Page 16 of Crazy in Love

Someone had left a newspaper on one of the tables, and while he waited, he sat and skimmed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t arealnewspaper. It was theGreen Valley Falls Gazette, which was essentially an amateurishly thrown-together gossip rag. At least, that’s how it compared to theGlobe.

The journalistic quality hadn’t improved in the last decade. Then again, there wasn’t much to work with. The above fold headline was that school started next week.

He opened the paper and scanned through information about a fundraiser at the hospital and a few articles concerning the upcoming Fall Festival. The “crime” section was an interview with the sheriff regarding recent vandalism. It screamed small-town. He chuckled at the cliché.

“Gimpy!” the barista at the end of the counter yelled. Nick looked around. When no one moved to take the order, she tried again. “Americano?”

It didn’t take him long to puzzle out thathemust be gimpy. Using his cane, he hobbled over to the counter. “I guess that’s me,” he said dryly. He shot Hope a glance, and she winked at him.

He wanted to stay and rest for a minute but felt like everyone was staring at him. And to be fair, they probably were. Local-boy-comes-home-broken would be in the gossip grapevine until something new came along.

Desperate to escape the prying eyes, he took the cup and headed for the door. But managing the coffee and the cane turned into more of a struggle than he anticipated. He’d quitwearing the sling, but to avoid chest pain, kept his arm voluntarily pinned to his side. And since he needed his “good” arm to use the cane, that left him holding the hot coffee awkwardly close to his body.

On his way out, he ran into an old friend.

“Long time no see, Walker,” Max Hargrove said. They had been pretty good friends in high school, but lost touch after Nick left. “Heard you were back in town.”

“Just for a while,” Nick said. “How’s it going? You still running the show at The Three Bears Inn?”

“Yep. Actually, I bought out Mr. Frey and own it now. Planning some renovations soon.”

“Nice. And this little one?” The toddler in Max’s arms started to squirm, clearly bored with the jaunt down memory lane.

“My pride and joy,” Max said. “This is Lilly. How old are you, sweetie?”

The girl produced a pudgy little fist and showed him two fingers. She used her other hand to hold down a third that kept trying to pop up.

“She’s a cutie,” Nick said.

“Daddy, I want a cookie.”

“Well, duty calls,” Max said. “Great to see you, man. Maybe we can grab a beer sometime and catch up.”

“Sounds good,” Nick said.

In the few minutes they chatted, his leg began to really ache. And, like an idiot, he’d left his pain meds at Tess’s, thinking he’d be fine for a quick walk. Having just said goodbye to Max, it would be awkward to sit back down here, but he knew his limitations and needed a rest.

Tess’s store—The Outdoor Outpost—was close. He could catch his breath there. Between the cane, the coffee, and the “pull” sign, he wore himself out just opening the stupid door. Who knew doors could be so vexing? As he fought his way through, he noticed a poster advertising an upcoming Weekend Warrior camp out.

“Hey, you made it to town,” Tess greeted. “Good job. How’s the leg?”

“I walked a couple of blocks,” he said. “Let’s not make a big deal over it.”

“Progress is progress. You look like you’re in pain. Did you take medicine this morning?”

“Don’t make me sorry I came in here,” he grumbled.

“Whatever,” she said. “I’m kind of busy. You just stopping in to say hi?”

He shrugged. “I thought maybe I could sit somewhere for a second?”

“Iknewit.” She rolled her eyes. “Heaven forbid you admit weakness. Why didn’t you just stay at the Rise and Grind?”

“Too many eyeballs. I don’t like everyone watching me.”

“Ah, yes. I’m sure you’re big news.” She held up a finger to a man who’d waved for her attention. “There are some camp chairs set up in the back by the tents, but that might be hard to get in and out of. Can you make it to the park?”

“It’s across the street,” he said. “I think I can manage. Actually, that’s a good idea.” A sturdy bench would be better for his leg and lack of mobility.

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