Page 66 of Bear's Heart

“You’re very sweet.”

“I’m very proud of you.”Josie suddenly remembered the Sheenan project at Flathead Lake.“Has Whitney Sheenan been in contact with you about the painting they want for their lake cottage?”

“She has, and she’s offered their cottage to Rye and me for a couple of weeks in September so that I can paint and be inspired.”

“That’s a pretty nice offer.”

“I’m looking forward to it.Rye and I haven’t been away since our honeymoon.We could both use a little downtime together.”

“What about Mick?Do you want us to keep him while you’re gone?”

“Oh no.Mick would come with us.I couldn’t leave him behind.He’s been through so much and he’s just beginning to feel secure again.”

Josie checked her smile.“Rye told Bear that Mick has become very attached to you.”

“Mick still loves jumping in the truck and going on job sites with Rye, but once he’s home, he sticks close to my side.I’ve become quite attached to him.”

Josie glanced at her wall clock and saw that is was almost five forty-five.“I’m going to pick up dinner at the diner.Do you want me to get anything for you and Rye?”

“I made enchiladas this morning before work.Rye has already put them in the oven.”

Josie kissed Ansley’s cheek and left the gallery.It had clouded over earlier in the day and the sky was dark and stormy.It rarely rained in summer, but the clouds looked black enough that Josie wouldn’t be surprised if they didn’t get a few drops.

For fifteen minutes, she sat inside the diner waiting for her order to be prepared, while scrolling on her phone and keeping an eye on the weather outside.The wind was blowing and with the heavy clouds hanging low in the sky it looked far later than it was.

As soon as the waitress brought Josie her order, she stepped outside, the wind extra gusty, tangling her hair and blowing it across her face.

She peeled back the tendril clinging to her eye lashes and dashed across the street to her car when another gust of wind nearly ripped the plastic bag out of her hands.She dug through her oversized tote for her car keys but couldn’t find her keys.She hadn’t left them at the gallery, had she?

Josie stepped back to the curb, and bent over to set the dinner bag down, but somehow tripped on the curb edge and went down, hard, sending her purse and dinner flying.She heard the containers pop open and could just imagine the au jus spilling everywhere.

“Dang it, girl, be careful,” a gravel-voiced man boomed, extending a hand and hauling her none to gently to her feet.

Straightening, Josie stiffened, thinking the man’s face and voice were strangely familiar.It took her a split second to place him.Eureka, her hometown.Darren Clark, the car salesman who’d served two terms on the city council.Darren Clark, the man who’d shut her down when she’d gone to city hall asking for donations for the humane society.

“Hello, Mr.Clark,” she said faintly, stunned to see him here in Marietta of all places.

He frowned at her, not yet recognizing her.“Do I know you?”

“We’re both from Eureka.I met you years ago when I was twelve.”Josie crouched back down to scoop up the dripping sandwich and set it more securely in its carboard box.The au jus was gone, having puddled either into the bread, or onto the pavement.

“Did you win some spelling bee or something?”he asked, watching her drop the small cup and lid into the plastic bag, on top of the ruined sandwich.

“No.I asked if you could contribute to a fundraiser, and you said no.”She looked up at him, forcing a smile.“But it was a long time ago.I can’t expect you to remember every little girl that comes asking for help.”

“Wait a minute.I do know you.You’re John’s girl.”

She rose and wiped her damp hand on the back of her jeans.“You do remember.”

“Looks like you’ve ruined your dinner.What was it?”he asked, glancing down into her soggy bag.“French dip?”

“Main Street Diner’s Monday night special.”

“Let me go buy you another sandwich.”

“I’ll make these work.Throw them under the broiler.It’ll be fine.”

“Fresh ones would taste better.Nobody likes a soggy bun.”

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