But after a while, the community began to wonder if we were a bunch of terrorists or disgruntled women going through a midlife crisis.
I had to do something for income because asshole’s alimony didn’t even begin to cover my groceries, much less rent on a building. The alimony might be enough if I cut back on my food, which I’ve obviously found comfort in.
“Ta da.” Ginger made spirit fingers once inside.
Willow ran wild with dust flying up behind her. I flipped on the light switch just inside the door. Only the lights didn’t come on. I flipped it on and off, just in case there was a short. Nothing.
Suddenly, there was a loud racket outside. We all turned to see what all the noise was. Asshole’s truck was puttering through the unplowed street.
“What’s he doing here?” Bernadine asked while peeling off her long black gloves. “Doesn’t he know we Divas don’t need him?”
Bernadine was right, but I was still glad to see him. After all, he did own Sean’s Little Shack handyman service. And if anyone needed service, it was me and these lights.
“Morning, ladies.” Sean smiled that fantastic smile that made me fall head over heels in love with him a mere ten years ago, and held out a box of coffee from the local coffee shop. “I thought you’d need some coffee, but by the looks of things you just might need a handy man too.”
He pointed the magnetic sign on his truck. His logo included a picture of a little shack.
“Yes we could.” Bernadine’s attitude had turned on a dime. “And do you think you could look at these lights.”
Ginger nudged Bernadine.
“What?” Bernadine shrugged. “I need coffee.”
Sean grabbed his old toolbox out of the bed of the truck, and moseyed up the steps.
“How are you, Ms. Pearl?” He nodded as he passed Agnes. “No need for that coffee maker. I got you some fresh coffee right here. And I must say, I love what you’ve done with your hair.”
“Liar.” I mouthed as he walked past me.
Poor Agnes’ hair was as blue as the sky. For some reason Pearl’s hair dresser can never fix her hair without turning it that old lady blue. But Agnes can hardly see, so I’m sure she didn’t even know her hair was the color of cotton candy.
Sean smiled again before being surrounded by the Divas.
Chapter Two
“What are you doing here?” I said through gritted teeth.
He was never involved in the marriage, why would he want to be part of my life after the marriage.
“Just seeing where my investment is going.” Sean took a drink of his coffee then looked around at the completely empty dark and dusty building. “Hmm. . .so when are you opening this joint?”
I had to admit it was hard to imagine the dusty old place was getting ready to be one of the busiest stores in Swanee.
“Vision, Sean, vision.” I assured him. “Besides, this has nothing to do with you or an investment.”
“Of course it is, baby. I write you that monthly check.” He said, reminding me of the lack of alimony.
“You mean the invisible money that I haven’t seen since summer?” I asked, trying to embarrass him in front of the Divas.
“I admit it’s been slim with Doug Sloan taking all the jobs, like Ms. Pearl’s.” Sean made sure he said it loud enough for Agnes to hear him.
“Honey, I might be a little blind, but I’m not deaf,” Agnes said. “And I’ve already talked to you about that.”
Agnes put her fingers up to her mouth as to sush Sean. After all, Ginger was Doug’s sister. Everyone in town was well aware of the shoddy remodeling job Doug had done at Agnes’ from the large blinking billboard sign in her front yard telling all of Swanee that Doug Sloan was a thief who stole from an old women.
Sean had become known as the clean-up guy who charged pennies on the dollar to fix whatever Doug Sloan screwed up.
“I know all about my brother.” Ginger said through a puff of dust she was trying to sweep into the dustpan Flora was holding. “Flora, hold
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