Amongst The Stars

Chapter Five

Then I look at you And the world's alright with me Just one look at you And I know it's gonna be A lovely day - Lovely Day, Bill Withers

I get up from the table Quinn and I shared mere moments ago and make my way to the parking lot. I should have gotten their number before they left. I don't know how I'll be able to focus on anything else when I know they may be fighting with their partner, and I can't check on them. I sigh and hop into my truck. I attempt to push those thoughts out of my head, because I know it's out of my hands. Even if Quinn did have my number, who's to say I would be the one they would come to with their troubles? They love Willa so much that they'd obviously go to her first. Regardless, I don't have time to dissect any of this. I have to head to the farmer's market. Jake hasn't directly asked me to pick anything up for the bar, but I made a list of a few items before I left this morning. I want to take some of the stress off him. He cares so much for everyone around him but will hardly accept it when anyone else sits and fusses over him.

I slowly turn onto the gravel drive leading up to the parking lot of the farmer's market, slamming my truck in park and running through my mental list of items I'll need to hunt for. Lemons, Eggs, Fresh Bread, maybe something crafty. My eyes pan over to the flower booth, and I see none other than Miss Willa in the flesh, off paper. I take in her slightly windswept brown bob and perfectly cool outfit that she had undoubtedly spent a while agonizing over this morning. Good God, Quinn really did capture her perfectly in their sketchbook. Without a second thought, I beeline directly for her. Maybe I can make an excellent first impression with her. Why do I care what Willa thinks? It's not like Quinn will like me more if I'm nice to their friend who doesn't know me.

"Hello, Dear," I clear my throat and step up to speak to her. She gives me a once over before quirking one eyebrow in an annoyed gesture for me to continue. "I just wanted to stop and tell you that you're absolutely breathtaking."

She rolls her eyes, but a small smile overtakes her lips. "Thank you. I'm glad to see there's at least one decent person that comes to the farmer's market."What could she possibly mean by that? Everyone here is lovely.

"Anyway, I gotta scoot. Photos aren't gonna take themselves," she points to the camera she has on a strap around her neck. Oh, Sam would love her.

"Goodbye, miss. Perhaps we'll meet again at a different time."

I turn on my heel and head immediately for Linda's booth. When I get there, Linda's back is turned to me as she rifles through the totes sitting on the table behind her. I pause to admire the little trinkets she has sitting for sale.

"Linda, Darling," I start, chuckling a little bit as she jumps before turning around, "You are underselling yourself. You could charge at least $2 more for these!"

"Joshua," She places a hand to her heart, feigning shock, "you nearly gave an old woman a heart attack. Are you proud of yourself?"

"Very!" I place the hand-sewn pot holder back on the table in front of me. "Haven't seen you at the tavern lately. Is there something I should know?"

"Oh, yes, dear. I've begun seeing a man, and he is taking up all my time." I stare blankly at her, knowing she's lying. We would have been the first to know if she were seeing a new man. She would have brought him in to see if we could scare him off.

"Lin," I start, "Please be serious. I know you better than that." She lets out a small chuckle before shrugging her shoulders.

"Look, I don't know what to tell you. I've had a stroke of inspiration and been busy making new things for the booth." I look down at the table and spot a few new items I've never seen before.