Tuesday Tales: From the Word STRING
[image error]Welcome to another edition of Tuesday Tales. How are things in your world? There’s nothing new in mine. Normally this weekend, the first long weekend of the Canadian summer, hubby and I would’ve gone some place special, and looking forward to watching the grandkids play softball, but not this year. We are sheltering in place, enjoying the yard when the weather allows, missing the hugs, and praying none of our loved ones contracts COVID 19.
As I said last week, my muse is being particularly stubborn, and I haven’t quite finished The Blue Dragon, but I’m getting closer. This week’s word is STRING.
Enjoy.
“As for finding somewhere else to stay, that’s a waste of money. Since I’m going to be helping you sort through all this, I don’t mind staying here until we’re done. There are five bedrooms upstairs. Lots of place for me to sleep, and if anything were to happen—which I’m confident it won’t—I would be right here to help. It’s a much nicer place than my brother’s old apartment with the residual smell of sweat socks, plus, I could get used to your omelets every now and then. You didn’t mind having me underfoot last night, and I’ve grown kind of fond of the orange blob. No strings attached. What do you say? For old time’s sake, will you lean on me? Will you let me help you?”
Sam gasped, momentarily at a loss for words. She opened her mouth, but it took two tries before her brain connected the dots and the words she wanted came out.
“You’re really serious?” She swiped at a stray tear trickling down her cheek. “You would be willing to move in here with me? That’s crazy. You have your own life, your job, friends … I can’t let you do that. Besides, what would people say? As I recall, small towns have the fastest gossip lines in the world.”
“What people? You just said this place was isolated. And as far as gossip goes, I haven’t been back long enough for someone to even bother talking about me. There’ll be talk about Esther and this place, especially if we put it out there that we’re turning it into an inn. But if anyone has a problem with me staying out here, we’ll tell them the truth. I’m a friend helping another friend,” he said, cupping her cheek. “What have you got to lose?”
Oh how she wanted to accept his offer! Let people talk. So what if they made sly innuendos about her and what might be happening at night? She would be leaving soon anyway. But until she did, it would be wonderful to have someone to lean on, someone to assume part of the heavy load she carried if only for a little while.
“Besides, Madam Pessimist, I’m an optimist.” He grinned, his eyes softening. “I don’t believe the neighbors will think anything of it. They’ll see two people working together to honor a wonderful old woman’s memory. And those shards will stay put. In fact, I predict you’ll be up and dancing in no time.”
That’s it. Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.
