JJ sighed with relief when the GPS indicated the last turn to Flower B&B a mile up the gravel filled road.
“JJ.” Jo pointed out the window. “Look at that church steeple. I bet there’s a bell. You said the town wasn’t too far from where we’re staying, right?”
“Exactly. We’re coming from outside of the main town. When I called, the owner said we could walk to the square, but to bring walking shoes. Did you?”
“Yes, and my swimsuit for the reservoir you mentioned if it’s hot. I even bought a pair of cowboy boots so you can take me dancing.”
Surprised, JJ swerved the car due to his slight distraction. “I don’t know about the dancing part, but I’ll try. I can’t resist a chance to have you in my arms.”
He parked in front of the quaint two-story clapboard building. Lace curtains swayed to the breeze from the open windows upstairs.
“Wow, JJ, this is so pretty. Bursts of purple, white, and yellow blooms are all around this place. The name makes sense now. The grey with white trim creates the perfect canvas for these flowers.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “This is a fabulous place.”
Not as amazing as you, he thought.
She opened the door and climbed from the car, out of habit adding her sun hat and dark glasses at the last minute.
He extracted the bags from the trunk and handed Jo hers. His arm settled around her waist and tugged her close. “It’s better than the website’s photos. What an ordeal to get here though. They need a map for visitors. My GPS had trouble finding Magnolia Bluff as well as Flower B&B.”
Giggling, Jo added, “I liked when you tried to explain to the people you asked where we were going, and they felt you were nuts to go to a B&B in such a little town. I don’t understand why there were so many California license plates in Austin, Texas. California must have really ticked off their citizens. Still, thank you for finding this gem. The traffic is easier to maneuver than São Paulo.”
“You’ve got that right, babe. Come on. Let’s check in and chill for the rest of the afternoon. Perhaps a little white wine for you and a quart of tequila for me might take the edge off.”
“You’re so funny. You don’t like tequila. I’m looking forward to a warm, soapy bubble bath in that clawfoot tub you saw in the photos.”
“Small towns have a way of unwinding people with their laid-back pace of life.”
They held hands, and the sounds of voices increased as they walked around the corner. It surprised them to see a small crowd gathered at the entrance.
JJ whispered into her ear, inhaling her delightful fragrance. “These folks must love the food Flower serves; the reviews were great.”
“What’s up?” Jo asked a woman in a flowered-print shirt, jeans, and a cowboy hat. “We didn’t expect a crowd.”
The woman smiled and offered, “A group of ladies are doing a special podcast today. Everyone likes to show up and listen to the latest community issue, or even heckle, if given a chance.” The woman turned searching the faces on the porch. “Hey, Lily. You’ve got guests stuck on the wrong side of the pod-crowd.”
An elderly woman with glasses covering bright blue eyes, her face framed by jet-black hair, held up a waving hand and bellowed, “Kids. Over here, and don’t mind the gawkers. They just want a chance to hear the fresh gossip. Come on, everyone, make like the Red Sea and part so Moses can get through! Don’t fret about missing something on the podcast ’cause it ain’t started yet!”
Lily pulled JJ along in close tow. Jo right behind him giggled as Lily observed, “You’re a handsome thing.” Once inside, Lily became all business. “Juan Rodreguiz and his lady JoAnn Wagner, correct? You didn’t say married but never you mind, I’m not some prude who doesn’t understand what some people do to be together. And no, I won’t send a thank you card to your address that might be read by the real Mrs. Rodreguiz. I’ve only made that mistake once.” Barely taking a breath she continued, “Sorry about the podcast crowd. Our leader, Mary Lou Fight used to head up the Crimson Hat Society, but it disbanded some time ago. She was injured and is doing therapy to get out of that chair permanently. Our Pod-Team goes from business to business for important issues like this Mateo Hernandez character. He erected an eight-foot wall around his recently acquired ranch. The secrecy makes this a popular topic so small businesses in town fought for the right to host the broadcast from their shop for the advertising. Ever since my husband passed away, I’ve been trying to make this B&B earn its keep. Mr. Rodreguiz, you didn’t say much about your line of work or Miss JoAnn’s. You’re not wanted by the authorities, are you?”
Surprised at the pause, JJ was impressed by the woman’s non-stop conversation and noted the skepticism in her question. “Please, call me JJ. As I said when I made the reservation, we’re looking for some quiet time. We’re not married, but we love one another. I’ve no wife in hiding. I do work in customized security. We’ve had a long trip. We’d like to check in and enjoy your lovely establishment.”
Undaunted, Lily leaned close to JoAnn. “I get it, sweetie. He wants to marry you but hasn’t asked yet. You’re pretty, so he’s likely scared you’d turn him down. He’s a hunk. You look like a nice couple. Don’t fret about him getting away. Do you need beverages or snacks to take up? I can provide wine and beer if you’d rather.”
JJ loved the rosy glow growing on Jo’s cheeks as she seemed enthralled with their innkeeper. This black-haired fireball knew all about the U.S. filibuster process. Cute, independent, and feisty.
Lily reached her hand out with the key and room number when the podcast team in the dining area exploded with multiple shrieks of anguish. Lily pushed their room key into JJ’s hand and clutched her hand to her heart as a podcaster cried, “No! No! No! This can’t be happening! Not now, dammit!”
Lily rushed around the counter and faced the four women as JJ watched. “What’s wrong, Mary Lou? You’re almost ready to start, aren’t ya? The listeners are counting on our queen bee of community information for the straight scoop today.”
Mary Lou straightened up and bellowed, “Our computer equipment’s poisoned. Look at this ugly note on the screen demanding Bitcoin tokens to unlock our equipment. If my computer won’t work, there’s no podcast today.”
Lily strode into the room and bent down nose-to-nose with Mary Lou. “No, you can’t! I need the advertising boost for my business. I have my latest B&B meal deals to share with the listeners. Don’t give up. You can fix it.”
JJ started toward the stairs holding Jo’s hand—when she stopped. “JJ, you might be able to help. It’s okay if you try. We’ll have fun when it’s fixed, and you won’t pace about it in our room.”
He looked up the stairs, shook his head, then started toward the group of older women. “Lily,” he said as he walked toward the group. “I might be able to do something, I’m good with computers. Miss Mary Lou, may I please take a look?”
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