Tayler laughed. “You talk about hens like they’re people.”
His lips pressed together in a slight grimace. “No, but I think a proper introduction should be made before you stick your hand under her ass to pick up the eggs.”
Eyes wide, Tayler pointed to herself. “Oh, no, my hands won’t be going under anything’s ass. Besides, I don’t have to eat eggs. Pancakes are fine with me.”
He chuckled. “You need an egg for pancakes.”
“Then I’ll have a bagel.”
He shook his head. “No bagels, nor doughnuts, before you ask.”
She brought her palm to her forehead and massaged it for a moment. “Seriously, though, how do I get a good meal without playing farmer Jane? And what about the elderly? Surely to God, you don’t make them ride out on that old rusted truck.”
“They appreciate it the most. But if you want to eat somewhere else, there’s always Donita’s Diner in town.”
“And how do I get there?”
“Take the main road back into town and you’ll see it on your right. The green-and-white sign kind of jumps out at you.”
“Thank you. I think I’ll try it.”
He walked back to the front door. “Suit yourself, but I think you’ll be disappointed.”
“As long as I don’t have to pick the food myself, I’ll enjoy it.”
Rollin went inside and Tayler opened her computer back up. She hadn’t been able to catch Nicole by phone, so she sent her another email. She was going to wring that chick’s neck.
A few minutes later, Rita poked her head out the door and announced that lemonade would be served in the library.
“Rita, you didn’t have to go to any trouble for me.”
“Honey, it’s no trouble at all. Besides, around here folks is dropping by all the time. Come on in and help yourself.”
Tayler went inside for her afternoon treat. First, she ran upstairs and grabbed her book. The minute she opened the door to head back outside with her goods, two children came barreling through the door, screaming as they shot past her.
She spun around and almost dropped her glass.
“I smell cookies, I smell cookies,” they screamed.
Kids. Please don’t tell me they’ve come to stay. She could hear her peace coming to an end.
Juggling her lemonade, cookies and book, she continued out onto the porch to retain her seat.
“You must be Tayler,” a woman who didn’t look a day over twenty asked as she came up the steps.
“How did I give myself away?”
“Rollin said you were the only guest.”
“Oh, that made it easy.”
“Hi, I’m Corra, his sister.” She held out her hand.
Tayler juggled a hand free. “Hold on, let me set some of this down.” She placed everything on the table next to her laptop and shook the woman’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Corra. Do the little ones belong to you?”
“Yes, those are mine. They smelled Rita’s chocolate chip cookies the minute they stepped out of the car. I swear, it’s like they’re cookie bloodhounds.”
Tayler chuckled. “They are good.”
Corra placed a hand on her large hips. “I need cookies like I need a hole in my head, so I’ll take your word for it.”
Tayler returned to her seat.
“Are you enjoying your stay so far?”
“Yes, I am. This is a lovely place.”
Corra walked over and sat in the swing across from Tayler’s rocking chair. “I hope Rollin is being hospitable.”
“He is, and so is Rita. Everyone’s been very nice.”
“Well, that’s good. Rollin said you’re staying for a month, is that right?”
Tayler sipped her lemonade and nodded. “Yes, maybe longer. I’m not sure yet.”
“Wow, where do you work that you can take that much time off? I’ve been at Save-A-Lot for over three years and all I get is a lousy two weeks.”
“I work for MesaCom, a small telecommunications company. I needed to get out of the city, so I took some extra vacation time.”
“Oh, I see. Is that your laptop?” she asked, noticing it on the table next to Tayler.
“Yeah.”
“Are you pretty good with computers?”
“I think so.”
“Great. We’re having a fund-raiser for Roosevelt Elementary trying to put a computer in every classroom. You’d think the board would supply something so vital nowadays, but no, they’re too busy making sure their members get raises.”
“That’s definitely a worthy cause. Every child today should have a computer. If not, they’ll get left behind.”
“Girl, that’s what I’ve been saying. But you know trying to convince some of them board members of that is like trying to talk a turtle into running a marathon. The PTA’s taken it upon ourselves to raise the money. Maybe you can help since you’re going to be here for a month or longer?”
With raised brows, Tayler gave it some thought. “Uh, sure. Let me know what I can do.”
“Great.” Corra jumped up as her children came barreling back out the front door and dashed out into the yard.
“Jamie, Katie, where are you going?” she yelled after them.
“Looking for Uncle Rollin,” one of them called back as they rounded the house.
Corra turned back to Tayler. “Do you have any children?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Think long and hard before you do. They’ll test your nerves.”
Then Corra got up and disappeared inside the house.
Smiling, Tayler put her feet up and opened her book.
* * *
The next morning, bright and early, Tayler heard a light tapping on her bedroom door. “Oh, no,” she whispered and pulled the covers over her head.
“Tayler, honey. I fixed you some breakfast before you go out with Kevin this morning,” Rita said.
Tayler threw the covers back and grabbed her robe. Will these people ever let me sleep in? She flung the robe around her body and tied the sash before throwing the door open.
“Thank you, Rita, but I’m going to skip breakfast and the ride with Kevin this morning. I’ll eat in town later.”
Rita looked taken aback.
“I’m sorry. I told Rollin I wouldn’t be going picking, or whatever, this morning. He should have told you.”
“Yes, he should have. Well, if you change your mind, I’ll wrap a plate up for you and put it in the refrigerator.”
Three hours later, Tayler walked out of her room dressed in a pair of jeans, a new signature T-shirt and her favorite three-inch strappy sandals. Now she was ready for breakfast. She’d be damned if she was going to spend her vacation jumping