Page 15 of Worth the Risk
“Hi, Mary!” I smile and wave.
“Would you look at that…you barely have anything left.”
“I know. I can’t believe it.”
“I can.” She gives me a knowing smile. “You’re so talented, sweetie.” I beam at her.
“Thank you, Mary. It means the most coming from you.”
“Have you had a chance to walk around yet? Rhett’s team is having a hay day at their kissing booth.” She chuckles.
“A kissing booth, huh?” I should be surprised but it’s the most on brand thing Rhett could do. “I haven’t had a chance yet. I need to stop by Uncle Bucks, too. I’m starving and some chili and a beer sounds pretty good.” She steps around my makeshift counter and comes to stand beside me. I give her a puzzled look.
“Well go on then. I can man your booth for a bit. I’ve seen it all.” She winks and me and I give her a hug.
“You know why I love these events so much?”
“Why? And don’t tell me it’s because Sue Anderson gets tipsy at each one and starts spilling the not so secret things her and Bradley get up to.” She shudders and I burst out laughing.
“If I’m being completely honest I don’t hate that, it’s always been really informative, but no. It’s because of you, Mary.” She cocks her head to the side and purses her lips, so I go on. “You took me around at my very first event here in town and gave me this.” I hold up my wrist to show her the bracelet she gave me 17 years ago. “You gave me this and it made me feel so special— like maybe I would be okay eventually. I hadn’t felt like that in months.”
“Oh, sweetheart.” She pulls me back into a hug. “I have loved you as my own daughter all these years and I always will.” My eyes well but I hold back the tears. Mary Holloway has been a pillar in my upbringing.
“I know. I love you, too.”
“Now go have some fun out there!” She shoo’s me. “And if you see Rhett, will you tell him we’re having family lunch tomorrow at 11:30? Will you come?”
“Of course. I would love to.” I’m not sure how I feel about spending so much time with Rhett. I’m also not sure how I’m going to avoid it. His fence is also my fence.
“Good. I’ll be here and can close it down for you. Tom’s around here somewhere and I’ll enlist his help later.”
“You don’t have to do that! I’ll be back?—”
“Please just go be young and carefree for awhile.” She cuts off my protest.
“Alright, I will. But please call if you need anything!” I smile.
“Bye, sweetie!”
“Bye, Mary.” I go straight to my uncle’s booth first, I wasn’t kidding when I said I was starving. He’s waving his hands around in the air, entertaining a group as usual. Uncle Buck has never shied away from the spotlight. A trait I really admire. He’s never nervous in a crowd, he’ll have them laughing and at ease in a matter of moments. Colt’s like that. Me, not so much. I love being aroundmypeople, but new people, lots of new people. Count me out, better yet, don’t count me at all. He spots me as he waves those animated hands again and winks at me. I grin and give a tiny wave before securing my spot in line for chili. He finishes his story and says goodbye to his new friends then motions for me to come over. I shake my head, but my stomach growls, so I find myself making the decision to slip out of line and taking advantage of family benefits.
“Winnie!” I smile at his excitement in seeing me.
“Hey, Uncle Buck. Looks like you’ve been pretty busy over here.” He grins.
“You know me, always in for a good story.” I grin back at him. I feel a hand clamp onto my shoulder and then something wet soaks into my side.
“Baby sister!” Colt greets me loudly and squeezes me until I come off the ground.
“Colt! You’re wet, stop it!” He sets me down but keeps his arm slung over my shoulder.
“I came straight from my last run. Didn’t want to miss family dinner.” He winks. Yes, if there’s one thing my brother has in spades. It’s charm and he comes by it honest. Our dad was the same way. A small pang as the thought makes my stomach twinge, but I smile. He looks so much like him, from what I can remember. Things are getting a little fuzzy in my head. I clear my throat.
“How was the water today?” He looks out towards the mountains and smiles wide.
“Perfect.” I roll my eyes.
“Oh really? Because you say that every time I ask.”
