Trusted Friends and Lovers

Lily beamed with delight at the growing crowd gathered in Flower’s dining room at her Texas bed and breakfast. The late morning sun filtered through the blooming plants outdoors, highlighting the purples, whites, and rose colors currently in season. Rushing from one table to another, it was no surprise that Jo and JJ were the gossip de jour in this little community. During their vacation, they solved a massive problem, and now the town considers them family. Oblivious to the conversational din, the couple appeared focused on one another. Lily noted Jo crossed her legs, bumped JJ, then raised her eyebrows and giggled. Lily would keep their confidence, caring for them like her children.

Lily listened to the talk from her patrons at Jo and JJ’s breakfast party on the warm, enclosed patio cooled by the rotating ceiling fans. She served mimosas, freshly baked pastries, hot sausage patties, and omelette concoctions that filled the air with mouthwatering scents. The tables included thirty or so new friends. Everyone voiced their opinions of the heroic exploits of the young couple with the embellishments growing, typical of small-town chatter.

“Y’all are famous, ya know?” she conspiratorially whispered, leaning into Jo. “And I don’t mean anyone here knowing the infamous world-class model, JoW, with her abundant dark hair and girl-next-door smile from Brazil. Or her heart throbbing protector sitting next to her, with his thick wavy hair, mesmerizing coffee- colored eyes, and killer smile always.” She smirked. “And I won’t share if I can get an autograph later.”

Standing tall, Lily loudly cleared her throat and announced, “That highfalutin computer stuff you pulled together to trap those horrible criminals was lifesaving. Everyone owes you a debt of gratitude. I think the mayor is presenting you with the key to the city before you leave. We knew something was going on, but you sweeties nailed it. The townsfolk probably need to erect statues of you both!”

Lily noted with a grin that her gushing tribute didn’t register with the two young lovers who stared contentedly into each others dark eyes. Their wistful smiles and longing stares sheltered them from the uproar. “I bet they’re looking for their elusive future,” she muttered as she picked up plates at nearby tables and watched them pick at the array of delectable items on their plates. Lily clucked and fussed around them like a mom, hoping her chicks were happy.