck off.” The woman is a whole vibe. She has, however, stuck her needle in the wrong spot. There’s much muttered swearing as she carefully works it back through to undo the damage.
“Little does Ava know you’re not some meek mouse to run at the first sign of competition,” says Martha. A preacher in a pulpit never spoke with such conviction. I am surprised the ground doesn’t shake with her vehemence.
“That’s right,” agrees Noor.
Joyce nods. “Riley will show her!”
I wrinkle my nose in confusion. “You do all remember I’m not actually dating Connor, right?”
The three women exchange glances. Then Noor says, “We might have gotten a little overexcited.”
“This batch of cookies sure has a kick to them. Gosh I’m hungry,” says Joyce. Then she yells through the café door, “We could do with another plate of the buckwheat scones, honey!”
“So that’s why the whole town thinks you two are dating.” Martha sighs. “Ava and Connor have known each other since they were children. They used to be good together. But they outgrew each other a long time ago. That’s the truth of the matter.”
“As you see it,” says Joyce. “Connor could well feel differently. Though him changing his phone number is interesting. I’ll give you that.”
Martha grunts.
Noor is staring into space with a peaceful expression on her face.
“It’s a damn shame you two aren’t dating,” continues Martha. “Maybe he wouldn’t fall straight back into old habits with you-know-who for a change.”
“Yeah. I don’t think so.” I smile in amusement. “When was the last time Ava was home?”
“Christmas.” Martha sighs. “Connor’s been in a bad mood ever since.”
“He has not been himself,” says Noor. “He was always on the quiet side. Now he stomps around with a scowl.”
“That’s true,” agrees Joyce. “He was always such a pleasant, helpful boy. But every time I’ve seen him lately, he’s got his head down and his shoulders up.”
More sighing from Martha.
“I better go.” I rise to my feet. “This has been great, though. Really.”
“We’re here most mornings,” says Joyce. “Come and visit us again, Riley.”
Noor blinks and returns to reality. “Yes. You should. We do mimosas on Fridays.”
“I’d like that,” I say.
“To quote Ava, we’ll see you soon.” Martha does a great evil cackle. The woman has talent.
I give her finger guns in return. No idea why. Then I walk back to my apartment, apply a whole lot of coffee to the situation, and get pulled into my word count.
My cell chimes with an incoming text at around eleven pm. Which is fine, since I often stay up to write. It feels like there’s more room to think and breathe when everyone around you is fast asleep and the world is quiet.
Ava: Grandma okay?
Me: Yeah. Thanks again for your help.
Ava: Was Connor away or what?
Me: Not a clue. Martha got confused and called his old number.
Ava: You’re still sticking with that whole you don’t know him story?
Me: Why are you so convinced I am lying?
Ava: Guess I’m jaded.
Me: What’s so great about him anyway? The whole town seems to think you’re some epic love story. But if that’s so, why do you keep breaking up and getting back together?
Ava: You asked around about me, huh?
Me: I didn’t have to. Word of this alleged love triangle is all over town. Don’t suppose you had anything to do with that?
Ava: Oops. Were you and Connor supposed to be a secret?
Ava: What’s great about him is he’s always had my back. Out of everyone I have ever dated he loved me best. And he still does.
Me: Okay.
Ava: Okay? That’s it?
Ava: You are so strange.
Me: What are you going to do when you get to town and find out I haven’t been lying to you all this time?
Ava: Guess we’ll both see soon enough.
Ooh. Another ominous statement. She needs a healthier hobby. Something less threatening/annoying to those around her.
I hear a knock on my door. My music is playing low, and I haven’t been unduly loud. No stomping or screaming. My neighbors do not have cause to complain. But what else could it be at this time of night?