The Cowboy's Healing Ways. Brenda Minton

coming in?”

      Laura nodded and unbuckled her seat belt. “Of course.”

      Cowbells clanged to announce their arrival as they walked through the door of the restaurant. Although it was well past lunchtime, there were several full tables. A group of ladies took up the long center table. Two tables were taken by older men.

      “Men gossip more than women ever thought of,” Myrna announced as she walked past the group of men. She touched the shoulder of one man and he smiled up at her. Myrna took off his ball cap and hung it on the back of his chair. “Take your hat off when you’re inside.”

      “It’s the Mad Cow, Myrna,” he grumbled as he ran a big hand through thinning gray hair. “I tell you, women are a lot of trouble. Who’s your friend? Is she as ornery as you?”

      “Of course she is. And her name is Laura.”

      A woman walked out from the back of the restaurant. Her dark hair was shot through with gray and pulled back in a neat bun. Her white blouse and jeans were hidden behind a red apron.

      “Well, look who came in for coconut cream pie.” The woman hugged Myrna. “Here, sit back here away from these men.”

      “Thank you, Vera, we will. And I’d like for you to meet Laura.” Myrna pulled Laura forward.

      Vera nodded and then she smiled. “You’re Jesse’s housekeeper. How you feeling, honey? Did my chicken soup help?”

      “It did.”

      “Good, well, the coconut cream pie will make you feel even better. You girls have a seat. I’ll be right back with pie and coffee.”

      Laura squeezed into the corner booth, sitting opposite Myrna. Vera returned a few minutes later with three pieces of pie and the coffeepot.

      “I brought another piece of pie on out. I saw Jesse pull in a few minutes ago. I figure he’ll want pie.”

      The bells clanged and the glass door opened. Jesse pulled off his cowboy hat as he walked in and ran a hand through his dark hair. He glanced around the room and when he saw Laura and Myrna, he smiled. Laura choked a little on her coffee and Vera gave her a sympathetic look.

      “There’s definitely something going around.” Vera smiled as she made the comment. “I hope it isn’t too contagious.”