Page 22 of Tangled Emotions

“Junior.” He nodded at Paul. “You know the drill.”

“On it, dad.” He smiled. “Frank, your drinks are on the house here.”

“I appreciate that.” I took another drink, noticing Ronnie was still staring me down. “Wisconsin.”

“Where are you staying? At the inn? The Plaza?” She sat back down and flashed me a smile.

“With Miss Cora.”

Ronnie leaned in. “Be careful. The old ladies in this town have a penchant for trying to match make.”

“You don’t say.” I felt my lip quirk up. “What was with the awkward silence after I said I was a Marine?”

“Someone in town was notified that their son died in the line of duty not too long ago. And it just really hits us that there’s a chance when you sign up and serve you might not come home.” Ronnie played with the condensation that collected on the bar.“That’s why the Tuffins’ decided that all servicemen drink free. It’s the least they can do to give back.”

“I think that’s a swell gesture.” I ran my hand over my beard. “Romeo and I lost a couple of brothers. It’s never easy.”

“No. I can’t imagine it would be.” She wiped a tear away. “I lost my parents, and that sucked. But to lose someone who understands a very special side of you? That must be hell.”

As I sat back on the stool, I looked around. The bar was decorated honoring the people of Port Stella. School achievements, military, even 4-H. Things like that speak of the area. They tell a story and you see the pride the people have in their home.

The female bartender snapped at Daniel some more and he took it. I stroked my beard, playing scenarios in my head, and knew there’s more to that story that’s not being said.

I took one last drink and then moved from the bar. “Thanks for the beer.”

They all spoke at once, saying goodbye as I made my way back to my bike. Time to see more of this place.

As I rode through Port Stella, I saw a lot of families and a lot of pride in their city. Neatly groomed lawns, decent sized elementary school, and a Main street filled with mom-and-pop shops.

Not a bad place to call home, which I might do after I finish my vacation.

I served Uncle Sam for twenty years and squirreled away every penny I could. My original plan was to go in, go to college, and get out. But life had other plans for me.

Following the GPS, I made my way back to Miss Cora’s and noted the other homes around her. In this cul-de-sac there were three ranch-style houses. They all had flower boxes on the windows and those little solar light spikes lining the sidewalk.

This was a place my parents would’ve loved.

I hit the garage door opener in my pocket and pulled back into the garage. Setting my helmet on the backrest. As I walked over to the door that led inside, I heard voices and saw another woman sitting with Miss Cora.

“Francis!” she exclaimed. “Come join us.”

Pausing inside the doorway, I kicked my boots off, in what appeared to be a laundry room then set them on the mat she had next to the door.

“Sit, sit.” She motioned to the table. “Would you like a beer?”

“Sure.” I smiled and held my hand out to the stranger. “I’m Frank.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Frank.” She shook my hand. “I’m Jean. Cora tells me you’re retired.”

“I am.”

Miss Cora handed me a beer. “Jean’s youngest is in the Army.” She slid a plate of snickerdoodles my way.

“How long has he been enlisted?”

“Twelve years.” She let out a soft sigh.

“Jean, I’m sure he’ll be home soon.” Cora reached out and patted her friend’s hand. “Gary’s gone, there’s no reason to stay away.”