Page 22 of Baby, It’s You (Clairesville #1)

Olive

W e step into the store and Mr. Ray sits behind the checkout counter, where he reliably rests on his stool and stares at his tiny TV.

You can always count on him watching golf or a trashy court show where ex-couples fight over who gets to keep the pet in the breakup.

Sometimes while I’m at the counter paying, the episodes are so juicy that I will stand there with him and wait for the verdict before I leave the shop. Today he's watching the pet court show.

When he sees me, Mr. Ray lights up. “Olive! Pet Paternity is on! This couple is fighting over who gets to keep their Betta fish. The guy is crying.”

I walk over quickly. “No way! A real tearjerker.” I lean over the counter for a better view to watch the drama unfold.

After a few minutes, Mr. Ray looks behind me and clears his throat. I realize Hunter is standing behind there. Wow, I'm so rude. I was sucked in by the glitz and glamour of reality TV and forgot about the whole reason why I walked in here.

I turn towards Hunter. “I’m so sorry. We have a mild obsession with this cheesy reality show.” I glance back at Mr. Ray. “Mr. Ray, I would like to introduce you to Hunter, a badass skateboarding filmer who has graciously decided to shoot a series about the bar.”

Hunter flushes slightly at my compliment and reaches out to shake Mr. Ray’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, sir,” he respectfully says, his voice deep and strong.

Mr. Ray hastily extends his own hand to meet Hunter’s. “It’s great to meet you, too.” Then he turns towards me. “So are the rumors true? Everyone has been talking about Tripp wanting to sell Whiskey Jane’s.”

“Yes, unfortunately it’s true,” I tell him, rolling up the sleeves of my cardigan. Why did I wear a sweater when it’s ninety-two degrees outside?

“Wow, word travels fast on this side of town,” Hunter exclaims.

I laugh. “Yeah, we have this kooky, old, top-hat-wearing man who spreads gossip like it’s air.”

He smiles. “Let me guess, is his name Johnny?”

“The man, myth, and legend.”

Our eyes linger on each other.

Mr. Ray looks back and forth between us before breaking the silence. “So, what are you going to film at the bar?”

Hunter and I explain everything to him. I finish the story off by saying, “And this is why we are here now. Hunter chose the bee drawing first.”

Mr. Ray has a huge smile. “What a strong start.” He looks at me. “Drive on over. I will call her and give her a head’s up that she will have visitors soon.”

“Thank you!” I clap my hands together. “I’m excited to see her.” I turn to Hunter. “Get out that camera out, my friend. We are hitting the road.”

Hunter lifts his bag. “I’m ready!” he replies enthusiastically.

We tell Mr. Ray a quick goodbye and he holds up his hand in a wave. When we are almost to the door, I hear him playfully murmur to himself about how he didn't get to see who got the custody of the fish because we were all talking.

Hearing this, Hunter glances back towards him. “No one ended up getting custody. The Betta fish died during the episode, probably stress from being put on the stand.”

Mr. Ray and I both look at him, shocked.

Hunter shrugs. “I watch a lot of late-night reality TV reruns because I have pretty bad insomnia. I think I’ve seen every episode of Pet Paternity .”

I continue to stare at him in shock as Mr. Ray begins to laugh hysterically. His whole body shakes as the raspy laugh overtakes him.

I’m still looking at Hunter as he begins to open the door and motions for me to go first. I walk out and as I go, I hear Mr. Ray talk to himself once more. “Now, I like that kid,” he says. “I really like that kid.”