Page 51 of Missile Tow
Her words caused me to reflect on my interactions with her in the past. She was correct. I liked Mrs. Gardner, but I’d never asked her about her life or offered insight into mine. I’d listened to town gossip. Mostly through Bertie, but not once had I shared a story about John and our relationship, or asked about her family.
“I’m sorry,” I said, glancing outside toward the gas pumps, uncomfortable after realizing how selfish I’d been.
“For what, honey?”
I returned my gaze to her. “For not looking past my own concerns about how you might have seen me and John,” I stated. “We could have been more open.”
“But this is Missile, honey. I understood why you didn’t.”
“You did?” I asked.
“I do not profess to speak for the entirety of Missile, but we all did, Chip,” she confirmed. “You boys didn’t hide your relationship, but you didn’t share it either,” she explained. “But this is Montana, after all. We knew the reason, but people and places are changing now.”
I looked at her. Truly looked directly into her eyes. She was accurate. I’d cared for my neighbors, and I tried to prove it by doing anything I could to help them, but I never shared who I was at heart. Not the real Calvin Winlockthe third,anyway.
“John and I should’ve done better,” I admitted. “But John decided to leave Missile, ma’am. He’s gone now, but I hear you and promise to work harder at sharing.”
Mrs. Gardner stepped closer. “And I am truly sorry for never asking you what happened. Or even taking the time to inquire if you were okay, son,” she said. “I suspected you were hurting, but was afraid to discuss your loss with you.”
“There’s always next time. God willing,” I added, lightly laughing to ease the discomfort of discussing sad news.
“Speaking of that,” she began. She glanced over her shoulder to check behind her. “You absolutely must explore a future with your handsome guest. Young men like Van don’t just fall out of trees.”
“That they don’t,” I agreed. “Especially trees growing in Missile.”
“Now don’t go repeating this to Sadie, but Bertie and I have decided Van is here for you.”
I almost laughed out loud. “Are you talking about those messages Bertie claimed to receive?” I quipped. “Or the fact that she manifested his showing up here unannounced? Not to mention, Mrs. Hatfield has her sights set on me and her grandson James becoming an item.”
Mrs. Gardner chuckled at my humor, but we both knew Mrs. Sadie Hatfield would have a cow if she caught wind that she and Bertie were plotting someone different for my heart.
“You might be right. Bertie may have lost her mind,” she agreed. “But let me say this. Before speaking with Van, I’ll admit I thought messages from the universe and other mumbo-jumbo were a bunch of hooey. Now, I’m not so sure.”
“What changed your mind?”
She locked eyes with me. “Van did. And because Van admits he’s on a journey to discover a husband. He told me so himself,” she explained. “And then some stranger in Seattle tells him to get gas in our little hamlet?” She nodded her head steadily while giving me the once-over. “I might tend to believe a message or two when that sorta stuff happens.”
“Sounds good, ma’am,” I agreed.
She reached across the counter and grabbed my hand, holding it firmly in hers, before leaning closer. “Please don’t be dismissive, young man. You need to doyourpart,” she urged. “A fella like Van is hard to find. And then there’s the…” she paused, waiting for me to confirm I was listening.
“Yes?” I asked.
“Well, I believe he came here looking for you, Chip.”
We studied one another. She wanted confirmation that I hadn’t missed her intent, but I needed validation that she had some sorta proof. Neither got an answer.
“Mrs. Gardner,” Van hollered from down the aisle, closing in on us quickly. “You are looking gorgeous as always. Now tell meall aboutCarol,” he said, reaching for her hand. “I’ve been so worried, yet hopeful for you.”
Mrs. Gardner gave me a satisfied glance. The type of look that asks, ‘Do you need any more proof?’
I watched as they walked away, his hand on her lower back, her head leaning against his shoulder for comfort. He was a marvel to witness.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: Van
My mouth crushed down hard on his lips, my tongue searching for something I felt only he could provide. A low moan escaped his mouth as we dissolved into one another. He adjusted the backs of my knees to the inside of his arms, folding me in half before he plunged his cock deeper into me.
“Ohh, fuck,” I groaned, grinding my hips off the bed and meeting each thrust with one of my own. “You’re hitting that spot.”
