Page 38 of Mountain Grump

I really need to go back into town so I can use the internet and find out what ducks like to eat. Maybe there’s a type of food I could buy to keep him around.

I can’t say for certain, but I feel like I read somewhere that you aren’t supposed to give ducks bread. Even though every TV show ever always shows ducks swimming around in a pond and people tossing bread at them.

I purse my lips.

Maybe I could set up a bird bath?

Do ducks like bird baths?

They’re birds so…

I take another sip.

I did my best to pay attention to the town, aptly named Lonely, as I drove through it. And if I’m recalling correctly, I believe there’s a hardware store across the street from the nicer gas station. They should have something.

With the ignition off,I unbuckle and push my driver’s door open.

It slams shut, and I jerk my arms back, narrowly avoiding my hand getting smashed.

I huff and pull the strap of my cross-body bag over my head.

Let’s try this again.

I twist on the bench seat and use both hands to shove the door open, keeping one hand braced against the handle this time, so the wind doesn’t smash it shut on me again.

My red skirt whips around my ankles, the maxi length saving me from flashing my goods to the whole town.

Okay,whole townis probably an exaggeration since there are a few other vehicles in the parking lot but no people. But themain road is right beside me, and, like I remembered, there’s a gas station directly across the two-lane highway.

Halfway to the front door of Lonely Hardware, I wonder if I should’ve brought the paper bags from my grocery trip with me. But they’re back home under my kitchen sink, so it’s not like I can get them now.

While I was paying for my groceries last night, I noticed the reusable bags for sale at the register. I was too busy holding my composure together to buy any, and I didn’t want to give away the fact that I have none, but I bet they have some here.

Mind made up, I push the stress away from my shoulders and walk into the hardware store.

Duck food and shopping bags. I can do this.

Chapter 22

Ethan

I leanagainst my truck as my gas tank fills.

I’ve been working to clear a downed tree off one of the service roads all morning, and I’m streaked with dirt and sweat. I should stop home for a shower and a change of clothes, but I need to get a load of gravel spread across a trailhead before the day is over, so there’s no point in cleaning up yet.

My shoulders ache, and I roll out my neck.

I’m getting too old for this shit.

Pushing the bill of my baseball hat up, I use the back of my other hand to wipe sweat off my forehead.

The pump clicks, and I remove the nozzle from my gas tank and secure the cap.

When I turn toward my driver’s door, my attention is drawn across the street to the hardware store parking lot.

My brows lower as I narrow my eyes.

Is that Jack’s pickup?