Page 5 of Believe
“Beau Couvillion, I don’t believe a word you’re saying but I’ll go with you just in case you’re telling the truth. Lord knows you don’t know how to choose good fruit.” She looked down at the cloak over his arm and frowned. “What is that?”
“Oh. Well, I bought this on sale for mama and it turns out she’s got one just like it. I didn’t notice it was a final sale and I can’t take it back. I wondered if you could use it. I mean, it’s nothing special but it’s a good wool coat. Long to cover your legs from the wind and it’s got a nice warm lining. I think the color is pretty.”
“It’s a nice coat,” she said feeling the material. “Teal isn’t my color but I wouldn’t want your money to go to waste.”
“Good,” he smiled, holding it open for her.
She pushed her arms through, realizing it fit like a glove. Beau grinned as she wrapped his scarf around her neck and grabbed her pocketbook. As she reached for her bag, he took a step inside the door to take a look around. The entire place was worse than he’d imagined.
There was an obvious roof leak in the living room stretching all the way back to the kitchen. It was cold in the house, meaning she either wasn’t running the heat or it wasn’t working. The furniture was worn but clean.
“It ain’t much but it’s mine. Been paid for now for ten years. I just can’t afford to fix everything up.”
“Well, if you’d allow me, I could get some things fixed for you. I’m real handy, Miss Esta.”
“No, no. I don’t accept charity.”
“It’s not charity, Miss Esta. It’s bein’ neighborly.”
“Are we going to this market or not?” she snapped.
Beau laughed, taking her arm as they stepped off the porch. He helped her into the car and noticed that the boys were parked down the road, waiting for him to leave.
“Ready?”
“I’m in the car ain’t I?”
“Yes, ma’am, you are,” he laughed.
Beau tried to converse with her all the way to the market but she wasn’t having it. As they walked the stalls, trying to choose what he might need, he noticed that she actually did know a lot about the fruit.
“These apples are best for pies,” she said holding up the Honeycrisp. “Get four of these and four of the Granny Smith. Mixing them will make it taste better.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said as she turned to look at the vegetables.
“Four and Four?” said the vendor.
“Actually,” whispered Beau, “make it eight and eight.” The man smiled at him, nodding.
“That’s awful nice of you, Beau.”
Beau held a finger to his lips and shook his head. Carrying the bag with the apples, they stopped at some vegetable stands and whatever Beau bought, he made sure it was double.
“Is the coat keeping you warm, Miss Esta? I don’t want you getting cold.”
“It’s fine. Just fine, don’t worry about me.” He nodded and she let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry, Beau. Thank you. Yes, it’s keeping me warm just fine.”
“I’m glad, Miss Esta.”
“Beau, why are you doing this? You’re a fine-looking young man who I’m sure has lots of friends and lots of girls that want to spend time with you. I know for a fact there’s no finer pie makers in the city than those at the diner. Why didn’t you just buy a ready-made pie from them?”
“Well, now my feelings are hurt. I thought we were having a nice time. Don’t you enjoy spending time with me?” he smirked.
“Beau, don’t avoid the question.”
“I want to spend time with you, Miss Esta. I lost my grandma a few years back and miss her something fierce. Every time I see you, you remind me of her. I’m enjoying this. Truly I am.”
She nodded again and gave him a little smile. It made his day. It was all worth it, just to see her grin. As they left the market, Beau turned the opposite direction on River Road.