Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35240 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35240 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 176(@200wpm)___ 141(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
“I heard he’s screwing Kate now. You know from Kate’s Fabric Shop,” one woman said.
“Please, Jaxson Riggs gets around every woman in town. Those that claim to have taken him are sadly mistaken. I wouldn’t be surprised. Jaxson gives it to everyone,” another said.
She didn’t like that Kate had been mentioned. Tillie knew what they were referring to, and it wasn’t the first time she heard the rumor about Jaxson and Kate.
Before she could say anything, her order was up, and she thanked the cashier and left the coffee shop. It was another hot day, and she lowered Belle to the floor so she could walk.
Most of the shop owners in Higher Ridge didn’t mind that she liked to take her dog everywhere with her. She loved Belle so much, and it helped keep her focused, especially when she lost her parents. That time between getting Belle and losing her parents had been a nightmare.
Tillie took a sip of her iced caramel coffee as she left the shop, and she glanced around, noticing several people staring at her. Rather than linger too long, she made her way across town, heading toward the sheriff’s station, but crossing over the road to Kate’s Fabric Shop. The doors were closed, but the sign in front indicated it was open.
The moment she stepped inside, the doorbell rang, and it was a few moments before Kate appeared. Her dress was a little disheveled as she stepped into the main shop. She ran fingers through her hair, and she smiled toward her.
“Tillie, hi,” she said.
“Hi, Kate, is everything all right?” Tillie asked.
“Yeah, I’ve been wrestling with a fabric order. In fact, would you like to come and see?” Kate asked, coming toward her and flicking the sign on the shop door to ‘Closed,’ and locking it. There were no other customers, and Kate reached down to pick up Belle.
Tillie followed the other woman toward the back of the shop, and sure enough, there was a huge pallet of wrapped fabric.
“This was supposed to be delivered last week.”
“It’s Christmas fabric,” she said.
“Yep. I always make sure I get plenty in stock, and I like to have a variety between woven and knit fabric, just so people can order what they like. Christmas sweaters, pajamas, or outfits. You know how busy everyone can be at that time of year,” Kate said. “You get it ordered early, and hopefully, it will inspire customers to order.”
Tillie felt a little uneasy as she stood in the back of the shop. “Kate, have you heard any ... rumors?”
“Rumors? What do you mean?” Kate asked.
“You know, in town?” She nibbled her lip and watched as Kate frowned.
“In all honesty, I’ve not been to town for quite some time. I’ve just been so focused on the shop.” Kate reached into the box of fabric and carried it across her small storage room. “Why? What nasty little rumors are they saying now?”
“They’re talking about you and Jaxson.”
This made Kate stop. “Me and Jaxson? What on earth for?”
“They say you and Jaxson are seeing each other.”
Kate frowned. “How is that possible, he’s dating you? Also, Jaxson is so not my type.”
“He’s not your type?”
“No.” Kate scrunched up her nose. “That is ... uh, I don’t know. Look, I don’t want to insult you or anything, but he’s not my type.”
Tillie laughed. “I’m not upset, but Jaxson seems to be every woman’s type.”
“This is just stupid gossip, Tillie. I hope you don’t think I would do that to you,” Kate said, putting the fabric against the wall and coming back to her. “I know we’ve never really associated outside of work and all that, but I do consider you a friend, and I do not break the whole ‘girl code’ rule.”
Tillie reached out and held onto Kate’s hands. “You’re right. I didn’t believe it myself, but I thought you should know.”
Kate put her fingers to her head and let out the sound of an explosion. “Honestly, that is what I think to all of that.”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Who is your type?”
“I don’t know ... Jaxson has always seemed so ... mean. He’s nice when he comes to work for me, and he helps me around the shop, but he has a lot of spite.” She shrugged. “I don’t even know what I’m talking about anymore.”
“Is there someone you have a crush on?” Tillie asked. Belle pawed at her legs, and she bent down to pick her little girl up.
“It’s ... uh, kind of silly.” Kate’s face had gone a bright shade of pink.
“Who is it?”
“Okay, but you can’t say anything. Do you promise?”
She didn’t even see what could be so bad. “I promise.”
Kate nodded. “You know Cruz Moore?” Kate winced as she spoke.
“Of the Moore Ranch?” Tillie asked.
“Yeah, well, my mom has a job as his housekeeper, and, well...” Kate stopped and groaned.