Page 57 of Allie's Shelter
When she’d worked here as a teenager, she’d felt brisk and efficient, but today felt like she was wading through molasses, taking far too long with each of her tables. Everyone wanted to catch her up on news and ask after her own plans. She went back to the story she’d tried to use with Ross, telling them she was taking a bit of time between projects.
But it was the unexpected ‘thank yous’ that had her hiding in the kitchen, battling back tears. Jeannie found her, dabbing at her eyes before she picked up her next order. “What is it, sugar?”
“Overwhelming,” Allie replied with a sniffle. “I didn’t do anything but make a few suggestions. The hospital here isn’t the only one to get that playground or the game systems for the pediatric wards. Everyone out there is acting like I’m a hero.”
In truth, Allie was well aware that she’d arranged for donations to her hometown to avoid facing the heartache of visiting in person.
Jeannie raised a brow and added a hmph for good measure. “Stay here.” She gathered up steaming plates and bustled out to the dining area.
Allie stayed put, not willing to irritate her, especially since she couldn’t be sure how long Ross would make her wait before allowing her to retreat to Ruth’s house again.
Jeannie returned, handing Allie a tissue and a cup of coffee. “They’re right, you know. You did good things for this place. The whole town is grateful you’ve done well and not forgotten your roots. It’ll be easier all around if you own up to it.”
“But—”
“No ‘buts’, young lady. You get out there and you own it—graciously, of course—just as you were raised. Whatever your motives, the results are beneficial to everyone.”
“That simple, huh?”
Jeannie planted her hands on her hips. “What’s wrong with you that you don’t want to accept a bit of gratitude and the affection that goes along with it?”
Allie rolled her eyes. “Well, when you put it that way.” She knew how to accept appreciation and affection, though she preferred the way Ross delivered the latter. Which was a dangerous line of thought considering the stew of emotions swirling inside her.
“No other way to put it. You haven’t been home in ages, then you come home and promptly run off with the Carpenter boy. Not that we didn’t all see that coming years ago.”
“There were some ugly extenuating circumstances that day.” And there had been some deliciously passionate circumstances since.
The older woman waved that off. “Go on and get out there and pitch in. Do you plan on hanging out here all day?”
“If you don’t mind. I like to be busy. It will be lonely up at Ruth’s house.”
“A bit creepy too, after that extenuating circumstance.” She shook her head in dismay. “A home invasion in Haleswood. Ridiculous. You stay as long as you like. Let them get all the chattiness out today so you’ll be quicker tomorrow,” she finished with a wink.
The home-grown practical perspective made Allie smile for real this time. “Thanks.”
She returned to the dining room, topping off coffee cups and settling in as she answered the gazillion questions ranging from prescription drug prices to her theory on preventing home invasions.
It startled her how much her old neighbors appreciated her community involvement by proxy. So far no one seemed to hold it against her that she hadn’t visited in person for a few years. Not since that dratted ten-year high school reunion.
When Sheriff Cochran, his receptionist, and one of his deputies arrived for lunch at the sidewalk table, she felt her smile wobble as she greeted them.
“Don’t you worry, we’re only here for lunch,” the sheriff said. “You’re on the list of upstanding citizens again. Even if you are still in a bit of a pickle.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You’re looking healthy and happy enough,” Mrs. Jackson, the former school bus driver said. “Looks like your cheek will be perfect again soon.”
Allie smiled, ignoring the twinge in said cheek. “Thank you. Will it be sweet tea for everyone?” Getting the affirmative, Allie handed over menus they didn’t need while she retreated to fill glasses and a pitcher for the table. Neither Mrs. Jackson nor the sheriff tolerated an empty glass.
But iced tea was the least of her worries when she caught Mrs. Jackson looking all around for someone. “Did I hear correctly? That Carpenter boy up and left you here alone? Again?”
“Oh, no, ma’am,” she replied with a smile. “He’ll be back.” She wanted to give Ross a stronger endorsement but the sheriff interrupted.
“He had that business in Columbia remember?”
“That’s right.” Curiosity momentarily satisfied, Mrs. Jackson gave her order and asked for another order to go. “Deputy Morris has the swing shift tonight and he’ll be hungry sooner rather than later. You’d think he’d plan better.”
The two men laughed. “Why should any of us bother to plan when you do it so well?” Cochran leaned toward Allie and said in a stage whisper, “That’s how I hired her away from the bus fleet. I only had to let her see what a mess we were.”