It’s up to me to prioritize what’s worth my time and energy.
He ran a comb through his hair, dressed, and returned to the kitchen.
“Fries are gone.” Dane held out an empty bag.
“They’re not.” Rosemary held out a different bag. “There’s plenty. And extra ketchup.”
Because she knew he liked extra ketchup on his fries. Why did she remember that?No, dammit, it doesn’t matter.
“Oh, come on, Rosemary. Just trying to have a little fun here.” Dane sighed and sat back in his chair.
“Rosemary’s looking out for you, Everett.” Gramma Dot patted Rosemary’s hand. “As always.”
Leave it to Gramma Dot to make things real awkward, real fast.
He sat, determined not to get in his head about Rosebud. Not anymore anyway. “So catch me up on the training.” He pulled the burger from the brown paper bag, unwrapped it, and took a big bite.
Tansy and Dane exchanged a look.
He swallowed. “What?” He didn’t miss the way Tansy elbowed Dane in the ribs.
“Nothing.” Tansy smiled. “The training’s going really well so far.”
Dane nodded, his lips pinched and his eyes tight.
“Lots of questions. People interacting.” Tansy glanced at Rosemary.
“Great.” He picked up a fry. “What else? And don’t tell me there’s nothing else, because you two are about as subtle as a flying brick.”
Tansy glared at Dane—who shrugged. “What? I didn’t do anything.”
“Eat something, Everett.” Jenny pushed his burger forward.
He took a bite of his burger. “Go on,” he mumbled around the bite.
“Willadeene.” Dane shrugged. “Being Willadeene.”
Everett nodded and swallowed. “And?” He took another bite.
“Well, first there was the thing with Libby.” Tansy shifted in her chair. “Then you left, and Rosemary followed you out. Then that whole most eligible bachelor thing came up.” She paused. “Did you date Daisy Granger? The reporter who wrote the article?”
“Dates. As in two.” He frowned. “But that was a while back. Nothing serious.” He risked a glance at Rosebud. “Why?”
Rosemary tossed the French fry she’d been nibbling onto the table.
“Is that what that old hag is saying?” Jenny sat back. “That Everett got the good press because they dated?”
“Seriously?” He set his food down and ran his fingers through his hair. “That article was good press? I’d hate to get bad press.”
Dane chuckled.
“That Willadeene Svoboda needs a swift kick in the butt.” Gramma Dot shook her head. “She’s always been a bully. Always. I remember when she was younger, she had her cap set for your father.”
Everett turned. “She did?” This was news to him.
“Yes, sir. She couldn’t stand how smitten he was with Violet. She was madder than a wet hen when they started going steady.” Gramma Dot’s eyes narrowed. “She grew up spoiled, don’t you know. Got everything she ever wanted—until her daddy up and died. After that, things weren’t so easy. I don’t think she’s ever come to terms with not getting whatever she wanted.”
Everett had never thought about why Willadeene was the way Willadeene was. He didn’t spend much time thinking about the woman at all, except doing his best to avoid her. “There’s nothing I can do to stop Willadeene from being Willadeene. No need to get upset over it.”
