Page 12 of Sawyer
With matching smiles, we start to strategize.
6
Annabelle
As I walk down the street, I wonder what Fridays feel like for people who can spend the weekend doing whatever they please.There are a few people out and about, having finished work for the week and heading into the diner or Whiteman’s Bar for an end-of-week reprieve.Something I never do.It’s straight back to the farm for me, as there are animals to feed, vegetables to pick, and dinner to make before a long night ahead of making soaps.
“Hi there, Annabelle.”Tina pops out of the toy store she owns with her husband as I walk by.The kids and I always stop and look at their window displays, with me feeling guilty I can never really buy them new toys, and them no doubt wishing that I could.
“Hi, Tina.How’s things?”
“You know, same old, same old.How are you doing out on the farm?We haven’t seen you in town lately.”She has a look of concern on her face.I know what she thinks.I know what all the town thinks.The poor young woman who lives so far out of town, all on her own.The single mom who struggles to manage life since her husband's passing.Steve always used to tell me not to gossip, to not tell anyone anything, and I’ve kept to myself for years, following his advice.
“It’s busy.You know how it is…” I trail off, thinking now’s a good time to ask her what’s been on my mind for the last few days.“Um, Tina, have you or Tim seen anything strange around your place lately?”I’ve been anxious and a little on edge after the barn door incident.
“What do you mean?”Her smile slips a bit.“Have you had some trouble?”
“No, no…” I laugh awkwardly, not wanting to worry her.“It’s just, I wondered if you've seen any people around or anything like that?”I never wish ill on anyone, but at this moment, I really hope she says yes.At least then I could stop thinking I’m going crazy, thinking I’m hearing or seeing things.If it’s just kids hanging around, then at least it would put my mind at ease.
“People?Out on our land?No.Why?What’s happened?Have you had a break-in?”
I internally cringe at her questioning, so I laugh again, feeling uneasy.
“Oh, no.But you know, they say to be vigilant.Always new people in town.”I’m grinning stupidly now, acting like I’m the head of the neighborhood watch committee or something.God, Steve was right; I shouldn’t be talking to outsiders.I should keep things to myself.
“Hmmm… I’ll talk to Tim.We’ll keep our eyes open.”She gives me a nod, and I appreciate it.“Have you heard about the new lawyer in town?I saw him this morning as he got to work.Looks very professional…” She raises her eyebrows, like she’s giving me the intel into a man I’ve already met.
“Yes, we’ve met… I’m actually on my way to see him now about Gertie’s Soaps, so I gotta run.”I don’t like the fact that the rumor mill in Whispers is already in overdrive about Sawyer's arrival.Although, I should’ve realized it would be.A new, young, handsome man in town, I can practically see the line of women who’llaccidentallyrun into him.I want no part in that.Sure, he’s attractive, and I’d be a liar if I said that I hadn’t been thinking of him, regardless of how he looked at me and my property like we were contagious.
“Of course.See you around, Annabelle.”
With a smile, I wave goodbye and step away, walking down the street a little farther to the small storefront that is our legal office, feeling Tina’s eyes on my back the entire way.
I push through the doors to the law office and pause.Things already look different than when I was here last.Jerry’s business name has been scraped off the front window, replaced with Silvers Law Firm in a thick all-black font.
“Hey, Annabelle,” Jerry greets me, stepping away from a box he is packing at reception.
“Oh, hi, Jerry.Getting things sorted?”Jerry helped me a lot when Steve died.The legal side of things when a spouse passes was too much for me to really understand by myself.He did it all free of charge too, so I have a soft spot for him.
“A few more boxes, and then I’ll be done.”He sounds a little melancholy, but I know he and his wife are both looking forward to a slower pace of life.
“You’ll be missed.Although I hope to still see you around town?”
“I’ll be helping out the baseball league this year a little more.Might referee a few games.I heard your young fella is playing this season.It’s good to see.”His smile is laced with sympathy that I try to brush off.
“He’s really looking forward to it.”
“Annabelle?”Sawyer comes out from the back, stopping abruptly at seeing me, obviously surprised.As he looks me over, I feel a small flush coloring my cheeks and my breath catches a little.I’d conveniently forgotten exactly how handsome he is.Checking out men is not something I do.For a long time, it was the last thing on my mind.But it’s been over three years now since I’ve been on my own, and when a handsome stranger comes to town, it’s a little hard to ignore.Although, he’s very clearly out of my league.I’m glad that even though it’s been a long day, I look much better than the last time he saw me.My hair is pulled back properly, and with my work clothes on instead of my farming attire, I feel somewhat more put together.
“Hi, Sawyer, I just wanted to drop the paperwork back to you.Save you coming all the way back out to the farm.I know it’s a bit of a drive.”I can’t say I really understood it all, but I did read through most of the papers, albeit close to midnight, my eyes continually closing on me.
“Sure, come on through to my office.”He sweeps his arm open, showcasing the hallway, which has been painted stark white.It’s refreshed, and although I always liked Jerry’s soft blues, this stark white and black branding Sawyer has is nice and contemporary.
“See you on the field soon, Jerry,” I whisper to him as I walk past.
“Hopefully a few home runs for Kevin.”He gives me a wink, and I smile.I’m wishing for that more than anyone.
As I walk into Sawyer’s office, the whole place looks bigger and newer than when I was here last.The blinds have been replaced with something a little more modern.He has a new desk that I’m sure he must polish daily, because it has a high shine to it that my kids would just love to get fingerprints all over.He’s gotten rid of the large dark timber bookcases and books that Jerry had here and instead has a dark-brown Chesterfield sofa and armchair, making a small sitting area.It looks very clean.Very him.
