Page 48 of Book and Ladder
I forget how gossipy this town can be sometimes. Of course he knows I was at Fork and Fiddle.
“Could it be Daisy after that one-man rescue mission at her shop?” Cody teases.
"Nah. She's still allergic to our boy, Patrick," Greyson aptly observes.
"Could've fooled me the way she was counting his abs today ..." Cody retorts.
He noticed that too? I almost grin, but no way can I let them see how much the idea of her noticing gets to me.
“You guys need to get a life,” I retort.
“Why?” Dustin asks, looking around at the rest of my crew.
“Yeah, why?” Cody echoes.
“How ’boutyouget a life, we’ll get the popcorn,” Greyson says.
Chapter 14
Daisy
Bad news is not wine. It doesn't improve with age.
~ Colin Powell
“Hey, Dad,”I say, my cell wedged between my shoulder and my ear so I can close up shop while I talk.
“Hey, Sweetheart.” My dad’s voice instantly calms my nerves.
“Can you put on your supplier hat?”
“Sure. What’s up, Daisy, owner of the local bookshop?”
“Dad.”
“Right. Right. Yes. Ms. Clark.”
I smile, but then my smile falls. “I owe you for the last delivery. But I want an extension.”
There’s a pause.
“Sweethea … Daisy. You can consider that debt covered by an anonymous patron of the arts and literature.”
“Dad, I’m not calling you to have you cover my businessexpenses. We’re just tight this month …” and last month … and for the foreseeable future.
“I understand. You’re a small business in a small town. If you want an extension, take all the time you need. Anything beyond that, say the word.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you too, Daisy. And this town loves you. And they love Moss and Maple. It will work out. Feast and famine is the life of an entrepreneur.”
“I know.” If I had a dollar for every time I had heard that phrase, I wouldn’t even have to be making this call.
“Chin up.”
“It’s up. I’ve gotta run. Town meeting.”
“Your mom and I won’t be there tonight. Fill me in later.”
