Fried Pickles and the Fuzz by Calico Daniels Read Free Book Online Page A

station.”
    Heather shuddered and raised her head. “Do you really think he would go that far to avoid me?”
    Her friend shrugged and began to file her nails. “I don’t see why not. You were pretty hard on him.” She pointed her emery board at Heather. “I saw him chatting it up with Molly over at the real estate office yesterday afternoon .”
    With another moan, Heather dropped her head into her hands.
    â€œFace it, girl, you blew it with the studly s heriff. Yep, the ladies will be swarming him. It’s no wonder he didn’t need your dinner last night. I’ll bet his calendar is full of home - cooked dinner invites.” The quiet rasping of the emery board continued. “Yep, I don’t think that he’s gonna have to worry about meals for awhile.”
    â€œOkay, I get it. I screwed up. Bronson was just doing his job and trying to make sure that everyone in town was safe , and I blew it way out of proportion and took it personal.” She raised her head and wiggled her fingers at Beth Ann. “It’s all my fault, I’m a moron, blah, blah, blah.” She drew in a deep breath. “Now, what do I do to fix it?”
    Beth Ann put her file down and smiled. “I say you grow a pair, march right over to the station , and tell that big hunk of man that he was right, you were wrong , and then lay a big wet one on him right there.”
    â€œKissing is your answer to everything , isn’t it?”
    â€œIf it’s a man problem? You bet.” Her friend winked and resumed shaping her perfect nails. “No man alive can resist a good kiss. Especially when it’s coming from a girl he’s got a thing for.”
    â€œ Had a thing for. I think after banning him from the café , that ship might have sailed.”
    â€œOnly one way to find out, now isn’t there?” Beth Ann glanced at her watch. “I’ve gotta run, doll. Billy’s taking me muddin’ down by Foster ’ s C reek tonight after the dance , and I’ve gotta go get everything ready.” She picked her purse up off the counter and slipped it onto her shoulder.
    â€œWhat on E arth do you need to do to get ready to go muddin’?”
    â€œOh, you know,” Beth Ann said as she fluffed her hair, “gotta make sure we have water and snacks. Never know, we might get stuck and have to spend a quiet summer evening on the banks of the creek.” She sighed. “All alone and away from everyone.”
    Heather rolled her eyes. “Yeah, what a hardship that’d be.”
    The other woman winked. “Maybe you should try it sometime. It’s a great stress relief. Not a care in the world. Just you and the man of your dreams alone to stare at the stars and talk ‘til dawn.”
    â€œAt this point I’m not sure he’ll ever speak to me again. ”
    Beth Ann patted her on the shoulder. “Don’t bet on it. Now, put a smile on your face, whip up a spectacular meal , and get your box ed lunch ready. The auction starts in a couple hours.”
    Heather stood and gave her friend a hug. “What would I do without you?”
    â€œYou’d fall apart , honey.” The redhead squeezed her. “Ain’t love grand?”
    â€œI wouldn’t know.”
    Beth Ann chuckled. “You sure ‘bout that?”
    The two women stepped apart as Erma pushed through the kitchen door. “Breakfast diners are all gone and everything is cleared.”
    â€œThank you.” The older woman was a fixture in T he Pickle. More than once H eather wondered what she would do if she ever had to go it without her. “Go ahead and head home. I’ll see you at the auction.”
    Erma waved and left the two friends alone in the café.
    â€œI’m heading out too. Tons of things to do before this afternoon.” Beth Ann dropped a quick kiss on Heather ’ s cheek and darted out of the kitchen , leaving Heather