Tuesday Tales: From the Word ROCK

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. This week our word prompt is ROCK. I’m continuing with Royal Flush, my contemporary romance.

“I hope you don’t mind, but yesterday I asked Maggie when you wrapped up for the day.” He grinned. “If you aren’t too tired, I thought we might grab a drink and finish our conversation. There is someplace in town that sells cold beer, right?”

She chuckled, secretly pleased he’d thought enough to ask and wanted to spend more time with her, but determined not to let him know it.

“There is, but I wasn’t aware we had a conversation to finish,” she parried, playing the coquette even though she wasn’t particularly skilled at it.

He covered his heart with his hands. “Ouch! That hit the bullseye. I’m mortally wounded.”

She fought to keep her laughter in check. “Sure you are, but since I’m thirsty, you can buy me a beer at The Brew Shack. Their patio runs along the creek, separated from the water by a low, rock wall. It’s in the shade at this time of day and guaranteed to heal all mortal wounds.”

He grinned and offered her the crook of his arm. “In that case, lead on. I’m not sure I remember where it is.”

“It’s only been open a couple of years,” she explained, putting her arm through his and walking along the sidewalk with him, secretly cherishing the smiles on the faces of those they met, with their “Hi, Pearl” and “Welcome back, Kyle,” as if they approved of them as a couple. The prince and the pauper—if only they knew the truth!

She loved every inch of this town, even though it was as different from what she was used to as night and day. Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive had far less appeal for her than Main Street. They walked by Aunt Ida’s Quilt Shop, closed on Tuesday so that the woman could play bridge. Next to her store was The Blushing Bride and Groom, a “by appointment only” wedding boutique since each of the garments Agnes Getz sold was handmade. On the corner of Main and Colchester stood Martin’s Antiques and Collectables.

“Have you ever been in there?” she indicated the place. “They have some truly unusual items.”

“Yes. A couple of times. I think every kid who grew up in Forest Falls went down there on a dare at one time or another. A lot of them think the place is haunted. What about you? Have you tempted fate yet?

That’s it. Stay safe and don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales