A Life for a Life - Lynda McDaniel (whitelam books TXT) 📗

“I can see why you find this place so beguiling,” Alex said, catching his breath. We’d gone on another hike around Laurel Falls, this time taking a trail that gave us an even better view of the falls. We were both a little out of breath by the time we reached the lookout. Too much store time for me. For Alex, who worked out most days, climbing steep trails used different muscles than his urban hikes on a NordicTrack.

“I love the way nature makes me feel,” I said. “Especially this spring. The rains have brought out so many flowers and smells.”

Alex just nodded; I could tell he didn’t want to disturb the peacefulness with chatter. We stood for a while, drinking in the beauty, until a loose dog, two noisy teenagers, and a couple of alleged parents took over the lookout. Jake didn’t bother the poufy dog and followed us as we hiked farther into the woods.

We walked together in silence, enjoying the birds and the rhythmic sound of our boots on the pine needles. Out of the blue, he said, “I do miss you.”

I waited a beat before saying, “By now, I even miss you.”

“Ouch.”

“And I worry about you,” I said. “How have things been, you know, since the debacle?”

“Not bad, really. I honestly didn’t mean to plagiarize, and I have a new system in place that helps keep that from happening. Anything I type or handwrite from sources gets highlighted in yellow. That way I can’t accidentally lift anything, thinking it’s my own. I’ve still got plenty of naysayers, but I’m building a freelance business, and they trust me.” He paused. “Any chance you’re trusting me again, too?”

“Yep, just like they do—with research and writing.”

Alex planned to stay around a few more days, though I wasn’t sure why—he couldn’t do any research here, for me or his clients. But he hadn’t taken time off in a while, at least not good time off. He’d had plenty of downtime after he was fired, but that was different from a relaxing stay in the mountains.

The next morning, just as the percolator made its last gurgle, I heard a horn honk out front. I thought it was some impatient customer or someone who couldn’t walk and needed help. I looked out the kitchen windows in time to see Abit climbing into Alex’s car, looking like kid on a field trip. I thought Alex was still in the bathroom, but he must have gotten up and out early.

Alex saw me standing in the window and walked over to the bottom of the stairs. I opened the door and stepped on to the landing. “We’re off on a men-only drive!” he said. “Abit wants to see Mystery Hill—he says balls roll uphill there, and now I want to see it, too. We should be back by lunch. I’ll bring a surprise.”

Just before one o’clock, I heard Alex’s car rattling its way home. I couldn’t imagine they hadn’t eaten yet—dinner was usually served next door no later than noon, so Mildred would be furious that Abit was late.

“I thought you’d’ve eaten already,” I said, as they came through the front door. Alex, true to his word, carried several bags and Abit had a couple, as well.

“Ah, you of little faith. We come bearing fine foods from Blowing Rock’s best home-cooking diner.”

“We ate some in the car,” Abit added, “but there’s plenty left. Alex thinks we should all have a picnic. Including Daddy and Mama!” Abit was smiling like a bandit who’d gotten away with the big haul, but I was pretty sure Mildred would be ready to spit—her dinner all for naught.

Turned out, Alex had called her from the road, so she wouldn’t have to cook, for once. Abit went up to get his parents, and they came down the steps together, Vester looking like he was dragging Mildred to the picnic, and Mildred like she was dragging Vester. But we had a surprisingly good time together, sitting around the picnic table next to the store. We all tucked into fried catfish, coleslaw, green beans, hush puppies, and an assortment of home-baked pies. Jake was busy hoovering scraps and bits that weren’t always accidentally dropped. 

I had to hand it to Alex. The ultimate Yankee stranger had started to make inroads with those two, something I hadn’t been able to do in over a year. I knew some of that involved the store purchase and Abit’s devotion, but still, Alex was doing me a favor—life would be a little more civil at Coburn’s Country Store. 

The next morning, Alex mentioned something about Abit asking a favor of him, and he wanted to oblige. They’d be gone most of the morning—though this time he promised to be home in time for Abit’s dinner. They also planned to go out again afterwards.

“Really? Where are you going this time?” I asked. I couldn’t imagine what they were up to.

“This afternoon, Abit wants to show me the route of the Rolling Store. By the way, he gave me a tour inside that bus yesterday afternoon, and I was duly impressed. He and Duane are loading up tomorrow and heading out. I suppose I should do the same.”

I tried not to look disappointed. I just nodded and went back to making our breakfast. Alex showered and dressed, eating quickly before leaving for his road trip with Abit.

When I heard them pull up, just before noon, I stopped sweeping the floor and went to the window. I saw Alex get out of the car, but I didn’t see Abit. Alex had picked up someone else and brought him to the store. I could say goodbye to good times if Mildred caught wind of this.

The door flew open and I heard, “Hi Della. Waddaya think?” Abit twirled like a runway model in his new clothes. No overalls and flannel shirt—khakis and an oxford-cloth sports shirt, instead. “Alex helped me pick these out—I used my own money. Come on, waddaya think?”

My throat felt tight, and I didn’t trust my voice. He looked so grown up, ready for high school or even a job.

“You don’t like ‘em?” Abit said, his face falling.

Alex put a hand on Abit’s shoulder. “She loves them, Abit. Give her a moment to take you in.” 

I bent over to finish my sweeping, and while nudging the last bits into the dustpan, I managed, “Abit, you look wonderful.” By the time I stood up, I could add, “I didn’t recognize you at first. I thought Alex had brought someone else home and your mother would skin us all alive, his leaving you in town.”

“Glad I don’t look the same. This is the new me,” he said, twirling one more time.