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“So, he’s officially in kindergarten.” Dr. Connor looked at me. “How’s that been going?”
“Good,” I said.
“I like my teacher, Ms. Rudder.”
“Ah, Nicole.” Dr. Connor nodded. “She’s nice.”
To you,I thought unhelpfully.
Dr. Connor looked at me, expecting me to say something more, but I didn’t have anything. I wondered if he tried to build a rapport with everyone. But we all knew it wouldn’t work on me.
“Just know that a lot of kids who start school get a lot of illnesses. Feel free to call me if you have any concerns, especially when the weather cools. I’ll work you in.”
I only nodded.
“I never get sick! I have a strong immune system.”
Dr. Connor laughed. “I bet you do, but we always like to plan for everything.” He added after another pause, “I have nothing else. I hope you enjoy school, Eric.”
He nodded happily and said his goodbyes before we walked out to the truck. I was more than ready to get home.
I had a bad feeling about the day that I couldn’t shake. It followed me all the way back to the farm.
One text from Jackie and I knew why.
Jackie
She came into town today. People know.
I tried to put it out of my mind, but the residents of Strawberry Springs were relentless. A few of them had my number for eggs, and they didn’t take long to send me messages.
Hugh
I hear you have a pretty girl in the house. Must be a first.
Tammy
You better not run her out of here. She’s a sweet girl.
Atticus
Should have asked when I saw you. Can I get some eggs from you? (When you’re over the issue of the woman, that is.)
Each time my phone went off, I became more irritated. I knew it was news, and I knew that these people thought I didn’t know how to talk to women, which was true, and were worried I’d run her off. If only I were so lucky. But I didn’t need to hear about it.
Mollie was at the dining-room table, completely unaware of the chaos she’d started. She was on her laptop, and the last thing I could handle was facing her when I was so angry.
But unfortunately, she didn’t seem keen on leaving me alone.
“Hey!” she said, standing. “You didn’t tell me the town square was so nice.”
“Yeah. Nice.” The front door slammed behind me and the smile quickly slid off her face.
“Who peed in your cereal?”
“Everyone on my phone lecturing me about what you told them.”
“Was I not supposed to say where I live?” she asked.