Page 18 of Pick Your Spot

The Saloon.

Phail Firewith theI-Phail Towernearby.

And when he turned down a street beside the park, he laughed again.Phail Jail.

“I shouldn’t be surprised by the names, but I am. My buddy has a ridiculous sense of humor, and now I know why. This place is great.”

“It is. And the people are as well. There’s a parking lot near Phail Phoods if you want to park there.”

He was still smiling when he parked his truck where she directed. “Man, I can’t wait to see Troy. Do you mind if we go there first?”

She shrugged. “I can just do my shopping and wait here for you. I don’t want to intrude on your time with your friend.”

He rounded the truck, but of course she didn’t wait for him to open the door for her. This wasn’t a date no matter how much he’d enjoy that.

“You wouldn’t be intruding. I’d like to think we’re friends too. So it’s a meeting of friends. Do you know Troy?”

She shrugged. “I know Troy but I’m not sure if he’ll remember me. I’ve been in his store a few times with Jay to pick up mail and his online orders.”

Again, the sadness showed on her face. “I’m really glad Jay had you for a friend. I know you made his last year more pleasant than it would have been without you.”

Surprise and pleasure lit up her face. Her eyes misted, but she blinked those clear in moments. “Thank you. That means a lot. I miss him.”

Knox reached out and tugged her into a hug. “I can tell, and I’m sorry for your loss.”

She stiffened for a moment but then hugged him back tentatively. “I think that’s my line.”

He squeezed her lightly. “He was your family, too.” Besides, she’d already offered her condolences.

He enjoyed the feeling of her in his arms, but when she started to move, he released her immediately. No way was he being creepy.

He nodded. “Okay, let’s go to Phail General and see if Troy remembers me.”

Thea smiled. “I’m going to guess that won’t be a problem.”

Chapter6

Li'l Orphan Annie

Knox grinned as he opened the door to Phail General. Troy’s voice called from a back room. “I’ll be right with you.”

Knox caught a glimpse of a woman cuddled in someone’s arms. Had to be Troy. “Stop making time with the pretty lady, Epic. You’ve got customers waiting.”

Troy turned to Knox with a huge grin. “Annie? Seriously? What the hell are you doing in Phail?”

Epic tugged the woman’s hand, and they came into the front room. Then Epic let her go and hugged Knox hard. “Man, it’s good to see you. Piper, I’d like you to meet Knox Malssum. We knew each other in the army where he’s fondly known as Annie. Annie, meet my wife, Piper.”

Knox grinned. “Wife? Epic Phail is married? I hope you kept your own last name, Piper. It’s great to meet you.” Then he turned to find Thea huddled near the front door, watching. He could only describe the look in her eyes as hungry, not for food, but for friendship, and belonging.

He waved her over. “This is Thea Zimmer.”

Troy smiled. “Thea and I know each other. She worked with Jay out at the apple farm. I heard he passed and I’m sorry for your loss, Thea.”

Then Epic’s gaze turned back to Knox. “Holy hell, I didn’t make the connection on the surname until now. You’re related to Jay? I’m so sorry for your loss, too. Jay was a good guy.”

Knox nodded. “From everything I hear. Apparently he was my grandfather’s brother. I didn’t know about him until after he passed.”

Troy frowned. “Is that the grandfather who you lived with growing up?”

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