Page 26 of When It Burns

Damn it. So this is the guy I talked shit about. Great. This shouldn’t be awkward.

Left with no other option, I stick my hand out and shake his. “Theo Johnson,” I mumble under my breath, preparing for him to have some words for the way I talked about him last week.

Instead, the old man’s face breaks into a wide grin. “Huey Smith. Well, son, I gotta say, you know how to make an impression in this town don’t ya,” he says, letting out a loud laugh.

I blink at him, unsure of what to say until he pats the seat beside him and says, “Come on and have a seat. I know this town can be a bunch of assholes when they want to be, but we’re good. I’m not saying you couldn’t have maybe handled the school situation a little more discreetly, and yeah you were an asshole. But I can also admit you weren’t wrong. There’s a reason I decided to retire. I knew I was getting too complacent. So, what do you say we have a beer and put all this shit behind us.”

Across the table, Brian is fighting a smile, so I glare at him before sitting down and nodding at Huey. The waitress comes over, and I order a beer while trying to ignore the fact that half of Springside is staring at our table.

“So, Theo, Brian told me you bought the old Wilkerson property. That’s a whole lot of land. Are you planning on purchasing any livestock or do you have other plans for the property?” Huey asks me before taking a long swig of his Busch Light.

Brain lets out a laugh before adding?, “Yeah I was curious about that too. Mrs. Sally was telling everyone in town yesterday that you bought the land to build a mega mall because you want to destroy the town's economy. I swear that woman has watched one too many Hallmark Christmas specials. Any business ventures I should know about?”

Huey lets out a gruff bark of laughter that once again attracts the eyes of everyone in Maracas. “That damn woman is always so full of shit.”

I blow out a breath before mumbling, “Great. Damn it. That woman completely hates me. But no, the mega mall rumors are definitely not true. I am really considering getting some animals of my own though.”

Brian responds quickly, “Oh yeah? I heard you were a master in the art of pig capturing.”

I glare at him in confusion before it clicks what he could possibly be talking about. “How the fuck do you know about that?” I ask, shaking my head.

Brian lets out a laugh and says, “Apparently your sister was talking to someone on the phone at the Piggly Wiggly today. She told them the story while standing in the produce section, and Mrs. Sarah Beth overheard. She sent it out to the STS so it’s common knowledge now. Pretty sure the subject was ‘Asshole Fire Chief Tries to Trample Beloved Pet Pig.’”

I blink at him. “The hell is the STS?” I ask incredulously.

Huey and Brian break into yet another round of laughter at my expense before Huey explains, “Damn kid. You have a lot to learn about this town. STS stands for Small Talk of Springside. It’s an email chain that a bunch of the old ladies in town swear by. It started as a Sunday school class prayer chain and eventually, the gossip overtook the prayer requests. Now anytime one of the ladies hears a piece of small talk, they send it out to the group.”

Brian nods, “Yeah, how do you think so many people heard about the fire drill incident? Apparently, the Wi-Fi all over town moved slower than normal last week because everyone was trying to get in on the drama.”

I shake my head. “This fuckin’ town,” I mumble under my breath. “But anyway, yes I am thinking about getting some animals. I have been looking around online trying to find some cows and horses to start, but I haven’t found anything yet.”

Huey nods his head. “Gotcha. If you’re interested I’ll make some calls for you tomorrow.”

Damn. This man really is as nice as everyone has said. “Thanks, I’d appreciate that,” I respond with a nod.

Huey nods before taking a sip of his whiskey. He returns the glass back to the table and grabs his menu saying, “Alright gentlemen, let’s eat.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CAROLINE

Thursday morning rolls around and by the time I walk into the high school, I am feeling like I should have stayed in bed. I slept through my alarm, and when I went to put on my favorite dress, it wouldn’t zip. Because of my frantic morning, I didn’t have a chance to grab my coffee again, and I am praying I left an energy drink in my classroom refrigerator.

Part of the reason I’d overslept was that I had tossed and turned thinking about Michael returning to school today. I know I need to try to give him a clean slate, but the thought of dealing with another outburst like last week fills me with dread. I send up a silent prayer that today will go smoothly as I unlock my door and set to work making sure everything is ready for the day.

After running quickly through my morning routine, I reach into my classroom refrigerator and pull out a creamsicle flavored energy drink. I pop the tab and take a few sips at my desk trying to prepare myself for the chaos of the day. I hear my phone vibrate in my bag and grab it out, noticing the group chat is off to an early start today.

Hannah: Sending you hugs today, Caroline. If you need backup just holler. You got this!

Margaret: The kid comes back today right?

Hannah: Yep

Margaret: Oh dear. I’m baking cookies. Sending you love, Caroline! Do y’all want to come over for dinner tonight. Theo has plans, and I hate cooking for one!

Hannah: Hell yes!

Me: Thanks guys. It’s gonna be fine! And I’m down for dinner! Just let us know what to bring!

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