23
GRACE
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Henrietta Brown:Single and ready to mingle, folks! I will not be taking questions unless it’s asking me out on a date!
Comments:
Jade Clark:Wait, seriously? Are you and Marjorie done?
Tammy Jane:Well, things will finally be quieter.
Dale Garrett:I always thought she could do better.
Henrietta Brown:I am NOT single! Marj took my phone because I said she was getting soft since we went back to work. Ignore everything from her!
Marjorie Brown:Wait, what do you mean she could do better???
“You better be headingto Bell’s Brews!” Tammy called when she saw me. I’d parked next to Dean’s truck on theopposite side of the square. He must have been waiting because he fell into step beside me.
I was trying to play it cool—people were everywhere. I shouldn’t have been surprised Tammy said anything.
She had on her cowboy boots and sparkly eyeshadow, which meant she was bartending. I’d partaken once or twice. Obviously, I couldn’t tonight.
“I am. Don’t worry.”
“You too, Cowboy?” Tammy’s eyes flicked to Dean and she raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, ma’am. I was invited.”
“I’m sure you were. Mark has a habit of inviting everyone he sees to this thing.” She rolled her eyes and shoved her hand at him. “I’m Tammy. I’ll be getting you drunk tonight.”
“Dean,” he said slowly. His voice was slower than I was used to hearing it, and I wondered if he was unsure about her. “Cowboy kinda works, but I only wear the hat. I don’t do the work.”
“Well, at least you’re honest.” Tammy laughed and then her gaze flicked between the two of us. “You two know each other?”
“I just happened to be next to her.” Dean was quick on the draw with an explanation.
“I do know his name, though.”
Tammy hummed and Dean took the chance to go on ahead of us. I had to resist the urge to sigh.
“So, what do you think of him?” Tammy asked.
“Of Dean? Nothing. Why would I think anything about him?”
“It seems like every woman in town has thoughts about him.” She looked between the door—which Dean had disappeared through—and me. “You know, I’d be careful if I were you.”
My heart skipped a beat. “About what?”
“I heard he’s one ofthoseguys. A use ’em and leave ’em kind of thing. None of us want that for any of the women here. But especially not you.”
“Who said that?” I asked, my voice harsher than usual. When Tammy’s brow lowered, I corrected. “I mean, was he really here long enough for anyone to pass judgment?”
“He told people how he was the first time he went to the bar, and Wren confirmed it. He’s not the kind of guy you should be spending time with. Not romantically, at least. I hear he does good work, though.”
“Right,” I said. “At least there’s that.”