Weeping Willows

Surprise Disasters

Chapter 9

There was a knocking on Elizabeth's front door that drew her attention away from the awaiting letter. Placing the missive back into the box with the others she went to answer her door. Upon opening it she was surprised to find Jenny, Ryan and a few other people on her front porch. Once they looked at her the bright smiles faltered and morphed into confusion.

"Is this a bad time hon?" Elizabeth looked at Jenny curiously noticing the woman was looking her over as well. It dawned on her then that she was still a complete mess. She rushed to assure her everything was all right and gave the small group the cliff notes version of her afternoon for an explanation. By the time she was done there were chuckles and humorous smiles shared among them causing her to blush in embarrassment. She also realized that there was no hope of making a good second impression on Ryan as this seemed to be it. Today was just not her day to impress but, she sure was making quite the impression even if it wasn't the one she had hoped for. Jenny came up to her side carrying a bowl in her hands. In fact, they all had some kind of food item in hand.

"Ryan pointed out that you may not feel quite comfortable enough to spend a whole day with a bunch of strangers. So, after talking with everyone it was decided that we were going to have a welcome to town slash get to know everyone barbecue." Jenny swept her free hand out to encompass the small group in a ta-da here we are display.

"I don't own a grill."

"No worries we have that covered. BOYS go get it out and start setting up." Elizabeth jumped slightly at the booming voice that expelled from the mouth of the small, petite, and very obviously pregnant woman. Two of the biggest guys in the group jumped to at her command hustling out the door to the back of one of the trucks. She watched in stunned silence as they hauled a beast of a grill out of the bed and lowered it to the ground. The little woman approached Elizabeth in a no-nonsense manner she was beginning to associate with her.

"Don't you worry your dusty head about a thing, we came prepared. Now if you'll show us to the kitchen, we'll get this thing started."

"Oh, yes it's right this way." She led the group into the spacious room rushing to the table to retrieve the small box before something happened to it.

"I'll just go put this away and get cleaned up."

"No worries we have this handled in here." Before she could walk away Ryan moved in her way blocking her exit out of the kitchen.

"Did I hear you correctly earlier?" Elizabeth quirked a brow at him waiting for him to continue but it was Jenny that filled in the blanks.

"Ryan is a curator at the museum the next town over. He also works with the local branch of the historic society. You had him at dusty antiques hon." Ryan half scowled half smiled at the other woman while turning his attention back to her.

"Not just the antiques but that you might need help bringing stuff down. While Dan and Elliot man the grill the rest of us guys could give you a hand." He rubbed the back of his head blushing a little at the offer he made which Elizabeth found quite endearing

"As of right now, all I've managed to get through are some boxes of art supplies I wanted to take a look at and some old clothing. I would appreciate help with at least getting the supplies down." A man came up draping a friendly arm across Ryan's shoulders. Leaning in towards her he smiled widely at her.

"Consider it done. Just lead the way and we'll follow, my names Clayton by the way. I believe you met my little brother Tyson when you first got here."