Lassoing Love

His Name is Duke

Chapter 6

I sit on the couch in the front room, reading a book. I've been reading for a few hours now and am almost finished with my book. At this rate, I'll need more books soon.

The door swings open and I almost drop my book. Sarah had said she wouldn't be back until after three. It was only one in the afternoon.

Grits walks in, letting the door slam shut behind her. She laughs a little. "You're a little jumpy, Hun."

I close my book and sit up straight. "I just wasn't expecting anyone for a while, that's all."

"I was over at Betty Sue's place, talking. We got done early today."

I don't really know what to say so I just say, "Okay."

Grits walks with surprising quality over to the other side of the room, towards the living room. "That what you've been doing all day?" She asks. "Reading?"

I nod my head and mutter, "Pretty much."

She looks at me with what seems to be approval. "That's good. Reading's good for the mind. And the soul," she adds.

I agree with her.

"Well I'm going to rest for a while in my room," she announces.

"Okay, I'll be here."

After she leaves, I open my book up and continue reading.

Instantly I get lost in the book again. I am the main character of my book and I dissolve into my new world.

It seems like only ten minutes have passed when I hear a knock on the door. I quickly glance over at the clock and realize an hour and a half has passed. Still, that's not enough time for Sarah to be home. I don't know who else would be at the door.

Living in Chicago has made me weary of opening my door to strangers. You never know when someone is going to try and pull one over you.

Unfortunately, it's a screen door and therefore see-through. Whoever is out there knows I am in here. I have to answer the door.

I have the impulse to run to Grit's room and make her answer the door. But I don't want to disturb her. She said she was going to rest for a while.

With a breath in, I set my book down, get up, and walk over to the door.

His back is turned to me, but I know who it is. He's still wearing the same outfit: jeans and a plaid shirt. The only change is that he is no longer wearing his hat.

I open the door and he turns around to face me. I notice that he has bangs that swoop to the side of his face. Ours eyes meet. I take a quick moment to notice his eyes are puppy dog brown. Then, before I blush, I look away.

"You're still here?" He asks, almost to himself.

I frown at him. "Yes, I'm still here. Why are you back here?"

He smiles. It's one of those smiles that is contagious. I have to bite my lip to keep my mouth from turning into a smile.

"I'm here for Grits."

I'm taken aback. Grits is the last person I would have thought he had come for. An old woman?

I can't help but asking, "Why do you need her?"

"I'm supposed to take her into town. It is Friday after all. She goes shopping for fresh vegetables on Fridays."

"And why would you take her?" I ask. Who is this guy?

"Well," he says. "I'm her neighbor. She's practically my third grandma. Besides, she can't drive and I have a truck."

My eyes roll on impulse. Of course, he has a truck. Just like everyone else in this horrible place.