Sweat poured down Robin's back as she struggled to catch her breath. Her legs burned, her muscles ached, and she just wanted to lie down. But she knew her weekly aerobics was good for her; her arms were strong from all the woodworking but her legs needed work. So she pressed on, stretching the resistance bands further as she forced herself into another squat.
"I haven't met her yet," Jodi said, putting her dumbbells down for a moment. "I got too caught up with chores yesterday, I didn't get the chance to."
"Lewis introduced her to me when she stopped by the Ranch. For nothing other than business matters, Caroline!" Marnie emphasised.
"Mm hmm, sure," the green haired woman said, a knowing smile on her face.
Marnie rolled her eyes. "Anyway, she asked me about some of the animals I was selling. It looks like we're about to get some good animal products soon!" Her expression was hopeful. She was clearly excited at the prospect of someone buying her wares and not having to be the only one herding the town's animals.
"I saw her at the saloon," Emily contributed. "She seems really sweet! She was giving everyone little gifts she'd foraged from around town. Shane was in his usual mood which put her off a bit, but she seemed to get along with everyone else well enough. Especially Leah. The two of them really hit it off. They stayed talking all the way until closing."
Hearing that made Robin's skin prickle. Leah was one of the town's newer residents, having escaped from a toxic relationship in the city no more than a year ago. She was closer to the farmer in age and Robin could immediately see the two of them getting along, but for some reason, a smidge of jealousy flared up inside her.
There was no reason for her to be feeling this way. The farmer now knew for certain that Robin was married. Even if she had been sizing Robin up to make an advance before, now it was clear she couldn't, so of course she would set her sights on someone else. Someone who was actually on the market. And more age appropriate. It was only natural. And anyway, she had only been here a day. She and Leah were probably just talking about their shared experiences moving from Zuzu City to a small town, Robin rationalised in her head. It doesn't have to be any deeper than that.
"...What do you think of her, Robin?" The redhead was pulled out of her thoughts when Jodi addressed her, all of them turning to look at her expectantly.
"Yeah! You picked her up from the bus stop, didn't you? Did you get to speak to her much?" Emily sounded excited, eager to know more.
Robin tried to act casual and kept her statement vague. "Yes, I did," she replied evenly. "She was tired from travelling and seems to be focused on working on the farm right now. But I think she'll be a great addition to our little town." There. Perfectly neutral statement.
"Afternoon, ladies. I hope I'm not interrupting." All heads swivelled to the farmer herself standing in the doorway. Her hair windswept from the breeze outside and Robin felt her breath catch. "I don't believe we've met yet," she said, addressing Jodi. "I'm the new farmer."
"Oh! You aren't exactly how I imagined... but that's okay! I'm Jodi." Robin's eyebrows shot up. What kind of introduction was that? Sure, new residents trickled into Pelican Town slower than water trickled through gaps in the glimmering boulder, but surely Robin wasn't the only one who thought that Jodi was coming off as rude?
The brunette paused her exercise to shake the farmer's hand. "Sorry if I'm a bit sweaty."
Apparently Robin was the only one who thought that, as the farmer didn't seem to be thrown off. Or she just wanted to make a good first impression. "Not at all!" she replied. "A healthy lifestyle is important. And it's great that you all work out together like this! It's easier to stay accountable if you have a community."
"Oh, I like you," Jodi said, clearly impressed.
"I just came by to buy some more seeds from Pierre, but also wanted to drop off some fresh berries for you all! Robin mentioned your weekly aerobics class when I arrived and I thought it could be a nice re-energising snack."
"Oh, aren't you a sweetheart!" The ladies continued to fawn over her and Robin suppressed a laugh. It was clear this whole town was starved of new company. They clamoured to ask her questions about the city and where she came from, how the farm was doing, why she decided to move. She answered each one both politely and concisely, and Robin felt an odd swell of pride. For no other reason than that the farmer was likeable and she wanted everyone to know that.
"I won't keep you all," she eventually said, excusing herself. "Willy came back from a fishing expedition this morning and gave me his old fishing pole. I want to try to reel in a couple of catches before dark."
"You can grab a bowl from the kitchen so you don't have to leave your berry basket here," Caroline offered, gesturing to the door by the fireplace. "It's just through there."
"Thank you. And please, don't stop on my account."
The women continued their various routines, conversation slightly stilted now as they obviously couldn't talk about the new farmer while she was still in earshot. Robin heard the door to the kitchen open and shut, then open again, and she tried her best to focus on her exercise.
The other women began discussing Kent and his deployment but Robin tuned the conversation out. Partly because she hated war talk and tended to avoid the topic like the plague, and partly because against her greatest efforts, all she could focus on was the farmer, whose eyes were fixed on her. Robin continued doing her squats, and she swore those keen eyes followed her all the way down and back up, tracking Robin's behind which stuck out with every repetition. The older woman's cheeks were as red as her hair, and not just because of exertion.
The farmer deposited the rest of the berries, subtly licked her lips (at least, Robin thought she did), bid the women adieu and took her leave.
Robin wished she had stayed.
A/N - Hello dear reader! I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has left a kudos or bookmark or comment. I started posting with the expectation that not many people would read this niche indie video game fic, but I'm so glad it's starting to find the right people. As always, let me know what you think and until next time, stay safe.
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