"I'll get all of that ordered for the charity auction. Thank you so much for helping with this!" Maggie and Lisa walked into the diner area from the store area, discussing the school's charity auction. Lisa had offered up some new equipment-bridles, leads, even a saddle as one of the auction's big ticket items, and the ladies had just finished going over the order for all of it, Maggie more than thrilled to have so much donated from Lisa.
"Oh, you're welcome," Lisa said to her, turning and reaching over to squeeze her arm. "Happy to help. I know what it's like to try and run programs on limited funds, and this is nothing for me to do, really. I meant it when I said to let me know if you need more. It's easy to write a check, but I'm also happy to volunteer or anything else. What good is having money if I can't share it? I love helping the school, but please, let me know if you need more."
"I will," Maggie smiled. "You're the best, Lisa. Thanks again. I know the equestrian club will be thrilled with any funds they raise, but I'm guessing with what they raise, they should have enough to enter into several competitions. I'll keep you posted."
"Great," Lisa grinned. "Now, if it's not too much trouble, could I get a cup of coffee before I go? It's that mid-afternoon slump. I'm dragging."
"Absolutely, and I won't take any money-deal?" Maggie pointed to her, narrowing her gaze.
"Okay," Lisa grinned as she nodded. "I'll refrain from paying this time." Maggie moved behind the counter to get Lisa's coffee, and Lisa turned her attention to the diner, looking for a spot to sit and go over the packet of information she had been handed from Maggie. It was really just the order invoice, but she wanted to check it over. As she looked for a spot to sit, she smiled and walked toward a new face.
"Jack, good to see you. See," she gestured with her hand, "I did say that now that we had met, we'd start running into one another all over town. It always makes me wonder how many other times we've been in the same place and just hadn't been introduced."
"Oh, hi there, Lisa," Jack told her, looking up from the daily paper that he had spread out on the table. He took off his glasses to speak to her. "Nice to see you, and yes," he chuckled lightly, "it does seem that way, that once you meet someone, you end up running into them all over. Ahh, what brings you to town? I'm waiting on a package, a part for my tractor. It had to be delivered here instead of out to the house-don't ask me why, and while the packages are usually here by 2:00, today of all days, things are running late, and I'm told probably by 3:00. Until I get that part for my tractor, I'm at a standstill, so I decided that as long as I had to wait, I'd have some coffee and a piece of pie. Ahh," he waved, "would you like to join me?"
"No, no," she waved her hand in front of her. "I didn't mean to bother you."
"Hey, Lisa, here's your coffee," Maggie walked up behind her, smiling at Jack. "Jack, are you still waiting on that tractor part?"
"Yes ma'am," Jack said with a sigh and nod, looking then back to Lisa to address her. "You're not a bother and are more than welcome to sit here, especially if you are staying for a cup of coffee. No need to sit alone unless you just want the solitude."
"I'm sure she has plenty of that at home," Maggie smiled, putting the cup down on the table. She looked at Lisa with a slight grin, "I'm sure you can join Jack while he waits for his part. You said you wanted a moment to recharge anyway, and it saves me from cleaning two tables." Maggie pulled out the chair, gesturing to Lisa.
Lisa rolled her eyes at that but chuckled as she sat down in the chair. Jack folded up his paper, and Lisa, seeing that, waved at him. "No, no, don't change what you were doing on my account. I just went over some orders with Maggie and wanted a little afternoon recharge with a cup of coffee. Really, I'm not here to be a bother."
"Oh, another customer needing their afternoon coffee," Maggie patted the chair as she walked away. "Let me know if either of you need anything."
Lisa smiled across the table at Jack, "Well, not sure what that was, but I didn't mean to bother you."
He shook his head, "Like I said, it's no bother. Ahh," he gestured at her, "You were placing some orders?"
"Sort of," she nodded as she got comfortable and put the paperwork on the table. "I am donating some items to the auction the equestrian club is running. Maggie and I were meeting to talk about what was needed. She created the list, and basically, I handed her my credit card."
Jack chuckled, "Well, that was very generous and kind of you. Amy's in that club, and I know they are always short on funds and often can't enter a lot of competitions. She's always flashing her big eyes at me, begging me for extra cash."
Lisa grinned and nodded, "I'm sure that's quite effective."
"All too often," Jack said, laughing as he said it. Both sipped at their coffee. "So, Marion didn't say much but said she had a great time the other evening with you and Maggie."
Lisa nodded, "I did too. It was really nice to hang out with both of them. Great conversation, great food-"
Jack raised an eyebrow, "Yes, I heard that you made one heck of a pie and supplied the wine. I see the generous spirit follows you."
She laughed lightly and shrugged, "I love to make pies, really any sort of baking or cooking, and I don't get to do a lot of it for others. The wine, well, I do love good wine and again, don't have an opportunity to share it often."
"I find that hard to believe, you not having opportunities to spend time with others," Jack gestured at her. Lisa eyed him, finally breaking eye contact and shrugged.
"What can I say? I work a lot, travel a lot, and don't do much else."
"You've mentioned traveling both times I've now spoken to you. Where do you mostly travel? Did you mention France before?"
She nodded with a small smile, "France, yes, a lot of my business is done in France. I have a small place in the south of France, and I also have a small stable there. I've started breeding a lot of my horses throughout Europe, good market for it. I do some traveling throughout the States, mostly Kentucky, Florida, Colorado, and Montana. While I'm gone a lot, there's still something about coming home."
"Now, I understand that," he said with a slight smile as he knocked his hand on the table.
Lisa grinned at him, "Yes, I noticed in now our two conversations that you aren't one for much travel, is that right?"
"Why travel when the most beautiful countryside is right here?" Jack shrugged. "I just have plenty to keep me busy here, no real time or interest in going anywhere else."
"Okay," Lisa frowned as she made a face. "You know what they say about all work and no play? You don't sound like you take much time to enjoy life, sorry if I'm overstepping," she sat back, waving her hand.
"I enjoy life just fine," he said with a single nod, "and no," he let out a slight chuckle, "not overstepping. That sounds like my granddaughter, Lou, who has been trying to get me to come visit her in New York. Now, that's something I won't do. The way I see it, it's just how people view enjoying life."
"So, what do you do for fun? I travel, but that's sometimes work and not as much fun. I like to cook and bake, as I told you. I enjoy just good wines, and I like to read. What does Jack Bartlett enjoy doing?"
"Fly fishing," he smiled. "Nothing better."
"Okay," she nodded with a grin. "That's a good hobby, and I'm sorry if it sounded like I was picking at you. I really wasn't. Sometimes, I come off poorly, and I really don't mean to."
"Didn't think that at all," he said with a nod to her. "And to add to that, yes, I enjoy other things too. Really enjoy good rides in my truck, seeing the mountains around here and I also enjoy a nice glass of wine sometimes. Marion does a lot of the shopping, and she usually just buys the cheap stuff, so I'm not some wine connoisseur. "
Lisa nodded and grinned at that, sipping her coffee before she put it down and looked over at him again, "Well, there are plenty of good wines out there, and I know some of the vineyards I like would hate my saying this, but yes, you don't always have to spend a fortune to find a decent wine. Don't you worry-I've resorted to the cheap, boxed stuff in my time," she laughed. "We're all young and broke at some point."
Both of them laughed at that comment, Jack nodding at her as he pursed his lips, "Now, I find that hard to believe."
"True story," she nodded. "My dad always made me work for everything. I realize I have my extensive business and stable now, but I started out by mucking stalls at home too, promise."
He raised an eyebrow, "Really, well, okay then."
"Really," she grinned. "Mucking stalls, hauling hay, mending fences-you name it. Dad believed you couldn't run a business if you didn't know how to work the different aspects of it. As the owner now, I agree with him. I still get my hands plenty dirty. A good boss has to."
"Refill?" Both looked up to see Maggie standing there, holding the pot of coffee and smiling at them. "Jack, just checked on your order, not here yet."
"Then fill me up," he said and added with a nod to Lisa, "ladies first."
"Ahh, sure," Lisa smiled, holding her cup out for Maggie. Maggie spoke to Lisa as she filled up both cups.
"Lisa, you will have to share that pie recipe, if you are willing. That was divine."
"Happy to," she grinned. She nodded at Jack, "I sent the leftovers home with Marion."
"Yeah, and the girls ate it all for breakfast," Jack groaned. "Didn't have any."
"Oh," both Lisa and Maggie said at the same time and covered their mouths as they laughed. Jack rolled his eyes at them.
"Well then," Lisa stopped laughing and schooled her features, "I'll just have to make another one sometime soon."
"Oh, the delivery," Maggie called out, patting Jack's shoulder as she walked away quickly to handle the delivery. She turned her head to Jack, "I'll tell them to put it in your truck."
"I don't want to keep you," Lisa hooked her hand over her shoulder.
He shrugged, "No sense in rushing off with a fresh cup of coffee in front of both of us. I've got a minute, so why don't you tell me about some of your horses? I don't know a lot about the horse racing and breeding business, other than to know it's way out of my league in more ways than one. I'm sure the price on those horses would give me a heart attack, but tell me about some of yours."
"All right," she smiled, shifting in her chair. "I'll be glad to, but how about I just tell you about my favorite horse right now, and maybe you can tell me about yours? Trade horse stories today?"
"Now that again," he pointed toward her, "is speaking my language. Ladies first."
They ended up talking for another hour, laughing a lot and sharing stories about their horses. Jack finally looked at his watch and frowned.
"I really have to get going," he eyed her. "I still have two or three hours' worth of work to get done once I even get the tractor up and running."
"I should get back to work myself," Lisa said as she started to collect her things. "It's been really nice talking to you this afternoon."
"You as well," Jack said as he stood. He raised an eyebrow at Lisa, "Hopefully, I didn't come across as the grump Marion makes me out to be."
Lisa grinned and chuckled quietly, "I might have heard her use that phrasing, but not at all. I mean, how can you be a grump talking about things you enjoy-your horses and fly fishing?"
He gestured for her to walk ahead of him, "You're discounting the company. Appreciated that too while I was waiting. There are plenty of people who would have had me groaning in irritation had they walked up to the table."
She turned her head as she reached the door, "Glad to hear I didn't receive that reception. You know what?" Lisa asked as she stood at the door, glancing at her watch. She nodded, "I think I'll leave you here. I'm going to go ahead and order something to go for dinner."
"Okay, then," Jack said with a tip of his hat. "Until we run into each other next time," he said with a small smile, and at that, he stepped outside, and Lisa walked up to the counter.
"So," Maggie raised her eyebrows at Lisa and smirked at her.
"What?" Lisa asked. "I wanted to get dinner to go while I'm here, and it's late already. I can take it home and eat while I work." She sighed as she sat down on a barstool.
"You had coffee with Jack-"
"Well, yes, but you pretty much forced my hand. I know I was interrupting him at his table."
"No you weren't," she sighed, waving her hand. She nodded and grinned, "You know, I never ever thought about it until I watched you two talking and laughing."
"Thought about?" Lisa eyed her and shook her head.
"You and Jack," she waved at Lisa, grinning. "I can see it, oddly enough, but I can. Opposites attract, right?"
"Jack?" Lisa raised her eyebrows, and Maggie started laughing at her.
"Oh, you're blushing too. Fine, you don't want to admit it, but I saw it. Didn't you tell us the other night you've barely gotten through a coffee date with a guy? Well," she gestured to the table, "that was a coffee date."
"Don't be silly," Lisa waved, sputtering her words. "That, that," she paused, "that was just friends talking, not even friends, I mean, not that I wouldn't be his friend, but I barely know him."
"Mmm hmm," Maggie nodded. "Marion keeps saying she wishes Jack would get back out there. You might be the perfect person for him."
"Ridiculous," Lisa huffed as she sat on the stool. "While you interrogate me, could I get the turkey dinner to go? As far as that," she waved over toward the table where they'd been sitting, "It's nice to get to know people, but as I said, I'm perfectly fine on my own."
"You can say that, but you also said you enjoy the simple things in life, like having coffee with someone. That looked so natural, both of you. It's the age thing, isn't it?"
"What?" Lisa asked, feeling her face redden. "No, I mean, don't be silly, I mean, I'm not pursuing him."
"What? I mean, I know it's Jack, and I've known him a very long time, but he's a good guy, one of the very best. Sure, he's older, but you even said you weren't interested in younger guys. Good looking, especially holds his looks for his age. I mean," she smiled at Lisa and shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah, he's stuck in his ways, but I'm telling you-"
"What? Date a friend's father? That is out of the question," Lisa shook her head.
Maggie patted the counter, "You can't deny that you had a nice afternoon, a good conversation with him. Trust me. I see all kinds in here. You two looked like you were having a lovely time talking, and there are plenty of relationships based on much less."
Lisa frowned, pointing at Maggie, "You are crazy."
"Oh, I know," Maggie grinned, "but I also know people. And, if you're worried about Marion, don't be."
"It's nothing I am pursuing!" Lisa exclaimed, quickly glancing around as she realized she'd gotten loud. "Really, I'm not."
"We'll see," Maggie grinned. "I think this is a great thing to discuss the next time we all get together."
"No, it's not, and that should be the end of it," Lisa huffed. Maggie chuckled.
"You're blushing again, and I know you. It's okay if you have to process it, but yeah, I see it. You know, I would have thought the age thing would be an issue, but you two looked so natural over there talking."
"I'm fine alone," Lisa repeated, frowning at her.
"I know, but you'd be great with a good guy. Jack is a good guy, and you were smiling a lot talking to him. You know, you are alike. He's not dated a soul since his wife died, and that was over a decade ago."
Lisa rolled her eyes, gesturing at Maggie, "Sure, so even in your twisted mind, why would he start now? Some people never move on from losing a spouse. My dad never did."
"He's a guy," she grinned at Lisa. "Jack is the type to not waste his time, and I think you said something very similar, that you didn't waste your time with causal dating. Well, knowing Jack, he loved his wife very much, but something tells me that a knockout like you," she grinned and nodded at Lisa, "he will be interested. Correction, he was interested. I'm telling you-I can read people. Jack doesn't sit in here and chat it up with just anyone. He comes here alone a lot, sometimes with Marion or Amy, but I'm not counting them. He comes with his buddy, Stumpy sometimes, but that's it. Now Val Stanton-"
"Oh, I can't stand her," Lisa gritted her teeth, waving at Maggie. "You know that. He can have her."
"That's just it. She tries to sit and have coffee, just like you two just did. Jack doesn't last more than five minutes with her, and he could have been planning to sit there for an hour. No, he always puts up with about five minutes, and that is it. I just watched him talk to you for over an hour, and Lisa," she said dropping her head to eye Lisa, "that man is definitely interested, even if he doesn't realize it yet himself."
