Page 67 of Unexpectedly In Love

The farmer’s market is my place of peace, it’s the hum of people and their conversations. The sound of a live bluegrass band echoes through the booths. Glisten fresh tomatoes and herbs all on display. I made my way to Let’s Jam. A cute booth, covered in burlap, twine and yellow sunflowers tied with a satin green bow.

“I was wondering if you and your sister were coming by today.” Ms. Ortnell wiped her hands into her apron. She moves from behind the boxes of stack glass jars and makes her way to her table.

“The purple hair is giving Ms. Ortnell.” I laugh, I love seeing her cheeks flush. Her crinkly old white hands touch the side of her hair. Ms. Ortnell has been best friends with my mom since I was a teenager. She was also my science teacher while I was in high school.

“Thank you, lovey. I’ve been trying to get through to your mother. But she is always so busy.” Ms. Ortnell’s southern accent is like sugar syrup.

“We all have been. Okay, so new hair color and new earrings! Ms. Ortnell!” I snap my fingers crossing her body.

“Well, a girl has to try. I made a new spicy jelly; I’m giving you a jar and one for the brat. Where is she? Where is Kai?” Ms. Ortnell sticks her head from inside the booth. She laughs out hard, slapping her thighs.

I knew then and there Kai and Eryx were right beside me.

“My, my what have we here Anise?” Ms. Ortnell dances around the table to come and stand by my side. Her sharp elbows hit the side of my rib.

“Ms. Ortnell, this is Kai’s father, Eryx.” I can’t even look up at Eryx. I turn to the table, picking up jars of strawberry jelly and key lime pie jam.

“Oh, he is a charmer,” Ms. Ortnell screams, I peer back just in time to see Eryx peck her hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. My wife didn’t tell me she knew a woman as beautiful as yourself,” Eryx teases her.

“OH! OH! WIFE?! ANISE LOVERIDGE, YOU GOT MARRIED!” Ms. Ortnell screams. I am shocked everyone didn’t stop and watch us.

Tucking my hair behind my ear, I go back to her side. “I forgot to tell you. This is my husband, Eryx.”

“She forgot! Congrats to you both.” She palms my face, her eyes glisten with tears. “I am so happy for you. Eryx, you got the best one out of the lot of them.”

I want to tell her please, don’t waste your time on emotions. This is not real. We are not real. Watching Eryx gently bounce Kai in his arms makes me wish it was real.

“Turn around and let me get a proper view of you.” Ms. Ortnell circles her finger around.

Eryx glances my way, and I respond with a shrug. Slowly, he turns in a circle.

“Look at that booty. Let me pack some jams for you.” Ms. Ortnell hurries back to her booth with a grin on her face.

“Sorry about that,” I whisper to Eryx.

“There is nothing to be sorry about,” he replies.

Kai reaches for me, and I take him out of Eryx’s hands. He takes all the bags that I have been holding.

Ms. Ortnell comes back with a bag and a smile. “This is on the house.”

Both Eryx and I instantly say, “No.”

She pushes the bag into Eryx’s hands and taps his fingers. “Listen to an old lady. Forget the world and live. Love your wife…love your husband and live.”

Eryx nods at her like her words affected him. “I will try.”

“Thanks, Ms. Ortnell.” I reach to hug her over the table.

I really want to scream reallyMs. Ortnell, you wanna play Dr. Phil now. And Eryx really? Did he just say, “I will try”? No, he will not.

Kai squeals as she gives his cheek a cute pinch.

“Give me the bags,” Eryx says.

Kai claps my cheeks and kisses my chin.

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