Page 8 of Hot Chicken

That’s my big brother. I’m sure he waited as long as humanly possible to call me and ask for help. “I’m going to get a quick shower, make sure Mom and Joyce are good, and then head to the site. We can talk more later about trying to keep her safe.”

“Okay, Matt. Talk later.”

Driving to the construction site, I’m a bundle of nerves. I can’t seem to shake the magnitude of what happened. As I cross under an illuminated highway sign that notes roadway construction ahead, I picture the sign instead reading:

Silver Alert. Elderly female with Alzheimer’s missing.

The thought nearly makes me hurl. I’ve got to come up with something. I’ll never live with myself if she disappears again.

It’s then I recall the hardware store I passed the other day. I’ll quickly pop in and grab what I need to put a deadbolt on the front door. I’ll come up with a safer option later. Maybe contact one of the in-home alarm companies to set up something that will trigger when the door opens. It might scare the shit out of her, but at least it will let everyone know if she’s on the move.

As I near the store parking lot, it dawns on me that Salty Jo’s is only a few blocks away. That’s where I was headed when I passed this yesterday. I never did get my cup of coffee this morning. Maybe I’ll stop by for a much-needed java and some vitamin E.

Chapter 10

Matt

Having picked up a few items to provide temporary security for Mom until I can talk to Harry about setting up an alarm system, I go in search of coffee. Okay, I’m in search of Ellie. Let’s just call it like it is.

Pulling into a parking space, I acknowledge I’m both nervous and excited.Jesus. I can’t remember the last time I felt this way about anything.I quickly look in the rearview mirror to ensure I don’t look as anxious as I feel. Good Lord, this morning has given my nerves a workout. And it’s not even eight o’clock. Stepping out of the truck, I wipe my hands on my pants as I make my way to the entrance.Should I walk around, pretend I’m looking for something?I’ve never been in the place in my life, and now I’m here twice in less than twenty-four hours. Like anyone would believe, I was simply looking for something.Just keep your head down and get a cup of coffee, you nimrod.

I barely have both feet in the door when the overhead chime reveals my arrival, and I’m greeted with a robust welcome. “Well, good mornin’. Welcome back, Matt,” Jo announces from his perch behind the counter.

My eyes instantly flick to the counter where Ellie stands with her mouth shaped like an O. So much for keeping my head down. “Good morning, Jo. I was in the area and wanted to see if your coffee was as good as your chicken.” I look back in Ellie’s direction and give her a wink.

She frowns before quickly spinning in the opposite direction and making herself busy.

Well, that went well.

“I doubt the coffee will ever get the rave reviews of Elliot’s chicken. It’s just run-of-the-mill gas station coffee. Nothing special.”

“Ah. Well, I missed my morning cup before heading to work. So my standards are pretty low.” I chuckle nervously.

Jo lowers his paper and leans forward, dropping his voice to almost a whisper. “I have it on good authority, Ellie has some mighty fine chicken biscuits over there.” Jo gives me a wink, similar to the one I shot Ellie, letting me know he’s on to why I’m here.

“Good to know.” Giving him a thankful nod, I head toward the coffee station to make myself a cup before stopping by Ellie’s hot food counter. I need to at least try and make this whole coffee rouse seem real.

After pouring a cup of a dark Columbian blend, I place a to-go top on my cup and head over to where Ellie’s standing. She narrows her eyes, giving me a curious glance, which causes my throat to feel tight. Taking a sip of coffee to hopefully relax my vocal cords, I practically choke on the bitter taste.

A slight snicker escapes Ellie as she watches me, which makes me smile. What is it about this girl?

“Jo said you have a chicken biscuit over here with my name on it.”

“Oh, I do?” She teases. She’s wearing a deep emerald top that brings out the vibrant green in her eyes. There are little flecks of gold in her irises I hadn’t noticed before. But I’ve never been this close to her. While she’s matured, the heart shape of her face remains. And the cinnamon-colored tresses under her hair net have me wanting to pull the tie loose to see how it’d look tumbling down her back. “Is this for you or the crew?”

“Me,” I utter a little more boldly than intended. I hope she thinks this hunger in my eyes is for the biscuit and not her. But fuck it. What’s the point in pretending?

The doorbell chimes, and I instinctively turn to see a tall man with a thick beard walk in.Wait. Does he have ornaments hanging from that thing?

“Mornin’, Milo!” Ellie and Jo greet simultaneously.Must be a regular.

Turning back to her, I watch as the corners of her sweet red lips curl as she grabs a pair of translucent gloves and leans forward to open the food case.

I instinctively bend forward as if she needs me to direct her on exactly which breakfast sandwich I’d like. Yet as I look forward, the soft mounds of her creamy tits nearly spill out of her tantalizing green top. My mouth goes dry, and my dick acts like he just took a hit of that Columbian roast. I rub my hand down my face, trying to get my shit together so I don’t come off as a creepy perv.

“One or two?”

“Yes.”

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