Page 22 of Legends: Easton
Bailee wondered several things at one time. Just who was Jim? How long had Easton been here that Darby Anne already knew how he’d spent his day? And why was she feeling jealous of Gran for knowing something about Easton that she didn’t?
“Yes, ma’am, as much as I can with someone like him.” Easton smirked, and Darby Anne chuckled.
“He is a bit much to take, isn’t he? He won’t admit it, but he looks forward to your visits.”
Easton nodded. “I’m used to his moods. Gish’s default setting is grumpiness, and Jim is not much different. It’s fun to kill him with kindness when he’s trying his best to push my buttons.”
Bailee’s confusion must have shown on her face because Easton and Darby Anne shared a knowing smile before Easton explained.
“Jim Murphy lives in the big brick house at the end of the street. No one knows how old he actually is, but he has to be in his eighties or nineties. His wife died when she was in her forties, and he never remarried. He doesn’t get around very well, but his mind is sharp. He refuses to downsize or move to a retirement community even if he’s not physically able to handle the upkeep.”
“He’s also too stubborn to ask for help or spend a dime to have someone do the work for him,” Darby Anne interjected.
“So when I started mowing his neighbor’s yard, I included his too without asking. Then his neighbor sold the house to a family of four, but I kept on mowing his lawn. Then I repaired a loose board on his front steps. Now, he just complains about something that needs doing, and I take care of it for him. He threatens to have me arrested for trespassing, and I threaten to have Darby Anne box his ears. It’s the very definition of a love-hate relationship.”
He and Darby Anne chuckled, and Bailee smiled at the image his story evoked.
“And Gish is your guardian?” Bailee remembered the reference from earlier conversations when Easton helped her with Gran’s list of projects.
“He prefers to be called our mentor.”
Darby Anne shook her head. “Never mind everyone in town considers him like a father to you boys. When he first came to town, he kept to himself a lot. No one really knew what to make of him at first, but he did a good thing, offering you boys a place to live where you could feel safe. And you boys grew up to be fine young men. And just look at Jackson. He’s turned into a wonderful husband and father. I hope you boys know how much everyone in town is proud of you.”
Bailee marveled at the blush creeping up Easton’s neck and staining his cheeks. Darby Anne noticed too. She patted his arm and deftly changed the subject to less personal topics. The dinner conversation flowed effortlessly, and Bailee realized just how much she enjoyed having Easton join them. His sense of humor kept her laughing, and he showed great respect for Gran. Bailee could see why he was a favorite among the older residents in the neighborhood.
When the meal ended, they all joined in the cleanup until Roxy stood impatiently by the door, watching Bailee with soulful eyes.
“I’ll be right back. I need to let Roxy do her business and run off some energy, so she’ll settle down for the evening.”
Bailee didn’t wait for a reply before slipping out of the back door. Fortunately, the humidity wasn’t as palpable, making the temperature bearable. A slight breeze stirred her hair until it brushed against her face.
She watched Roxy sniff various spots in the backyard until she found just the right one to do her business. When she was finished, she brought a stick to drop at Bailee’s feet. Baileetossed it and waited for her dog to speed after the piece of wood hurtling through the air.
“Nice throw.”
Bailee started and whirled around to see Easton standing behind her. How had he stepped outside without her knowing?
“Thanks. I’ve had a lot of practice since Roxy came in my life. Fetch is her favorite game.”
“She’s a good dog. She’s lucky you decided to take her in.”
Bailee turned to see Roxy storming their way. The beast stopped abruptly in front of her, dropping the drool-covered stick. She smiled.
“I think I may be the lucky one.”
Before she could reach for the stick, Easton scooped it up and tossed it to the edge of the yard. Roxy happily tore after it, her tail waving high in the air.
“Yeah. You’re right. I see that now.”
She glared at Easton who grinned at his own quip. She playfully punched his bicep and tried not to react at the solid muscle she felt through the fabric of his sleeve.
“I’m serious. My life took a turn about the time I found Roxy. She needed someone to take care of her. I needed someone to help me forget.”
“Is that why you’re staying with Darby Anne for a while? To forget?”
Bailee shrugged. “Something like that.”
“What happened?”
