Free Sweet Tea and Secrets by Nancy Naigle Page B

snatched them off the earth, memories and all, in that one day.
    But Pearl, she’d always been there. Every resident in this town had benefited at some point from Pearl’s unsolicited advice, and in most cases even appreciated it. Thank God Pearl had been there when Carolanne’s father took to drinking after her mother died. If it hadn’t been for Pearl, Carolanne wouldn’t have had a safe haven, or the guidance she needed to keep her head held high through the stormy times. Jill and Carolanne had become like sisters from that point forward. Jill hoped she’d have control over her memories of Pearl in a way that she hadn’t for her parents.
    Garrett stepped his long lean leg over the bench, then sat facing her the opposite way. He bumped her shoulder to hers playfully.
    “I didn’t hear you come up.” She bumped him back.
    “I heard Bradley already left,” he said.
    “Yep.”
    “He didn’t stay long.”
    “Nope.”
    “You okay?”
    She bumped him with her shoulder again, and then laid her head his shoulder. “Yep. Fine as I can be.”
    He patted her head. “Good.”
    “Garrett?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Thank you.” She paused, looking for the right words. “For the jacket, the support. Just for being there for me...always...and checking on me now.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    “I wanted to jump right in that hole with her,” she admitted.
    He nodded.
    “I’m sorry,” she said.
    “For what?” Garrett leaned back, studying her face.
    “Everything. I’ve treated you awful. You didn’t deserve it.”
    “Yeah. But you were good at it.”
    “I don’t think I want to be known for being good at being awful. Can you forgive me?”
    He raised his brows and shrugged like he just might not be able to, but then laughed and said, “Of course. Done.”
    “You sure?”
    “How can I prove it?” Garrett asked.
    “Will you mow the yard?” she asked, hoping he would say yes.
    “Are you using me for my body?” he teased, straightening tall like he was flattered.
    “Yes, but don’t tell Becky. She already staked her claim on you. She said y’all are dating, and you’re all hers.”
    He rolled his eyes. “You know better than that. She’s dreamin’. I already found my one true love.”
    A tear slipped down her cheek.
    He brushed the tear away with his thumb, then ran his fingers along her swollen lips.
    “A lot’s happened while I’ve been away.”
    “Yeah.” He stripped a leaf from the tree branch that dipped low above their heads. “How’s Clyde?”
    “So far, so good. I’m keeping him well-fed, just in case.”
    “I shouldn’t have left him with you. He’s a good dog, but he’s still a puppy at heart. He can be a handful. I’ll pick him up.”
    “No. I like having him there.”
    “Are you ready to go home? I can give you a lift if you need one.”
    “Macy’ll give me a ride.”
    “You more the limo kind of girl these days?” he teased.
    “No.” She swatted his arm.
    “I just saw Macy take old man Piper and Miss Holly back to the seniors home, she’ll be a while. I’d be happy to take you back now.”
    She wrestled with her feelings for a moment. Why was she hell-bent on rejecting Garrett’s attempts to be nice? Pearl would hate that. After all, Pearl had been Garrett Malloy’s biggest fan.
    “You know what, I think I’ll take you up on that ride,” she finally agreed.
    “Great. Let’s go.” He extended his hand to help her up. They walked in silence to Garrett’s truck, and then he held the door as she climbed up into the cab.
    As they pulled in front of the house, Garrett pointed to the backyard. “Someone’s happy to see us.” Clyde bounced up and down along the fence, finally coming to a stop with one huge paw hung over the top of it like he was waiting on them to visit.
    “No.” Jill sat tall and grabbed for Garrett’s arm.
    She could barely get the words out fast enough. Adrenaline flooded her speech.
    “Wait. Something’s wrong. Clyde was in the house