Big Girls Don't Cry

She’d anticipated selling the Jeep to one of the cowboys around town, or maybe a teenager from the high school. She’d never dreamed someone like Isaac Russell would show any interest. She wasn’t even sure what he was doing in town. Dressed in a pair of chinos, a button-down shirt and loafers, he looked like he could afford something much nicer. Something more urban, like a Lexus.

Jennifer started naming the price she’d heard Reenie mention. “Fourteen—”

“Fifteen thousand,” Reenie quickly interrupted.

Mr. Russell lifted his eyebrows. “Sounds like I’d better act fast.”

“Jennifer wasn’t accounting for the new tires.”

“I see.”

“It’s my daddy’s,” Angela volunteered.

“When will your daddy be home?” he asked.

“Not for a long—”

“Angela, that’s enough.” Mr. Russell seemed like a nice guy, but Reenie didn’t see any reason to tell him she and the girls were alone.

“What brings you to Dundee, Mr. Russell?”

He turned the key in the ignition and the engine roared to life. “I’m, um, here to do a little research,” he said above the noise.

“For what?” Angela asked.

He adjusted the seat and tried the windshield wipers.

“For what?” she repeated when he didn’t answer.

“I’m writing a novel.”

Jennifer brightened immediately, as Reenie knew she would. “What’s your book about?” she asked.

He turned off the stereo. “Small-town relationships.”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place for that,” Reenie said.

A brief smile indicated he’d marked the sarcasm in her voice. “I’m sure I have.”

“So you’re only visiting?”

“That’s right.”

“How long will you be staying?”

“In Dundee?” He shrugged. “A few days. Maybe a week. As long as it takes to get what I need.”

“Are you at the motel in town, then?”

“Not yet. I just got in. I was taking a drive to get a feel for the area, and that’s when I came across your Jeep.” He patted the dashboard. “I love these.”

“They’re versatile.”

“An absolute necessity in the jungle.”

“Did you say jungle?”

He chuckled. “Never mind.”

She pulled the girls away from the idling vehicle. “If you leave your driver’s-license number with me, you can take it out on the highway, if you like.”

“Not today, thanks. I’ll think about it and get back to you, though. Okay?”

“We want to buy a horse,” Isabella volunteered.

He smiled at her while turning off the engine. “That sounds like fun.”

“What kind of research do you do for a relationship novel?” Reenie asked as he got out and handed her the keys.

“Talk to people, take note of what they say and do.”

“Mention that you’re writing a book, and half the people in this town will be ready to tell you anything you want to know,” she said. “Gossip is their favorite pastime.”

He studied her for a moment, and she sensed his curiosity again. “Sounds like you’ve been a victim of that gossip.”

“My family has received more public interest than most.”

“You and Keith?”

“No. My parents and my brother.”

He cocked one eyebrow at her. “Want to talk about it?”

“I’d rather leave that subject alone. But if you want general information about the area, I can help. I’ve lived here all my life.”

“Thanks, Mrs. O’Connell.”

“Call me Reenie,” she said. “Everyone else does.”

“Okay, Reenie.” His unusual golden eyes seemed to absorb every detail of her face. “Since you’re willing to help, is there any chance you could meet me at the diner in town later?” He raised a hand and stepped back a foot, as if to assure her that his intentions were honest. “For an interview,” he added.

Reenie couldn’t see why not. He was acquainted with her husband, which made him an old friend of sorts. And the diner was a public place. She knew practically everyone in town, which meant she’d be surrounded by friends. “When?”

He checked his watch. “Seven? I’ll buy you dinner in exchange for your time.”

Reenie was hopeful he’d buy more than dinner. She wanted to sell him the Jeep. “It’s too bad Keith isn’t here,” she said. “He’s going to be disappointed he missed you.”

“I’m sorry I missed him, too,” he said. “See you at seven.”