Page 4 of As They Are (Strawberry Springs #2)

HENRY

Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch

Tammy Jane: Watch out, folks! Raccoons spotted in the trash behind the diner.

Comments:

Kerry Winsor: Omg! We need some pest control!

Jackie Anne: Do we really? They’re kinda cute. Like little trash pandas ...

Hu Gh: I could take care of ’em. You’ll never hear from them again!

Jackie Anne: NO.

The sun streamed through my curtains, waking me up before my alarm could go off. I blinked awake and slowly got up, heading to the bathroom to start my morning routine.

My messy hair and the shadow of a beard caught my attention in the mirror. I yawned and shook myself awake before styling my hair in its usual pushed-back position and shaving.

Doctor Henry stared back at me when I was done, and I felt far more prepared for the day.

The next step in my routine was to put on my dress shirt and slacks as well as a sweater, just in case it was cold in the clinic. Then I watered all of my plants, made a smoothie, and walked out the door.

It was a comfortable morning in Strawberry Springs, though the sun promised heat later in the day. I might regret walking when I left work this afternoon, but for now, I wanted to be outside to make sure my mood was good for the long day ahead.

I passed by Jade, who was out walking with earbuds in, and gave her a polite wave. Then I saw Hugh hobbling into Center Point Diner for breakfast. And I ran across Jackie, who was getting the salon ready for opening.

This was the kind of life I could deal with. It was quiet and peaceful, and everyone here knew me as the friendly doctor. And I was the friendly doctor. It was easy enough to be the best version of myself here.

I entered the clinic and was about to prep the water and coffee for the waiting room until I realized I was completely out.

I usually bought in bulk to keep my purchases to a minimum, making this situation so rare that the unexpected deviation from my routine—especially after seeing Mom yesterday—hit me harder than usual.

It shouldn’t have been a big deal, but it felt like it.

After taping a note to the door, I walked to Dale’s.

He was at the register talking with Marjorie as he scanned things for her.

“How mad was Henrietta this time?” he asked.

Marjorie huffed out a laugh as I grabbed the largest bag of a generic coffee brand.

Marjorie loved annoying people in the local Facebook group, but it also drove her wife, Henrietta, up the wall.

She was always apologizing for Marjorie’s comments; though if I were being honest, Marjorie was far less annoying than Hugh, who constantly put ridiculous things in the group.

But he wasn’t trolling. He was always very serious.

“The usual amount. I know we said we would relax when we retired, but I’m so bored .” She let out a sigh. “At least the Neighborhood Watch is entertaining.”

“You always give me a chuckle. Though, I think Kerry’s one comment away from banning you.”

“I know how to make a new profile. She can’t keep me out for long.”

I joined the line, coffee in hand, right as Marjorie finished. She turned around and her eyes met mine.

“Oh, hey, Doc.”

“Hi,” I replied. “Everything okay?”

“Right as rain,” she said. “Staying active always helps. Just like you told me.”

I nodded. “It’s a good day for a walk.”

“Hen has my phone again.” She let out a sigh. “So, I might as well find something to do.”

“Has reading not been enough?”

She shrugged. “Hard to read and not miss the days when I was surrounded by books.”

“Understandable.”

“This is why I read Facebook and ruin people’s days. Though it might break my marriage.” She sighed. “I’ll figure something out. Thanks, Doc.”

Marjorie walked off, and I turned to Dale, only to see him looking at someone else.

I followed his gaze to strawberry-blonde hair pulled together into braids.

It was her .

The coffee fell out of my hands, something I would usually never let happen, and I raced to catch it before it hit the ground. But now she was looking at me .

“It’s you!” she said. “My bodyguard.”

“Henry?” Dale laughed. “A bodyguard? Didn’t know you had a job on the side.”

My brain ground to a halt. I was used to constantly remembering how to be normal. Confident. Dr. Henry Connor. “I ... uh, she’s kidding. Of course.”

“Not really.” She crossed her arms. “You were so sweet about making sure no one bothered me while I had a tire issue. He could make it a full-time job.”

“Unfortunately, I’m a little busy being the town doctor.” I managed to get my thoughts back online and held out my hand. “Henry Connor. Nice to meet you.”

“Wren Hackett.” She gave me one hell of a handshake. My dad always said he could learn a lot of things about people from the way they shook.

“I’m Dale. Not that anyone asked.”

Wren turned to him. “Sorry, nice to meet you too.”

“You look familiar,” he said, narrowing his eyes.

For a moment, Wren’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “Do you know where the light bulbs are?”

“Third aisle on the right,” I replied. She walked away with only a glance at Dale, and it finally hit me that maybe she didn’t want to be recognized for some reason.

“Damn. Was I rude?” Dale asked. “I can’t take being compared to Hugh again.”

It had happened once when he was tired and didn’t answer Kerry while she talked to him. He’d been mortified.

“I don’t think so.”

He hummed and gestured for me to hand over my coffee. I forced myself to keep my eyes on him. I felt like I’d been knocked off of my game and I didn’t know how to recover.

What were the odds that a woman like that was here of all places?

Nonchalantly glancing over my shoulder, the top of Wren’s head peeked over the aisle.

“She’s pretty,” Dale said under his breath.

“She looks like she’s Jade’s age,” I reminded. I wanted it to be gentle, but it came out harsher than I intended.

“Not for me.” Dale rolled his eyes. “You can stand down, Mr. Bodyguard. I mean for you .”

“What? Me?”

“You keep looking at her. I’m not blind.”

“Oh, absolutely not. I’m busy with work.

I don’t ... I can’t ...” I couldn’t do a relationship, no matter how attractive the person was.

Not after I’d screwed things up so badly with Norah and pushed her to my best friend.

I couldn’t be the version of myself that everyone liked, not when someone was in my space at all times.

“You know, for a small town, you have a great selection of light bulbs.” Wren’s voice got louder as she walked to the front.

“Gotta compete with Walmart. It’s why I put the ‘Things’ in the name.” Dale turned to me and I was terrified that he would hint at me and Wren being anything once more. Instead, he told me my total.

I paid and was planning on getting back to the clinic as soon as possible.

Instead, I turned to find Wren looking at me.

“Do you know Cain and Mollie?”

“What?” I asked. “Of course I do. Cain a little more than Mollie, but that’s because I’m Eric’s doctor.”

“So, hypothetically, if I were to build something for them, you might know what they want?”

“You want to build something for them?”

She sighed. “It needs to be good, especially since Mollie told me to relax and I’m definitely not doing that. I already ordered a tire plug, and now I’m fixing the lights in the bathroom, so?—”

“Is there a reason you’re not relaxing?” I asked. “It’s good for the mind.”

“Not my mind,” she said. “I like to stay moving, and what better way to do that than to help my best friend?”

“If there is something about Mollie I know, it’s that she’s stubborn. Very much so. If she told you to relax, then she won’t be thrilled if you don’t listen.”

Wren rolled her eyes. “Yeah, but?—”

I put my hands in my pockets, determined to stay calm even as I pushed back a little.

“You said you like to move, right?”

“I do.”

“And you’re new in town. Do you wanna see more of it?”

“Of course. I wanna know why Mollie likes it so much.”

Now I had it. “The square is old. It’s been here for generations. Right now, the irises are blooming in multiple colors. Yellow, pink, light purple, and dark purple. You could find each one and learn a little about the people who live here while you do it.”

It was perfect timing that they were blooming too. Irises could mean a lot of things, like hope, wisdom, or valor. She wouldn’t know the meaning, and I wasn’t sure if she would care to know the explanation.

“That sounds cute, but I work with my hands.”

“They need weeding.” I planned to do it myself, but I’d hand it off to someone if it would help them. A small deviation, but worth it.

“It’s been years since I even looked at a garden. I usually hire landscapers because I’m so exhausted.”

“Exhausted from what? Your construction job?”

The door to the store slammed open, causing both of us to jump.

“Oh my God !” Kerry raced inside, running up to Wren. “You’re Wren Hackett!”

“That’s me.” Wren’s voice was quiet.

“That’s it!” Dale called. “You’re from that show.”

I turned to Wren, eyebrows raised. Her lips were pressed together once again, every inch of her body tight. “Yep. I am.”

“I just finished the first season!” Kerry said. “I’m a superfan. You and Jude are so adorable together.”

“Yeah. We are.” Her voice lowered. She was with someone?

I didn’t know that, but it made sense. A woman like that didn’t stay single.

I took another look at her. She stood straighter and smiled at Kerry as if putting on a mask.

There was a tiny crack in it, though. One of her hands didn’t sit still, and she was picking at one of her cuticles.

“I’d heard some people in town had seen it. ”

“Oh, I love watching home renovation shows! But yours was incredible! And then I find out Mollie knows you?” Kerry fanned herself. “It might be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Second to actually getting to meet you, of course. I’m Kerry, by the way.”

“Wren,” she replied. “But you already know that.”

“Have you had breakfast yet? The diner makes incredible food.”

“I haven’t. Maybe I could head there next.”

“You could come with me! My husband is finally in town and can watch my son. I’m free as a bird.”

“I ... suppose I should get to know people.” Wren’s eyes cut to me. I’d just given her the same advice, but I meant for her to relax . Kerry didn’t seem to be relaxing her.

I stepped forward to ... what, save her? Invite her to the clinic for a checkup? I had no idea what to say. Yet I felt the need to do something .

“Yes!” Kerry said, linking her arm through Wren’s. “Wow, you’re strong . I thought all of that lifting was show business, but obviously not.”

“Nope. I did all of this before.”

Kerry began walking, taking Wren with her.

“Wait, you forgot your light bulbs!” Dale called.

“Oh, I’ll come back.” Wren’s eyes met mine again. “I suppose I’ve found something else to do.”

She smiled at me, and my gaze followed her as she and Kerry walked outside. Her smile didn’t waver and she looked happy.

But her hand never stilled.

“I’ve never won a bet before,” Dale said. “But I think this time I might.”

I blinked back into myself. “Gambling can be addictive.”

“Chill out, Dr. Connor. I’m not gonna go to the slot machines. I just finally have inside info.” He leaned forward with a smile on his face. “And when you make a move on Wren, I’ll be rich .”

“No,” I said. “Absolutely not. I’m not gonna make a move on anyone. For many reasons.”

He hummed. “So, I’ll need to say it’ll take a while. That’s fine. I’m patient.”

“I’m very busy with the clinic. I’m fine just being a doctor.”

“It’s a big world out there, Henry. You can be more than just a doctor.”