I bit back a nasty retort. I needed to be on my best behavior so that Holly could get her money for the library. As much I wanted to stand up for Holly, doing so would likely ruin her chance to get the donation.
“Can I serve you some potatoes?” Holly asked her.
“Yes, please, dear. They do look delicious.”
“I’m fairly new to Nebraska. I was so in love with Holly, I followed her here. But I don’t know much about the area. Tell me, are vegetarians allowed to live in this state?”
Holly looked at me and then at the old bitty, probably trying gauge if I’d offended her.
Mrs. Reynolds laughed. “We grow corn and other agriculture too. But, let’s face it, why be in Nebraska if you don’t like beef?”
“Why indeed,” I said. I held up my glass to make a toast. “To beef.”
Mrs. Reynolds grinned at me. “To beef.”
“To beef,” Holly murmured and drank about half her wine.
“If you followed your wife here, where are you from?” Mrs. Reynolds asked as she cut the slice of roast that I served to her.
“Chicago. Home of Oprah and Obama.”
“Oh my. It must be culture shock to come from such a large city to our humble little town.”
“Little oasis, you mean.”
Mrs. Reynolds smiled at that.
“The truth is, I like the clean air and I don’t see as much of a pest problem,” I said cutting my slice of meat.
Holly’s brow rose, while Mrs. Reynolds looked at me mid-forkful of salad. “Pest?”
“Yes. I once saw a rat fighting with a pigeon over a piece of pizza.”
“No, you didn’t.” Mrs. Reynolds laughed.
“Swear to God,” I said holding my right hand up. “I knew then it was time to leave the big city.”
“No doubt. So how did you two meet?”
My gaze shot to Holly. I figured this was one she should take, but I wasn’t sure she was as good with the storytelling as I was.
“Teachers conference,” she said. “In…Orlando. Last year.”
I nodded. “I saw her across the room, and it was zap, just like that, I was in love.” I snapped my fingers.
Mrs. Reynolds smiled. “I think you’re telling stories, Tucker.”
“Not at all. The first time I laid eyes on Holly, I knew she was a woman I had to know.” That wasn’t a total lie. That picture she sent solidified what I’d already been thinking from getting to know her in texts.
“And for you Holly. I imagine it was a relief to have a man so enamored with you. I mean, you’re not a spring chicken.”
I gaped.
Holly flinched, but then her eyes heated in irritation. “Actually, I wasn’t sure about Tucker.”
“Why not? He’s handsome. And he can cook.”
I can toss you out of this house too, I thought, but instead I drank my wine.