23
As Ethan drove through Bison Bluffs, Zoë took in the crowded downtown area in awe. Well, downtown was truly only the intersection of the two largest roads in town, but Ethan hadn’t been kidding when he said the ice cream festival was an event. It seemed everyone in the area was present, enjoying the balmy spring evening, walking, and talking with others, many of them doing so with ice cream cones in hand.
Ethan found parking more than a block away from the diner and, as they began to walk toward the building, he surprised her by taking her hand in his. She’d thought he’d want to keep their arrangement a secret but, apparently, he wasn’t concerned about gossip. He touched the brim of his hat and nodded to a few people they passed and, while some eyed her curiously, no one stopped them.
Taking in the building, she smiled broadly at the name on its sign, That Diner in Town. It had a definite 1950s look to it, pleasing her tremendously. There was nothing like an old-fashioned diner, complete with period décor, and well-made comfort food.
“I love that name,” she said, still smiling.
“Yeah, story goes Dean and Cookie named it what they figured it would end up being called anyway.”
“That’s genius,” she enthused, “truly. I can’t wait to meet them.”
As they took their place at the end of a line of people that stretched from the diner’s entrance, a tap on her shoulder startled her and she spun to see Zandra and Rory standing behind them. After the four exchanged greetings, during which she couldn’t help but notice Rory stare at her and Ethan’s conjoined hands, Zandra smiled broadly at her.
“I’m glad you two came out tonight. I’m sure you needed a break from the ranch.”
She shrugged. “I like it there. It’s so peaceful. Ethan suggested we grab a cone though, and I love ice cream, so I figured why not?”
“You’re gonna love the ice cream here then,” Zandra assured her. “The Pattons go all out. There’ll be a new flavour available tonight and I can’t wait to try it.”
Still amazed everyone was so damn excited over ice cream, Zoë smiled, and then tilted her head questioningly. “Boone didn’t join you two tonight?”
“No, he had a date.”
“Imagine that,” Ethan said wryly.
Laughing inwardly at his sardonic tone, she chose to ignore his comment as she continued chatting with Zandra. It was all small-talk, something she normally abhorred, but it was more pleasant here somehow. Whether it was Zandra or the town itself, she didn’t mind shooting the breeze now, and was truly beginning to like Bison Bluffs.
When the line had advanced enough for them to enter the diner, Zandra and Rory fell back into line behind them. Zoë was pleased to see the ʼ50s look continue inside the diner. Black-and-white checkered tiles covered the floor, booths with turquoise leather, padded seats lined the length of the place, and the open section of the long counter had steel stools standing before it. Formica counters with silver trim, and period collectibles and photos adorned the walls. Exactly what she pictured a diner to look like, she wanted to come back at some point to try the food, certain they’d make a killer burger here. In her experience, diners unquestionably served the best burgers around.
A few moments later, she and Ethan finally arrived at the glass-enclosed counter section housing an impressive selection of ice creams. A handsome man stood behind the counter, and she again questioned the town’s water supply. How on earth were so many good-looking men all living in such a tiny town? An older man stood beside him and the two looked so similar she was certain they were father and son. While the younger one had a darker complexion, he bore his father’s warm hazel eyes and an identical nose. He dipped his head politely to her, and then glanced at Ethan when he spoke.
“Good evening, Myles, Dean. This is Zoë Pennell, she’s the new cook at the ranch.” She was shocked when Ethan’s arm encircled her shoulders. Did he consider this a date? He seemed intent on others knowing they were a couple, even as they weren’t. Not really. Were they? “Zoë, this is Myles Patton, he’s an RCMP corporal and in charge of the division here in town. Dean is his father. Dean, with his wife Cookie, owns the diner.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Myles told her, with a broad smile. “We’d shake your hand but we’re serving food.”
She nodded. “No worries, and it’s nice to meet you, too.”
“How are you liking Bison Bluffs so far?” Dean enquired. He, like Myles, wore a friendly smile, and she found the pair charming.
“I like it quite a bit. I mean, I’ve only been here for a week but so far everything’s been great and everyone I’ve met has been very friendly.”
Dean and Myles both smiled broadly, and she thought they were proud of the town. She wasn’t used to such sentiments but supposed it was common in such a small place. Ethan squeezed her shoulder and she felt of moment of contentment that startled her. For an instant, deep comfort rippled through her, as if she’d always been in Bison Bluffs and had known these men for years. It was all she could do to not physically shake her head at the thought. It was ridiculous. She didn’t belong here, and she couldn’t stay. A week was hardly long enough to develop an attachment for a place which led her to wonder about the town’s water again, only this time for a completely different reason.
“So?” Myles asked, his eyes flitting between her and Ethan. “Have you decided what flavour you want? The maple-candied bacon is this summer’s new one and it’s amazing.” He locked his eyes with hers. “We have many other offerings but, if you’re adventurous, try the bacon one. Dad outdid himself with it, truly. All natural ingredients, in case you’re wondering, and hand-crafted, like all the others. It’s amazing.”
Ethan chuckled. “You sold me on it. Are you sure you don’t want to make this a permanent position?”
“Sure,” Myles retorted with a snort, “give up being a cop to sling ice cream. Now there’s a career move.”
“Well,” Dean interjected, “your mother and I have bounced around the idea of opening a year-round ice cream shop.”
Myles laughed good-naturedly as he shook his head. “No thanks. I’m just covering Anya’s shift while she’s on break. As soon as she’s back, I’m outta here.” He looked back to Zoë. “Anya’s my sister, you’ll probably meet her at some point. Anyway, what did you decide on?”
“I have to try the bacon one.”
“Me, too,” Ethan said. “Make them double scoops.”
As Dean and Myles scooped, she glanced past Ethan to see an odd look on Zandra’s face. She appeared angry and Rory looked uncomfortable. Wondering what was going on with them, considering how happy they seemed just a few moments before, Zoë’s attention diverted back to the Pattons as they handed her and Ethan cones. After thanking them and bidding them farewell, she and Ethan made their way to the end of the counter where an older woman stood, smiling sweetly. Certain she was Cookie, Dean’s wife, Zoë looked her over as she and Ethan stopped before the cash register and she thought that while Myles bore more of a resemblance to his father, he had inherited some of Cookie’s genes. Cookie’s complexion was darker than Myles’s and spoke of a Native heritage. She had thick, dark hair, veined with silver streaks that suited her perfectly.
“Hi, I’m Cookie. I couldn’t help but hear your exchange with my husband and son. Unlike them, I can shake your hand.”
Smiling, Zoë did so. As Ethan paid Cookie, Zoë swore she felt tension coming from the other end of the counter. Looking that way, she took in the now-unmistakeably angry expression on Zandra’s face as she glared at Myles who shot an agitated look right back at her. Both Dean and Rory appeared extremely uncomfortable. Cookie cleared her throat, drawing Zoë’s attention. The woman seemed embarrassed and Zoë knew she, too, had witnessed the silent but harsh exchange between Myles and Zandra.
“It was wonderful to meet you, Zoë. I hope to see you again soon.”
After she and Ethan had bid Cookie goodnight, they exited the diner and Ethan led her a distance from it, she guessed out of earshot of the small crowd that milled around the diner’s exterior. She licked the ice cream and almost moaned aloud. Fresh cream, maple syrup, and salty bacon hit her palate, with sweet and smoky notes, all wonderfully balanced. It was a masterpiece and as she planned on diving into it, the hard look on Ethan’s face stopped her. He wanted to say something and, guessing it was about what had occurred in the diner, she focused on him, ignoring the call of the glorious cone in her hand.
“Remember our discussion about Rory last night and how some people won’t give him a chance?”
“Yes.”
“Well, Myles fits into that category. He rides Rory hard, and is always looking for a reason to drive him out of town. We didn’t discuss it, but Zandra has been extremely withdrawn since the attack. However, this business with Myles has brought out her protective instinct over Rory and that’s what you just saw. Rory just tries to keep his distance from Myles, but Zandra openly opposes Myles whenever they cross paths.”
Having found Myles a pleasant man during her encounter with him, she scowled, truly unable to picture him behaving like that. “What about Dean and Cookie?”
“They have no ill-will toward Rory, same as their daughter Anya, and several others in town. Myles hates him though, and wants him out of town. He’s convinced Rory will re-offend.”
“That’s so unfair.”
He shrugged. “Myles is a cop.”
“So? You used to be a cop.”
“Yes, but not in the same capacity as Myles. He’s responsible for the safety of this entire town. I’ve never been in a position like that and, honestly, I can’t say I wouldn’t have the same feelings as Myles if I were. I mean, if I didn’t know Rory the way I do. Myles has no idea who Rory really is. He sees him only as an ex-con and a threat to the community.”
Spotting Rory and Zandra approaching, she didn’t respond. Zandra stomped up to them. Her furious eyes shot to Rory as she shook her head.
“I’m serious, Rory. You need to put Myles in his place. It’s not fair and he has no right to do it. You’ve never given him any reason to treat you the way he does.”
Rory looked like he wanted the sidewalk to swallow him. He was obviously embarrassed by Zandra discussing the matter in front of her and Ethan, and so Zoë decided to intervene. The group had been enjoying themselves before, and she wanted to return to that. Besides, she was dying to get back to her cone. Affixing Zandra with a sympathetic look, she nodded.
“You’re right. Myles shouldn’t do that, and I can understand how upsetting it is to you. It really is unfair.” Then she looked to Rory. “Did you try your ice cream yet? What flavour did you get?”
Her peripheral vision caught Zandra’s perturbed expression, but Rory appeared grateful for the chance to change subjects. “The maple bacon one,” he replied, “and no, I haven’t tried it yet but it sounds good.”
“It’s amazing,” she gushed, “it really is. Give it a try.”
He did, and his eyes widened. She smiled before attacking her cone, almost desperate to taste it again. When she chanced a glance at Zandra she saw a more relaxed expression on her face as she quietly ate her cone. Zoë breathed an inward sigh of relief, glad she hadn’t upset the woman. Seeing no apparent harm done to their budding friendship, the feel of Ethan’s eyes on her caused her to look to him. His expression said it all. He knew what she’d done and seemed grateful to her. After flashing her a quick version of his crooked smile, he resumed eating his cone and she couldn’t help but watch his tongue at work. She had plans for that tongue once they got back to the ranch, and they didn’t involve eating. Well, at least not ice cream.