“Yeah, I’m Vaughn.”
“I’m Aaron. I live a few blocks that way, and this is Smokie.” He gave the dog a stern look that I’m sure the runaway pup had seen before, considering the way he slunk down guiltily on the grass.
“How are you liking it here so far? Not much to do.”
“Wynne’s a good little town. The people are friendly.”
He glanced toward my porch and said, “I noticed you’re doing some work on the house. I always liked this bungalow.”
“Yeah, I’ve mostly been working inside. You know, getting unpacked.”
“Well, if you ever need any help, just shout. I work at the station, but I’m off quite a bit, too. I’m good with a hammer. My dad was a builder.”
“Thanks. I might take you up on that.”
I looked back at my house, which obviously needed a lot more work. Namely, a roof, a new deck in back, and a few new windows. I’m sure Hannah would help, but she didn’t need to feel obligated.
Plus, I didn’t really know any guys in town that well. I could tolerate having a guy friend.
“I think by the end of the summer I’m going to get a new roof on her. Maybe some paint.”
“Sure. Just let me know.”
I heard her truck coming, my ears tuned to everything her. And, like I knew I would, I saw her old pickup coming down the highway toward town. Distracted, I watched as she got closer and noticed she wasn’t alone. Her dad was sitting passenger.
Aaron noticed what I was watching and said, “Her truck is getting louder. I bet you get sick of hearing that thing go by all the time.”
He couldn’t be more wrong. The only thing I didn’t like so much about it passing was when it didn’t stop.
“You’d think her dad would fix it, or at least Dean would. You know them? They own the garage uptown.”
“Yeah, I’ve met them.”
“I think when Darrell retires he’ll leave both the shop, and Mutt, to Dean.” He laughed. “I know Dean’s ready for that.”
I bet he is. Not going to happen though.
As she passed, her boat behind her, she honked and we both waved. It was odd how much this town knew about her and her family, but at the same time knew nothing at all.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you. I better get moving. I need to be at the station in a few hours.” He stuck his hand out to shake mine and I took it. “Thanks for grabbing Smokie for me. I live on Hyde Street, drive a black truck that’s usually parked out front if I’m home. Otherwise, I’m at the station. You ever need some help, just let me know.”
“I’ll do that. Good to meet you too, Aaron.”
Even though he was totally wrong about the O’Fallons, I couldn’t hold it against him. He seemed like an all right guy and I didn’t have many friends in Wynne yet. Then again, after I met Hannah, I hadn’t really felt like I’d needed any.
Still, if this thing was going to work out, I didn’t want to smother her, or have her feel obligated to keep me entertained.
“Hey, do you golf?” I asked as he started back down the sidewalk.
He turned around, stopping best he could, while Smokie pulled him back the way they came. “I’m not that good, but I like to play.”
“I was thinking about going to the driving range sometime this week if the weather is good. Hit a few, drink a few beers.”
“Now you’re talking. I’m great at drinking beers. If my truck is home, stop by on your way out. First bucket is on me.”
Finally, a possible friend. Things were looking up.
After a bowl of cereal and a workout in my new gym, which was also known as my garage, I couldn’t hold out any longer and called her.
“Good morning,” she sang over the line.
“Good morning. How’s your dad feeling today?”
“Better than he deserves. Hey, do you like fried fish?”
“I grew up Catholic. It was almost a requirement, but I haven’t had it in a while.”
“Well, I don’t mean to brag, but mine is the shit. I think we’ll fry some later if you can catch any.” She was teasing and challenging me; I could hear it in her playful voice.
This would be where she had me at a disadvantage. I’d never been as an adult, unless you called deep-sea fishing where the pole is anchored to the boat and there’s a guide who does everything for you, the same thing.
“I’m going to warn you. I’m not a fisherman. That’s a lot of pressure, you know. If I can’t catch our dinner we’ll go hungry?” I was playing along, but everything I’d said was true.
She loved fishing and I was going to look like an ass.
“We’ll see. Ever hear of beginner’s luck? That’s a real thing, you know. Anyway, I’m heading out to the cabin, so whenever you get around, that’s where I’ll be.”
“Need me to bring anything?”
“Not that I can think of, but, Vaughn?”
“Yeah?”
“Hurry the fuck up. Okay?” I loved how she said exactly what she wanted, the precise way she wanted to.
I needed to get a quick shower and run by the store, but I didn’t want to make her wait. I knew how excited she was about getting out on the water for the first time this year.
“I’ll hurry.”