Love and Potato Chips

By Rebecca Blake

Hailey enjoys being a teacher, she likes the school year and she likes her summer breaks. She's looking forward to her time off with Doug, however she is summoned by her mother to come home and help with her parents anniversary party for the summer. There she makes some unpleasant discoveries in the form of her two least favorite people - the adored by all, Beau and the adored by none, cousin Mimi Lou. Sneaking away from her fitness crazed cousin and indulging in clandestine secret ice cream seems to be the only respite she'll be getting, and why isn't Doug responding to her attempts to contact him?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebecca Blake
• Release date: Jan 23, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370320288

Rebecca Blake

Rebecca Blake earned a Humanities BA from Brigham Young University with an emphasis in Art History. She now resides in Utah with her husband, five children and four bunnies.

Book preview

Love and Potato Chips

by Rebecca Blake

Smashwords edition

Copywrite 2018 Rebecca Blake

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Any resemblance to real life is purely coincidental.

Chapter 1: A Clandestine Affair

Chapter 2: George

Chapter 3: Digging Doug

Chapter 4: Good Apartments Are Hard to Find

Chapter 5: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Anyway?

Chapter 6: An Unexpected Break

Chapter 7: The Bubonic Plague Would Have Been Preferable

Chapter 8: What a Girl Wants

Chapter 9: Not All Pests Are Bugs

Chapter 10: An Unpleasant Surprise

Chapter 11: Love Triangle

Chapter 12: Glass Maiden

Chapter 13: A Quick Change

Chapter 14: Forgive and Try to Forget

Chapter 15: Disappointment

Chapter 16: If Only

Chapter 17: Acting on an Impulse

Chapter 18: Surprise!

Chapter 19: Trauma

Chapter 20: Loved Ones Gather

Chapter 21: Doug in the Dog House

Chapter 22: Parental Stamp of Approval

Chapter 23: BFF

Chapter 24: Ditching Doug

Chapter 25: Progress

Chapter 26: Damsel in Distress

Chapter 27: But How Is a Person Supposed to Be in Love Twice in One Year?

Chapter 28: Daring Do

Chapter 29: Everything in its Season

Chapter 30: Slap the Siren

Chapter 31: Happily Ever After

Chapter 1: A Clandestine Affair

I told you not to call here!

I’m sorry. I don’t know how to get in without being seen, Hailey whispered into her cell phone. She popped her head over the fence and peeked toward the house behind her and two doors down.

Don’t come over yet, he hissed into the phone she’s still here.

If you don’t want to me to come, I’ll understand.

No, no, I do. I’m just nervous. I’ve never done anything like this before.

Hailey could hear him taking deep calming breaths over the phone. Look, just come through Mrs. Sumner’s yard and go to the back door. I’ll let you in. But don’t come until I signal. I'll send you a text.

Are you sure you want me to go through her yard? What if she sees me?

Don’t worry, she won’t say anything. I’ve got to go. If my wife finds out about you it will be the end of my life.

Hailey ended the call and ducked below the fence again. Her dog, Potato Chip, was quietly sitting at her feet. He was a small dog of no particular breed; Hailey had gotten him from the local animal shelter. He had short triangular ears that stuck up, brown curly fur and a short tail. Hailey thought there must be quite a bit of terrier in him, but there was no way of knowing for sure.

His ears pricked forward and he silently wagged his tail when she looked down at him. Come on. She whispered to him and gave his bristly fur a pat. He followed her back to the house. Listen, I can’t take you with me today okay? Potato Chips ears drooped a bit but his eyes still looked hopeful. I’m sorry, but if Marlene finds a single dog hair she’ll know I was there and she’ll figure everything out and I just can’t let that happen.

Potato Chip watched her with pathetic eyes as she went out the door again into her back yard.

She jumped a little as her cell phone vibrated, signaling an incoming text.

She’s gone; you can come now, it said.

Hailey took a deep breath to steady her nerves and looked over into Mrs. Sumner’s yard. She hopped the fence and winced as she came down a little harder than she intended. Once she ascertained there was no one in sight, she sprinted across the yard and reached his back door panting.

Max opened the door and motioned her in. Quick. Did anyone see you?

I don’t think so, gasped Hailey.

You don’t want to be tired yet; you’ll be exhausted before you’re done! You still want to right? His eyes darted anxiously between Hailey’s trying to read her mind.

Don’t worry. I do this sort of thing all the time.

You do? His eyebrows darted up.

Yes, only, don’t tell anyone. I wouldn’t want word to get out.

I understand.

Now show me where you want me.

My wife couldn’t dig the grave deep enough if she knew you were here. She’s so particular about the house, there will be no mercy if she finds out someone saw it.

It’s okay, things can get out of hand after a new baby. I’ll take care of it.

He led her through the house. Every room was in one stage of chaos or another. Toys were strewn everywhere, dishes were piled on the counter and dirty laundry crowded the bins. I can handle the bedrooms and the front room if you do the bathrooms and the kitchen. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. I told her I’d take care of things while she’s gone. If we can make it look half way clean I’ll be a hero!

I’m happy to help. Hailey was already briskly clearing the table and piling dishes in the sink, but she did wonder how Potato Chip was doing back at the house without her.

Chapter 2: George

George Grundbar looked at his watch again. Where was she? If she didn’t hurry he’d either have to leave without his lunch or be late getting back to work. He drummed a tattoo on the table cloth, rearranged the silverware, fidgeted with his napkin, and rechecked his watch.

Tiffany wasn’t usually so late. He pulled out his cell phone, dialed and frowned. He heard her ringtone nearby and looked around. She was hurrying toward him.

I’m here! I’m sorry! I know I’m late. I was working out some final details with Austen. She slid into the booth out of breath. I ran all the way here. She glanced at her watch. We still have time, right? She swept raven hair out of her gray eyes.

And hello to you, too. He leaned toward her.

Oh, sorry, she said and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

Forgot to kiss your fiancé hello? You must have a lot on your mind.

You know how important this project is for me. Austen has the final legal arrangements worked out. She waved a waiter down. Could you get us a couple chef salads with chicken and balsamic vinaigrette? And could you tell them to hurry? Thanks. She turned her attention back to George who had a frown in his brown eyes. He hated balsamic vinaigrette but they were in a hurry and it wasn’t a weighty enough matter to make an issue of it. Tiffany didn't notice and continued on, Did you get the plans done?

Yes, I stayed up most of last night finishing them. He gestured to a large portfolio tucked in between the table and the wall.

May I see them?

He pulled the awkward package out and opened it. She took the large pages and looked them over. It’s so dark in here; you’d think they’d provide more light.

I sent them digitally as well.

Yes, but you know how much I like them old school.

George didn’t say anything but looked at the way the light shone on her smooth glossy head and noted how small her hands were holding the architectural elevations. A large diamond flashed as it caught a flicker from the candle on the table. He moved the candle away from the plans and sighed. She smiled up at him. He resisted the urge to lean over and kiss her. She wouldn’t like it while she was in business mode.

These are perfect! She gave the plans back to him. He carefully maneuvered them into the portfolio and put it into its previous place between the table and the wall. Have I told you lately how wonderful I think you are? She leaned forward, gave him a real kiss then wrinkled her face into a pout. You’re scratchy today.

He rubbed the stubble on his cheeks. I was so tired this morning, I forgot to shave.

You should grow it out a little then have it waxed off. That would give you a smooth face.

George laughed. What works for your legs, isn’t going to do much for my face.

The waiter came with the salads and placed them on the table. George would have enjoyed his if it hadn’t been for the dressing.

Tiffany was shoveling the salad into her mouth as fast as it could go. I appreciate this George, I really do. You don’t know how much this means to me, she said, her mouth full of food.

He took her free hand and looked into her face until she glanced up. It’s my pleasure; I’d do anything for you, anything, and this is a good cause. I love how concerned you are about these kids, and I adore you.

She looked guilty. I’m not doing anything, just coordinating details. It’s you and Austen who’ve put in most of the volunteer work. She glanced at her watch. I’ve gotta run. She stood up, swigged down some water and straightened her suit over her small childlike figure.

Don’t forget these, George held up the portfolio.

Oh! she grabbed it, bent down, and gave him a hasty kiss on the cheek.

George smiled as he watched her leave. He didn’t know when he’d seen her so fired up about anything. She must really love those kids, he said to himself as he plopped some money on the table and walked out the door.

Chapter 3: Digging Doug

It was Saturday and Hailey Brown let Potato Chip lead the way as she had important things on her mind. She’d allowed herself to eat two donuts that morning and since such excesses had their repercussions, she’d have to walk twice as far to pay for the indulgence.

Although, she reflected, twice as far wasn’t bad if Doug was home. He lived at the edge of the town and she’d make sure, no matter what direction the dog took, she’d reward herself by passing his house on her way back home.

Doug was muscular and tall and almost good looking. He had straight brown hair that often fell into his blue eyes. Most importantly, he was new. He’d only lived there for eight months. That was considered brand new for a place like Lincoln. A different face and fresh personality were valuable traits in that sort of town.

She’d lived in Lincoln for almost two years and didn’t particularly like the place, but Doug was a good reason to stay for now. There was nothing around the town for miles and miles. Hailey suspected her distaste for the place may not have been so strong if she’d left at some point during those two years even for a day or two.

Sure enough, there he was, head buried under the hood of his car. There were several automobiles of various kinds in the driveway and parked on the grassy field next to an old barn that served as his garage. He tinkered around in them on his day off. Engine parts were strewn inside the open barn doors and some skeletal remains of metal loomed in the shadows. Working on cars was his second favorite Saturday pursuit. His first favorite Saturday pursuit was Hailey.

Doug!

He ducked out and waved. What brings you all the way out here?

A donut.

He laughed and wiped some of the grease off his hands but Hailey backed up and shook her head at him before he could reach her. I could go wash up if you want.

Hailey smiled. Later.

Tildy Middaw walked toward the two of them with her blonde hair waving and shining right down to its dark roots. She lived a few doors down from Doug, which meant about half a mile. As usual, she was dressed a little too tight, a little too loud and a little too sparkly.

Hailey smiled and waved.

Tildy frowned. Hailey was too even keeled to suit her tastes. Tildy had personally gone through a great deal of trouble and preparation to turn herself out to such a stunning degree, Hailey looked like she had literally gotten out of bed, thrown her brown curly hair in a ponytail, and walked her dog, still in what could be her pajamas.

Actually, they were Hailey’s pajamas. She had dark hair and eyes the color of chocolate. She seemed to always have a light tan and a light pink flush to her cheeks. No one seemed to care if she loved sugar and had a figure that showed it. She was still beautiful. This irked Tildy who was always carefully calculating calories and embarking on new exercise programs guaranteed to lift this or tone that.

Doug spotted Tildy and suppressed the urge to roll his eyes.

Doug, my car needs new brakes. Want to show me how to change them? All her teeth glittered. Oh, hi Hailey, going for a walk huh?

Actually, I’m walking off a donut. Hailey said with a laugh.

You know, you’ll burn more calories if you run, she said looking right at Hailey’s hips.

I’m not that motivated, but thanks for the suggestion.

Tildy’s eyebrows were in danger of becoming one, but she wiped them smooth and addressed Doug again. How about it Doug? I’ll throw in lunch too.

I was talking to Hailey, and… He stopped, scrambling for an excuse.

It’s alright, Hailey said. I’m going home anyway. I don’t want to spoil your fun.

Potato Chip gave a yip and jumped up at a butterfly. Hailey allowed him to pursue it and followed behind him as he led her here and there away from Doug and Tildy.

Doug frowned after her. He would be stuck with Tildy for hours. It was a terrible waste of a Saturday.

But Hailey had things to do before she devoted herself to Doug.

As she got close to her house she paused by the Lanshkey’s place. Hailey looked at the overgrown yard and weed filled flower beds. She squatted down and rubbed Potato Chip’s throat and ears. What do you think? She said. His head tilted to the side as if considering and gave a quiet yip. She nodded her head. I think you’re right. No one is around, she thought, it wouldn’t take long. After collecting some things from her own house she snuck back and put an hour into weeding and trimming and managed to leave again unnoticed.

Hailey spent the rest of the morning digging about in the flower beds surrounding her own tiny rental house. The sun smiled down on her and breezes played at her hair. Soon it would be summer! No more teaching school, no rigid schedules, no excuses, no tattling, no whining. Hailey looked forward to the end of school as much as she'd look forward to the beginning when summer would come to a close.

After everything looked trim and neat and she gazed at her accomplishments for a few minutes, went inside her little bungalow, had lunch, cleaned house, showered and settled into a book she wanted to preview before she read it to her class. A few hours later she put on a little make up and checked her hair.

There was a knock on the door. It was Doug. Hailey smiled What brings you around? A waft of something that smelled baked and wonderful like bread and other good things came floating out of the house toward him. He stepped in.

I thought I’d check and see if your brakes were okay. Doug put his arms around Hailey’s waist, pulled her close and kissed her. Why did you leave me with that barracuda? When are you going to marry me and save me from her permanently?

She’s not that bad. Hailey turned and headed for the kitchen.

Yes she is. Her brakes were fine, didn’t even need changing. It was just an excuse. What a waste of a morning! I don’t know what’s harder to get off, the grease or her perfume.

Why don’t you tell her to go away?

He shrugged.

Hailey flipped her hair dismissively.

Doug followed her into the kitchen; he peeked in the oven, mmm… pork chops. Hailey made the best chops he’d