Until Kelly by Vera Quinn
Chapter Three
Kelly
After my little pep talk this morning with myself and taking a long shower, I decided if nothing else today, I was going into town to grocery shop and get a bite to eat at the little diner. For once in my life, I don’t need to worry about how I spend my money. Okay, I don’t need to count every single penny.
At my first location that I was put, I was able to take some graphic design classes online. Not tooting my own horn, but I am fairly good at it. I’ve never been good at anything, but graphic design comes easy to me. I have started my own business online and that way no one I work with ever sees me, they just see my logo and business name. I carry my client list with me wherever I go. I try to stick to small businesses right now to stay below the radar of anyone, and every time I have had to change my name, I just say I added another designer. It’s worked so far; I just hope it holds up in the future. When this is finally over, I hope I can go back to school and add to my skills.
It doesn’t take me long to get the non-perishables I need at the local store. I smile and I am as friendly as I can be. I even hold a short conversation with the female checker. It wasn’t much, but it was a start. It’s more of a conversation than I have had since I moved to this small town.
Next stop was the local library where I got my first library card. I’m not a big reader, but if I am going to make my own repairs on the house I am living in; I need to do it right. Do-it-yourself section, here I come. Their selection is small, but I find the books I need. I also pick up a book on gardening. It’s never been my thing—growing things to eat or just some pretty flowers for the flower garden out in front of my house. It’s too early to plant now during the winter, but it’s time to plan ahead.
The next stop is the only other store in this small town. They call it a hardware store, but I have noticed they stock a lot of houseware items. I think if I am going to find a small Christmas tree then this is the place to go. I walk in the front door and I see the older man at the cash register eyeing me. I start looking things over on the front display.
“I don’t know you. Are you a stranger in town or are you just in my store to steal stuff because I can tell you, I have a shotgun behind the counter that stops people like that?”
I look at the older man. Is he senile or something? I ask myself; how would Kim handle this situation? Hmm.
“I am a stranger to you. Forgive me, I’ve never introduced myself before. I’m Kelly. I rented Mrs. Lamb’s farmhouse out past the church,” I tell the man calmly.
“I’m Nick Stiles and I own this place. Are you running from something or are you dying? Related to anyone around here?”
I look at the man with a sideways glance.
“Not running from anyone, not dying, and no, I’m not related to anyone around here. Do you always ask a bunch of personal questions when you first meet someone?” I ask the man in a polite tone.
“I like to know who is in my store and in our small town. If you know people, then they aren’t strangers. Next time I won’t ask so many questions. It’s better for me to ask the questions than having the old biddies around here make things up about you. Dear, if they have seen you and don’t know you, they will make up things so they have something to gossip about at their little get-togethers or in church.” Nick turns and walks back behind the cash register and sits in his chair. I follow behind him but lean on the counter.
“You don’t like the older women in our community? It seems like a nice enough place around here,” I ask the man, liking how he gets straight to the point.
“I didn’t say that. They can be harmless if you can ignore their constant talking. You’ll learn that this town is small and like most small towns, everyone knows everyone’s business, which can be a good thing until it isn’t. If you ever try to hide anything, then you can bet your bottom dollar if you tell one person then everyone in this town will know by sundown. There is a young woman that moved her a couple of years ago, Lyric, she’s good people. Haddie over at the bed-and-breakfast is another good one.” Nick is talkative, but his tone tells me that if I cross a line with him that he might clam up real fast.
“What type of person are you, Nick Stiles?” Nick thinks about it for a few minutes.
“The type of person that can be your friend as long as you are honest with me. If you lie to me, well, I don’t like liars. I mind my own business as long as you mind yours. I don’t ask a million questions when only a few are important. People tend to abuse the use of words in my book. Say what needs saying and then listen. You’ll learn a lot more by listening. People’s actions speak louder than words. I’ve almost used my limit today so if I can help with anything, let me know.” I know our conversation is over because Nick picks up his newspaper and starts reading it.
I now know Nick is a man of few words. He thinks the church ladies talk too much, and he likes Lyric and Haddie. I also know not to tell anyone in this town my secrets. I obtained a lot of information in one place. I look around the store and find a little tabletop Christmas tree and a few decorations for it. I also pick up a few supplies for cleaning and a newspaper. Nick rings my items up and bags them for me without a word. I start to leave the store but turn back around and look at Nick.
“Have a merry Christmas, Nick. We aren’t strangers anymore, so I will be back to see you.” I open the door and walk out into the frigid day, feeling a little lighter from just having a small conversation with Nick. Human interaction is what I need.
One more stop before I make my way home and call today a success—a quick meal at the diner.