Part 8 (1/2)

Mitch squinted and coughed as the liquor burned at the top of his throat, making it go down a little smoother.

Tommy slammed the empty bottle in front of Mitch causing him to jump back into reality. There was disapproval written all over Tommy's face.

”Man, you've got to get her out of your mind.” Tommy's eye brows dipped in concern. ”If she weren't dumped, she'd still be there.”

”Fate.” Mitch whispered loud enough for Tommy to hear.

Tommy burst out laughing, swinging his hair to the side. ”Fate? Don't go all sensitive bulls.h.i.+t on me, Mitch.” Tommy filled the peanut bowl to the top and threw some in his mouth. He m.u.f.fled, ”its reality, and Wendy Owens was one hot chick that was willing.”

Willing? Mitch didn't want willing. He wanted Maggie. He had an obligation to this town, and to Hazel Greenlee. Not to Maggie. But had obligation ever overruled the yearning in his heart?

”Wendy broke it off.” Mitch threw back another shot.

He didn't understand why she hadn't told anyone yet. Mitch certainly wasn't the kiss and tell kind of guy, so he left it up to her to tell the community what she wanted to. Truth or not, she'd always been an honorable gal.

”Do you blame her? Look at you.” Tommy shook his head and headed down the bar to get a drink order.

The Thirsty Turtle would definitely be hopping in a couple hours. The hoedown ended at the Turtle with the same rowdy group every year. His group. This year he'd have to watch his step, being mayor.

The crowd was beginning to gather around all the tables and the smell of the roasting pig, set up in the square, was filling the air. His stomach rumbled to life.

”I'll be back.” Mitch dropped some cash on the bar. He had to go out to the waiting public. If he had another drink, the waiting public would see their mayor three sheets to the wind.

People milled about with mason jars filled with Hazel Greenlee's sweet tea. He glanced over at the Greenlee booth and smiled. Hazel didn't disappoint. The line was worth standing there just to get a taste of the delicious concoction. She greeted everyone with a hug and a bit of superst.i.tion tales to add to the sweet flavor. The bangles on her wrist rang over the crowd's laughter as she clapped her hands in amus.e.m.e.nt. Hazel was the only one at the booth. Seeing this gave him a little relief. He wasn't prepared to see Maggie there. Maybe she wouldn't come.

”Hi.” Wendy yelled from the other side.

Mitch nodded. Wendy bounced across the street, her blonde hair bounced with every step. Her ice blue eyes shone with delight as she got closer.

”Well.” Wendy spun around on her heels. ”Have you seen Maggie yet?”

”No, Wendy. Maggie is the last person on my mind right now.” Mitch felt he needed to tell a little white lie to spare anyone's feelings, even though Wendy didn't want him either.

”Mitch,” she said, taking him by the hands. ”Maggie is a once in a lifetime love. Don't let her slip through your fingers. You haven't told her have you?”

”Told her what?” Mitch caught a glimpse of Maggie and Belle walking toward them. He pulled his hands away from Wendy.

”That we aren't engaged.” Wendy stood with her mouth wide open. A little shocked.

”Hey.” Maggie walked up beside them.

Mitch shot Wendy a look.

”You look nice, Maggie.” He made sure his tongue was still in his mouth.

The short white shorts looked amazing along with the red and white checked b.u.t.ton down. The red cowboy boots and scarf topped off a New York look to die for. It only made Mitch want another drink. Need another drink.

He swallowed hard. The only way to get Maggie out of his head was just that-get away.

”Mitch.e.l.l,” Maggie's eyebrows dipped, and laughter sparked in her eyes. ”Have you been drinking whiskey?”

There had been two times Maggie had seen him drink hard liquor and both times was about her.

”Yee haw!” Belle screamed and waved her hat in the air. Wendy followed after.

”Yes. I've had a couple shots.” He tried not to stare, but couldn't take his eyes off her. ”I must say, I didn't realize how much the mayor had to do with this hoedown.”

”Blame it on the hoedown.” A smile curled up one corner of her mouth. ”Wonder what the President drinks.”

He loved bantering back and forth with her. It felt like old times.

”You think you should go out and dance with Wendy?” Maggie gestured toward their group of friends that had already taken over the street, using it as a dance floor. Right in front of the band-of course.

He should tell her, but tonight wasn't the night to bring up anything.

”If you'll excuse me, I need to go grab some of Hazel's sweet tea before it's all gone.” He nodded over to the makes.h.i.+ft line that was now wrapped around the booth.

Chapter 20.

You can kid the world. But not your sister. ~ Charlotte Gray ”This was not a good idea.” Maggie walked over to Belle. ”Did you see Wendy's face? Maybe I should go back home.”

”No, you stay right here.” Belle patted Maggie's leg. ”Let's get some food.”

Many people that Maggie did recognize were already line dancing in front of the stage. The band continued to play old favorites to keep everyone on their feet. The line to the food was getting longer by the minute and they were no closer than they were a minute ago.

Maggie glanced out of the corner of her eye to where Mitch was sitting. The old gang had gathered toward the back of the picnic tables farthest away from the band. Maggie cringed following behind Belle as they made their way over to the table.

Mitch didn't look at her when she sat across from him. She smiled at Wendy, noticing the distance between her and Mitch.

”What's your plan?” Wendy leaned across the table looking at Maggie. ”How long are you in town for?”

She wasn't sure how to answer Wendy, so she did it truthfully. ”I don't have any plans. I have no place to go. Grady owned the apartment I was living in. And Van Meter Law fired me because I didn't make it to a meeting.”

Susie flung her loose curls out of the way. ”Did you say Van Meter?”

Mitch threw a look Susie's way, causing suspicion to swell in Maggie's chest.

”Yes. Have you heard of it?”

Susie paused, wrestling to find the right words. ”I...think Hazel said you worked there...when I asked her how you were doing. Yes. Hazel.”

”I have an idea.” Belle clasped her hands together in delight. ”Why don't we plan a girl's spa day next weekend and Maggie can be the guest of honor.”