Life in a Small New Hampshire Town

Here's the normal disclaimer that all participants are over 18 and are a figment of my imagination.

My purpose in writing this story is to provide a romantic glimpse into life in a small town in upstate New Hampshire, the lives and the loves of the people. It starts slowly and builds over time. One of my goals in this chapter is to introduce a number of characters to set up possible future chapters. If you're looking for graphic sex in the first paragraph, probably best that you look elsewhere. However, if you stick with it, you'll be rewarded with both romance and sex. Everyone looks at life through the filter of their own experiences. If you live in a large city, events that unfold in this story may feel unrealistic to you. Helping neighbors in need is a still a way of life in small rural towns everywhere. Sometimes, good Karma happens as a result.

My gratitude and thanks to my friend and editor for their editing and perceptive suggestions.

Enjoy!

*****

A Monday morning, New Hampshire, spring 2018

I hooked my trailer to my truck and was almost ready to hit the road and start another day. I'm the head honcho of Derrick's Property Management which currently consists of John, Randy, Susan and me. Since this was late spring, we are primarily in the lawn mowing business. As the mowing season winds down in the fall, we process firewood until snow plowing starts. In the winter we also take on smaller remodeling jobs to fill in the time between snow storms. Just trying to make a living any way we can. John has been with me for about ten years, Randy, four. Both have fixed routes and are reliable workers. Susan is my next door neighbor who does my bookkeeping. I allow her to set her own schedule around her family's needs, a system that works for both of us.

While John and Randy do the bulk of the work, I have a few clients on a fixed schedule, but also fill in where needed, and as well as look for ways to expand the business. Today I'm headed for a new client in Long Lake, a bit out of the area we normally serve, but is an upscale town. I want to evaluate the potential to expand. With my handy GPS, I arrived at the Dickerson's and am greeted by a woman I assume is the Maeve Dickerson who called me.

She introduced herself and tells me "My sister, Kimberly Archer, lives in Big Falls and speaks highly of your work. My husband works long hours, the neighborhood boy who has been doing it the last couple of years graduated from High School and is headed to college and I can't do it."

Maeve showed me around the place and told me what she wanted done. I took a few minutes to calculate a price, which I presented to her. She immediately agreed to it and I started the job. An hour and a half later I was done, and I headed out to my next job. 'I wish every quote was that easy to convert to a paying customer. I'll have to remember to thank Kim' I thought.

I was headed to Appleton, but since I was coming from Long Lake, it was different from my usual approach to town. I was coming down a long hill and because I was on an unfamiliar road and had a loaded trailer behind me, I was going fairly slowly. At the bottom of the hill was a dirt side road to the left, next to a medium size stream. An ATV was parked on the edge of the road and a woman was standing on the bank of the stream. She was quite tall, thin, wore a long brown dress with large white poke-a-dots. She was fishing with a baby in a baby carrier on her back. Needless to say, that was a sight you didn't see every day. Since I was going slowly and there was no other traffic, I kind of stared. Just as I passed her she reeled in a good size trout. Evidently, she knew what she was doing. I continued on to my next client, but I admit to wondering about her the rest of the day. A throw-back to the hippies of another generation?

Two weeks later.

Since both John and Randy had full schedules, I continued to do Maeve Dickerson's. Just as I finished the trimming and was loading equipment onto the trailer, a women approached me.

"Hi! I'm Jessica Rowley, Maeve's neighbor. She's told me what a good job you've done for her. I'd like you to do me. I live three doors that way."

"After I settle up with Mrs. Dickerson I'll swing by your place, look over what you want done and give you an estimate"

"I'll be waiting for you to look me over."

Jessica left and I went up and knocked on Maeve's door. I settled up with her and thanked her for the recommendation to Jessica.

"Actually, I didn't exactly recommend you, not that I wouldn't. Jessica must have seen you here and came over after you left last week grilling me for details. I gather you're going over there to give an estimate?"

"Yes."

"I don't know you very well, but a word to the wise: She was divorced two years ago and rumor has it that she took her Ex to the cleaners. Since then, she been chasing after every male she comes across, regardless of whether they are married or otherwise attached. I know. She propositioned my husband last Labor Day at the neighborhood party. If a guy has a penis dangling between his legs, she's interested."

My first reaction was 'Wow! Wasn't expecting that, especially so blunt.'

"Thanks for the warning. The last thing I need in my life right now is that kind of complication."

I left Maeve's and walked over to Jessica's. She opened the door before I had a chance to ring the bell. "Come in. Can I get you something to drink?"

Remembering Maeve's warning, I said "Actually, I have a tight schedule today. Let's look over your yard." Clearly, she was not happy as a frown crossed her face, but she did show me around her property. I gave her an estimate, told her to think about it, and said I'd stop back next week for her decision.

Back in my truck and on the way to Appleton I contemplated my future. I gave Jessica a high quote, partly because it was a significant job and partly to deter her, based on Maeve's warning. If I do take it on, and a couple of other quotes I had out there, I probably could add another part-time person.

Since I had to leave earlier than normal today, and didn't have time to make a lunch, I stopped at the Appleton General Store as I knew they had a decent deli and served good coffee. I ordered a sandwich, and, by the time I picked up some chips and a large coffee, my sandwich was ready. I headed to the cashier, Samantha. She and her husband own the store. As a forty something, who has lived here all her life, she is the perfect proprietor for a country store. Friendly, engages with her customers and pretty much knows everything that goes on in her small town, she has many friends and has been a source of several referrals for me. Standing in front of me was the woman I saw fishing two weeks ago. Same long brown dress but no baby on her back this time.

"Samantha, my truck was supposed to be ready this morning, but it isn't. The part won't be in until tomorrow, I have Rachel babysitting Sierra, and got a ride into town with her mom, but she has to leave by 11:30 and I have no way to get back to the farm."

"I'm sorry Shiloh, but I'm here alone today and the lunchtime rush is starting. I just can't leave. Maybe a taxi or Uber?"

"Neither one of them are available within 10 miles from here. And I can't walk back in time."

I addressed her, "Miss, I couldn't help but overhear your problem. If you don't mind riding in my truck, I can give you a lift." She turned around and looked me up and down. She definitely was not excited about the offer. "If it helps, I think Samantha can vouch for me. Let me pay for this food. I'm going outside to eat at one of the tables. If you haven't found a ride before I leave, the offer is still good." I paid my bill and sat down and ate my lunch. I was just finishing up when she came out and approached me.

"I guess I have to ride with you. I really don't have any option."

"Miss, offering to help is just good Karma. But, I do need to get going."

I climbed into my truck. She reluctantly got in the passenger side and sat as close to the door as she could.

"I'm Derrick, by the way. Which direction?"

"Shiloh. East out of town. It's about five miles. Samantha said you're a regular and have several clients in town. And that I can trust you."

'But I don't think you believe her' I thought. I kept my eyes on the road and avoided looking at her. I could sense her watching me as she gave occasional directions for turns. After about four and a half miles, I recognized the stream where I had first seen her.

"Turn at the next driveway on the left. I appreciate the ride, but don't expect anything in return."

As much as I wanted to reply, I kept my mouth shut. I pulled up in front of the house. She got out and headed towards her house without another word. I left for my next job.

The next week.

I finished Maeve's and went over to Jessica's. She answered wearing a very small red bikini top and equally small white shorts. While she filled them out to perfection, Maeve's warning from last week kept my eyes on her face. "Come in. Let's discuss your quote."

"Ma'am, it is what it is. I'd love to do your lawn, but if it doesn't work for you, I'm sure you can find someone else."

"It's Jessica, not Ma'am. It seems a little high. Perhaps you could lower it a bit and I could make it up to you in other ways."

'Time to bail' I thought.

"I appreciate the offer, but I don't do business like that." I turned to head to my truck.

"Wait." This was a women who did not like to be turned down. "Don't you like me?"

I really wanted to get out of there and said the first thing that came to mind. "Jessica, you are very beautiful, but I'm gay. It would never work." (For the record, I'm not.)

"But I still need my lawn done. I'll pay you what you asked. And it's such a waste that..."

I got her lawn done and settled up with her. No discounts.

My last stop on Mondays was at Olivia Tyndall's. I had met her a few years earlier while picking up parts for one of my mowers.

Friday afternoon, a few years earlier.

I was standing in line waiting to pay for some filters for my mowers. The woman in front of me, in a waitress' uniform, was distressed.

"I'm sorry Olivia, but I no longer can get parts for your mower. They just don't make them anymore."

"But what can I do? I'm barely getting by as it is with two kids in college. My truck is in dire need of brakes and I can't afford a new mower now."

"We've kept it going as long as we could, but I'm afraid it's the end of the line."

Resigned to the reality of it, she said "Thanks, John. I do appreciate all you've done since Greg died." With that, she left, walking towards the restaurant next door.

"What's her story, John?"

"Olivia? It's really very sad. She and Greg were high school sweethearts, married shortly after graduation. Greg worked here part time, as well as on his parents' farm. Great kid. He joined the Guard, ended up being deployed in one of those never ending wars, and was killed when his Hummer hit an I.E.D. Olivia was left with year old twins, Beth and Tom. She's struggled to keep the family afloat. Greg's parents gave her 5 acres or so from their farm, cut enough timber to build her a small house, and the town's people rallied to build it. Evidently Greg's insurance, coupled with steep discounts from various suppliers, paid for the rest. Both of their families go back several generations, and they and Greg were well liked. Olivia works 5 breakfast and lunch shifts next door as well as two evenings and Saturday at Walmart. Tom and Beth are both at U.N.H. probably juniors or seniors by now. Olivia was determined that they would graduate from college, something she didn't have the opportunity to do. I've managed to keep her mower going for years, but, as you heard, it's reached its limit. I don't have any used units to give her and this has been a slow year, so I can't really discount a new one enough that she could afford it. Life's tough sometimes."

I paid for my parts and went outside. Her truck was parked next to mine and she was headed towards it, carrying a cup of coffee. I approached her and said, "Ma'am, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with John, and, since I'm done for the day, I can swing by your place and take care of it for you."

There was a wariness as she looked at me. "I don't know you Mr."....she glanced at my truck..."Derrick, and I certainly can't afford you."

"I hope he didn't break a confidence, but John told me about your husband. John and I were over there at the same time. My brother also died when his Hummer hit an IED. We take care of our brothers. I'd be happy to do your lawn for you. No charge." And, thinking about my interaction with Jessica, I said, "And no other obligation. Go speak with John and ask him about me."

I could sense her hesitancy, but she did go back inside. Still leery when she came out, she said, "Follow me."

Her place was a couple of miles up a dirt road and her house was another quarter mile off the dirt road. Her yard was actually small and wouldn't normally take long, but the grass hadn't been mowed for a while.

"The mower's been dead for three weeks. I had other priorities."

"No problem."

I cut it high, but it still left lots of clumps that should be cleaned up. I trimmed where needed and went up to the house and knocked. "If it's alright with you, I'll come back tomorrow with my lawn vacuum and clean up all of these clumps. If we leave them, they may suffocate the grass."

"That's way too much..."

"Ma'am..."

"Olivia, please."

"Olivia, it would hurt my reputation if I left it like that."

"I don't want to be beholden to you."

"You won't be. I told you, we take care of our brothers, and their families."

"I have to work tomorrow."

"Then it will be all cleaned up when you get home." With that, I turned and left. I did go back the next day and cleaned up her yard. The next couple of Fridays I also did her yard.

Friday, three weeks hence.

The following Friday I was running late and she drove in just as I was packing up. Her brakes screeched as she stopped.

"You can't keep doing this Derrick."

"It really doesn't take me long, I'm already in the area and that's what neighbors do."

"You're not my neighbor. Your truck says you're from Vienna. That's at least 20 miles away."

"This is New Hampshire. That counts as neighbors. Besides, I already told you that the Army takes care of its own."

"But, you didn't even know Greg."

"Minor detail."

"Let me at least get you something to drink. Lemonade or a beer?"

I was done for the day and it was hot. "A beer sounds great."

She returned with two and we sat down on the front stairs. For the first time I actually looked her over. Probably early forties, tall, thin, pretty face like the classic girl next door. Her waitress uniform was designed more to be practical than flattering, so it successfully camouflaged what almost every male speculates about.

"I really do appreciate what you've done each week. There aren't enough hours in the week to do everything that needs doing. Thanks."

"John told me how hard you work, especially how you've managed to put both of your kids through college. I have to admire your efforts."

"Just one more year and then I can ease back a little."

"I couldn't help but hear your brakes when you arrived. They don't sound good."

"I know, but business has been slow at the restaurant and Walmart cut back my hours, dropping one of my evening shifts. I'll get it done as soon as I can. I just paid for tuition."

"Olivia, it's probably not safe to keep driving it. Let's do this. I'm a pretty good mechanic and labor is usually the biggest part of a brake job. Let me leave my truck here tonight so you can get to work tomorrow. I'll do the brakes and bring it back tomorrow afternoon. You can pay for the parts when it's convenient."

"Derrick, I can't accept that. No."

"And I'd never forgive myself if your brakes failed and you got hurt. Or worse. And I have absolutely nothing scheduled for tomorrow."

"That is way too much. I can't..."

"Yes you can. It's settled."

"Are you always this stubborn?"

"As the saying goes, 'it takes one to know one'."

"I don't know when I can repay you..."

"I'm not worried. I know where you live. I can always send the sheriff if it comes to that."

She turned to me with a scowl on her face until she saw I was smiling. "You're impossible. How about this? Come back sometime after 7:00 and I'll fix you dinner? Oops! Sorry, you probably have a wife or hot date or something tomorrow."

I held up my left hand. "No ring. No hot date. Actually, no girlfriend at this point. I probably should get going. See you tomorrow at 7:00."

I detached my trailer, we traded keys, and I departed. After applying the brakes the first time, my first thought was 'I sure hope I make it home okay'. Susan was at my house when I arrived. I had given her a key as there were times she needed information there and I trusted her explicitly.

"Trade in your truck, Derrick?"

"Doing a brake job for a friend."

"I thought you were hiking in the Presidential's tomorrow."

"Things change sometimes."

"Who is she?" I left that one unanswered.

Saturday.

The next morning, I looked over the truck and realized it would be best to replace all of the brake parts. Rather than drive her truck another mile, I took my car to the parts store. Besides the brake parts, I picked up oil, filters, tranny fluid, wiper blades, everything I could think of. I explained the situation to Hank, another veteran, and asked for the best price he could give me. I asked him to make me a fake invoice for a lower amount to give to Olivia. He did, but asked, "Who is she?"

"Why would you ask that?"

"Com'on, Derrick."

I chuckled, but kept my mouth shut. It took the rest of the morning and half the afternoon, but I got it done. After degreasing my hands, the last thing I did was wash the truck and clean the cab. When finished, I took a nice long shower, dressed in khakis and a polo shirt and headed for Olivia's. I stopped to pick up a six pack of one of our local beers and a bottle of wine. She answered the door in a light summer dress that came down mid-calf and emphasized the natural curves that her waitress uniform hid. Nice curves, nice legs. Her hair was styled and looked to have been highlighted. Her subtle makeup enhanced her natural beauty.

"You look spectacular. I feel underdressed."

She obviously had put a lot of effort into her appearance and was pleased with the complement. "You look fine. It's just dinner. And you didn't have to bring anything." We sat on the back porch, had a beer, and made small talk, getting to know each other. Eventually, we decided to eat. Since it was summer, she grilled two steaks, served with homemade potato salad and grilled corn on the cob. We each had another beer with dinner and continued learning more about each other. She offered another beer. Which I declined.

"I have to drive and two's my limit. Dinner was really perfect and it's been very nice getting to know you. But, I probably should get going."

A look of disappointment flashed across her face. She looked like she was going to say something, but changed her mind.

"I really enjoyed tonight. Would you be interested in dinner out with me sometime?"

Her face relaxed. "Yes, I'd like that."

"Is next Saturday too soon? Do you have any strong preferences or dislikes?"

"Saturday would be lovely. If you pick me up at 7:00, that gives me time to get home from work, shower and get ready. I'm good for anywhere except where I work."

"Seven it is. We need to exchange keys and I need to get going." We did and she gave me a nice hug. Probably a bit longer than needed, but I didn't complain.