Caroline

Chapter 9

Going on a hunch that Michael enjoyed the same humble comfort foods as she, Caroline made the decision to prepare chicken and dumplings. Having only purchased a couple of chicken breasts the day before, and knowing that dark meat made a tastier broth, she made the trip back down the mountain to the small grocery. The tourists were so thick in town that day, she had to drive around twice before she could park her car. Luckily, she found a spot before she succumbed to the notion that breast meat would do just fine.

Passing the hardware store, she noticed a set of large, sturdy-looking wooden rocking chairs outside. It was as she was standing and admiring them that she caught the reflection of a silver Mercedes driving past the storefront window. Would she ever be able to go a full day without a memory being triggered?

Derek had been so excited the day they'd picked up his custom Mercedes. His patience had nearly been at an end waiting for it, but when the day arrived, he was as full of nervous energy as a child. That had been one of their very good days. He had cleared his schedule for the entire day so that they could enjoy his new toy together. They had driven around the outskirts of the city and into more rural areas, breaking more than a few speeding laws in the process. He had even allowed her a turn behind the wheel, saying that it was only right as she was the reason behind his success. His sweet flattery had melted her heart all over again.

Now, with that heart firmly settled into a deep freeze, she walked away from the hardware store and into the grocery. The sound of Carla's voice greeted her almost immediately. "Hey there, hon! Are you feeling better today?"

Caroline smiled. She knew small town life involved everyone knowing each other's business. She hadn't counted on being included in general conversation quite so soon, but Carla seemed to be genuinely interested in her well-being.

"I'm much better today, thank you."

"Did you run off and forget something yesterday?"

"Just need a little more chicken than I thought,"

"I believe Randy was working on chickens a little while ago. Just ring that bell in the back if you want some some fresh cut up."

Caroline thanked her and walked to the back of the store. Before she could ring the bell, a man emerged from the door beside it, removing a soiled paper apron as he did so.

"Are you Randy?" she asked, stopping him from going any farther.

"Yeah."

"Carla said you had some fresh chicken just cut up."

"Yeah, that's some in the case, there. I'd like to stay and cut you some fresher, but I really need to go. The sitter is gotta be wondering where I'm at by now."

"No, that's fine," Caroline assured him. "You go on. This pack of thighs will be just right."

"Thank you, ma'am," Randy nodded once. "You come by earlier in the day next time, I'll cut you up something special."

"That's very nice of you," she said. She picked up the small wrapped tray of chicken thighs, then walked behind Randy to the front of the store.

"Bye, Randy," Carla called out to him as he walked to the exit. "Give that baby a kiss for me."

"I will" Randy called back before the automatic door closed behind him.

"That's a good daddy, right there, " Carla said, turning to take the chicken pack from Caroline. "This all you need now?"

The temptation was too great not to. "The man you spoke to when I was checking out yesterday, the one who called himself a hermit..."

"Michael?"

"Yeah... turns out we're neighbors. After talking to him a bit... he just doesn't seem like the hermit type to me."

Carla released a snorted laugh. "Naw, they don't make hermits with the charm of that one."

"Then why...?"

"He does keep to himself a good bit, but it's usually on them video games. He hunkers right down with them. One lady got her nose bent outta shape because of it. She called him a hermit, kinda sassy like, and damn if that didn't just tickle him. He's called himself one ever since."

"So he does socialize."

"Not really so much. You'll see him around with one or two other people from time to time. There was one older fella I used to see him going to lunch with, but I haven't seen him around for a while. Kinda got the feeling that was his daddy visiting, but I never asked. None of my business, you know."

"Of course, " Caroline said, with as serious a face as she could muster.

Carla lowered her head slightly and gave Caroline a sly smirk. "This extra chicken wouldn't happen to be for him now, would it?"

She could feel the blush rising, but gave Carla a small smile. "He's coming over for dinner tonight."

Carla's laugh turned into a whoop. "Good luck with that one, girl!"

"I'm just trying to be friendly... a good neighbor, you know," Caroline explained.

Carla's look turned sympathetic. "Well good for you, then. This world could do with more good neighbors." She placed the chicken pack in a plastic bag and handed it to Caroline. "Pay careful mind to what all goes on tonight. I want to hear all about it when you come back in the store."

"You bet. See you later. Oh, and my name is Caroline."

"Yes, honey. I know. Take care driving back up that mountain, now."

Caroline caught herself from stumbling, then gave Carla a hesitant smile before walking out.