Page 12 of Read Me, Baby
“So how was your beach day?” she interjects.
I frown and ask, “My beach day?”
“Yes, I heard you and Hazel met up with the boys.”
I shake my head. “How did you–”
“Honey, it’s Magnolia Point. And I’m me,” she proudly states. “I know everything.”
I grin at her explanation. “It was fun. So, the catalo-”
“I bet Maverick was interjecting every time Jay tried talking to you, wasn’t he? He’s such a tease, always razzing his best friend. He just wants what's best for him.” She sips from her coffee with an eyebrow raised just waiting for me to ask more questions.
“Okay I’ll bite. What do you mean?”
She smiles and sits back, happy to be in the spotlight. “I knew the three of those boys growing up, they were thicker than thieves. They each tried to outdo the other when it came to girls, but Jay always had the upper hand. There's just something about him, you know?”
I smile. I do know. But I won't tell her that.
“Anyway, all three of them are good looking and quite charming but Jay has that extra bit of charisma. He’s a people pleaser and will give you the shirt off his back. But he’s not one to be taken advantage of. Anymore. He has quite the balance about him that commands respect and authority but is also easily adjustable and goes with the flow.”
I listen carefully, taking notes on how highly she speaks of him.
“I think it has to do with all the books he reads.” She leans in closer and whispers, “Romance books.” She waggles her brows and I giggle at her scandalous tone.
“He reads romance?”
“Yup, he was always checking them out as a teenager. I can imagine he’s learned a thing or two from them. How to treat people and better yet, how to treat women. Wes and Maverick know he likes to read. And me, of course. He thought he was getting one over on me, as if the librarian wouldn’t know Joy Porker was a fake name.”
“Joy Porker?” I sputter, choking back a loud laugh.
Mrs. Holly laughs and says, “Don’t you dare keep that laugh to yourself! No one around here will have one thing to say about a beautiful woman having fun.”
She chastises me good-naturedly, and I think about what a difference this place is with my old town. Then she adds, “Anyway, yes, he thought he was hiding. That name is the one part I never told the other boys. I bet they’d tease him relentlessly if they knew.”
“So, why doesn’t anyone know? Seems like it is kind of hard to keep secrets in Magnolia Point.”
“It’s all about who knows. I’m a vault and those three will lie for each other and each swear by it. It’s a beautiful bond they have. I’m just glad Jay got away from that woman, she didn’t deserve him.”
She sips her coffee, looking like that meme about spilling tea, and I wait for her to talk. I know she wants to.
“This town is like one big family. Everyone is an extension of one another, and when you hurt one of us, the rest let you know. The town chased her right out of here, and they’ve made Jay the most eligible bachelor, but I know he’s holding out for the right one, not just anyone.”
I relax at hearing her say he’s a good man. I got the feeling he is, but people always put their best foot forward in a first meeting. It’s once you get to know them that you find out their true self.
“Thanks for the chat, Mrs. Holly,” I say as I stand and gather my bag. “I think I'm going to go to the Library and get my notes in order.“
“Anytime, dear. I’m happy you’re here. I think you’re just what he needs.”
I pause, looking back at her. “What who needs?”
She makes a show of wrapping up the last bite of her donut in the napkin. “Hm?”
“You said I’m just what he needs.”
She looks up at me, waving her hand. “You must have heard wrong. I said what we need. Magnolia Point. Have a great day, Nina!”
She rises from her chair easily and I shake my head at her tricks that captured Maverick earlier.