Whiskey and Country

The next morning, I woke up early and went for a morning run. The air was crisp, and each inhale prickling my lungs reminded me I was really doing this. That I was alive and could take the world by storm if I decided to.

With each step forward, I contemplated the scenery around me. Green pastures. Green valleys. Green mountains. Cabins. Farmhouses. Streams. Woods. Nothing here resembled my hometown in any way.

My eyes trained on the two women powerwalking with a big gray and white dog on a leash. And a young couple running while pushing a double stroller. I returned their waves and continued my jog. The first sunrays warmed my skin as they moved higher in the sky. When I returned home, slowing down my pace, I noticed my neighbors on their front porch, sipping coffee in their robes.

“Hey Nick,” Greta said. “You’re up early.”

I removed my earbuds and let them hang around my neck while I smoothed my breaths. “Yes. Had to get rid of all the angst before starting this day.” I rested my hands on my hips and looked up, admiring the sun now shining whole, not a cloud ruining the blue sea above.

“Coffee?” Brett asked.

“Come, sit with us,” Greta added. “You’ve earned yourself a little rest.”

I shrugged. “Why not? Thanks, guys.”

“Where do you get your burst of energy after a late night? We were up too last night. But look at us, still in our nightclothes. Did you enjoy the barbecue?”

“Yes. Thanks for having me. I had fun. And now I’ve met six other people in town.”

Greta waved her hand. “Oh, we’re happy you’re settling in. I’m sure you’ll feel at home in no time.”

“People are pretty nice here.”

“It’s the southern hospitality. It runs in our blood.”

“Well, it’s working. And it makes a great impression on us, tourists and newbies. Now I wanna say hi to everyone I meet.”

Greta’s lips extended. “I’m glad it’s rubbing on ya.”

“Cream and sugar?” Brett asked.

“Black,” I said.

He disappeared inside and came back a minute later, handing me a mug, before retreating into their home.

“Thanks.” I took a sip and almost coughed out the scorching hot caffeine all over Greta when my eyes took in the inscription “Live your best life, bro” etched on the side.

Were my neighbors in on it? Derek seeming to be everywhere and sending me messages wherever I went.

Greta, oblivious to my thoughts, said, “How is the house? Inside, I mean?”

“Beautiful. It needs to be freshened up for the most part. Paint job. Sanding floors. A few things to update in the kitchen. The second floor requires more work, though. But nothing too extensive. I can’t wait to really get started.”

“Breakfast is ready,” Brett called from behind us.

The woman grabbed the plate of freshly baked crescents her husband handed her. “Want one?”

“Sure.”

The three of us moved to sit at the small table on the back deck.

“Can I ask you something?”

They both nodded.

“I’m going on a date later next week. And I’d appreciate some pointers since I know nothing about this town yet. Someplace nice.”

Brett’s eyes widened. “Okay, you’ve not been here a week and yet, you’ve got yourself a job and scored a date? Wow, I’m impressed. You wasted no time. Good for ya, man.”

I chuckled and shook my head when Greta slapped her husband’s arm and growled through clenched teeth, “Brett. Where are your manners? Let Nick be.” She brought her focus back to me with a huge smile. “I know a few places. Trendy and loud or quiet and remote?”

I considered my options for two seconds. “Quiet and remote.” I had no idea if people around here had a thing for fame, and I didn’t want to take any chances. Dahlia Ellis didn’t seem like the kind of woman who’d be bothered by a public date, but even so, I wouldn’t put her on the spot without her approval first.

“Perfect.” Greta opened her palm, asking for my phone. “I’ll send myself a text message so I can send you all the info later.”

“Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

She shrugged. “Anytime. What are neighbors for, if not for helping each other out, right?”

I nodded as I pocketed my phone.

For the rest of the day, I took measurements and notes as I inspected every corner of the house.

In the middle of the kitchen, I surveyed the area around me. If this house were mine, I’d put in a little more work than what was requested from me to bring it to its full potential. I could see it clearly in my mind. Move around some of the rooms to benefit from the view.

This house was beautiful, but with the right owner, the right vision, and the right budget, it could become exceptional.

Buddy came to me as I was replacing wood planks on the porch.

“Hey you,” I said, stopping to pet his head. “You had a lazy morning. I didn’t see you when I went to your place earlier.”

The bloodhound inched closer so I could pet him with both hands.

“Okay then.”

I sat on the floor and laughed as I scratched the dog behind his ears, and he let out a growling whistle.

“I met someone yesterday. Someone special. We got along fine. More than fine, actually. And you know what? She agreed to go on a date with me. I never do that. Ask women I just met on a date. But Dahlia—I don’t know. I can’t explain it.” I sighed. “She had a pull on me. I feel like a fifteen-year-old having a crush for the first time.”

Buddy watched me with interest.

“I’m telling you. I never saw it coming. Meeting someone on this journey. Wasn’t the plan. But I guess we’ll see how it goes. Can I tell you a secret, though? The woman is hot. And sexy. And beautiful. And smart. It’s a compelling combination. How’s your love life going? Any Mrs. Buddy out there?”

The dog huffed and recoiled in a ball next to me.

“Fine. Sorry I went there.”

I chuckled as the dog ignored me and fell asleep, snoring within a minute.

“Enjoy your nap, Buddy.”

My phone chimed with a message, and I failed to contain my smile as I saw the name flashing on the screen.

* * *