You'll Call It Home

Chapter 1

If he hadn't needed gas for his red Jaguar, Edward Jasper Radford III, or Jasper for short, would never have seen the town of Heartflower, Wisconsin. When he approached the sign for the town limits, he had to slow down and pull over. Someone thought he was a poet, posting a handwritten poem in big letters under the sign.

It doesn't matter wherever you roam, nothing rivals Heartflower—you'll call it home. He chuckled as he read aloud. It sounded like a place Jasper wanted to visit, but he couldn't stay long. He had to get to his meeting out West, so he pulled back onto the road.

If only this town were in Montana, he'd be more likely to stay and scout out the area. The more he looked around as he drove, he realized this was the sort of place he'd envisioned for the gigantic resort he and his father's company planned to build. But who, in their right mind, would come to Wisconsin? He could persuade tourists and future landowners to go to Montana or Washington State, but Wisconsin? Most people couldn't even find it on the map, unless they liked cheese, snow, or football.

He drove on the tree-lined rural road past a farm and a small stand near the road, which advertised their early harvest for sale. But Jasper wasn't interested in the local produce. He was running on empty and needed a full tank to make it out West. Just gas, maybe a quick bite to eat, and he'd be on his way.

The speed limit went from 35 to 25 in a hurry, so he slowed to accommodate the tiny town. There were maybe six businesses, total, lining the street, but he had to obey the laws. He didn't need some local newspaper picking up his speeding ticket and blasting it all over the front page. His goal on this trip was to be as low profile as possible. No one could know he intended to buy as much property as he could in Montana. He'd buy the whole state if need be. Since he and his family were extremely wealthy and famous, he could afford just about anything.

A small gas station up ahead advertised gas, cigarettes, and a restroom. Might as well stop there at some point. But first, he needed to eat and he wanted something substantial—not something from a gas station. Then he could come back and get a full gas tank for the trip. Always think logically and every step had to be in order—his father's voice rang in his head.

He passed the gas station and kept driving. About a mile down the winding street sat a little diner. After a bite to eat, he'd go back, get gas, and be on his way to Montana.

Letty's Diner sat on the edge of a big body of water. Jasper drove into the gravel parking lot, kicking up dust as he put his foot on the brake and stopped. Instead of worrying about the paint job on his expensive car, his attention turned to the men fishing on the lake. There must've been ten boats in the afternoon sunshine, just hanging out on the water. Jasper longed to be able to relax someday, but first, he had to create his legacy. He had to make his father proud, putting the Radford name on everyone's lips around the world.

The thought of taking one day off to fish appealed to him. Even if he didn't catch anything, it was a dream of his to learn to relax. However, it wasn't to be. Time was money and he was losing both fast by driving from Florida to Montana instead of flying.

He turned off his car and pushed open the door, stepping out onto the gravel. Once he stretched from sitting for so long, he closed his door, beeped the car locked, and headed to the front of Letty's Diner.

He took the two steps up onto the porch and read the menu. 'Delicious fare at fantastic prices,' it advertised. They served diner food.

He looked up at the building, which was in need of major repair. From the falling tin roof to the rotted wood on the side, it desperately needed help. What he could do to make this place shine—but he wouldn't say a thing to the people inside. His background in marketing and architecture wasn't going to interfere with a good meal. His goal was to eat and get gas, then be on his way to his destiny to build his dad's legacy. Uh…his legacy. He had to keep reminding himself of that fact. This was for him, since his dad was considering retiring from Radford Industries to pursue other interests. He'd never told Jasper what those interests were, but if Jasper could guess, it was playing golf with the big wigs. Regardless, when his dad walked away, Jasper wouldn't only have his own business, he'd take over his entire dad's company of building huge office buildings and resorts worldwide. The responsibility would feel insurmountable, but if he just kept Dad's one rule of logical order in mind, he'd be fine.

With a last glance over at the fishermen, he ran his hand through his hair. If only he'd been born into an average family, he could enjoy life instead of having to go, go, go, every minute of every day, working up to twenty hours a day, every day. Dad was a slave driver. Even his mother was a go-getter as the chief of medicine in a hospital in Florida. Unlike his brothers and sister, Jasper had followed in his parents' footsteps in drive.

In reality, Jasper longed for a slower life, to actually take the time to savor a few moments before he retired and realized his entire life had passed him by. He wanted to marry, have a few kids, and build that white picket fence around his property in a small town where everyone knew everyone else.

He took a breath. He was a Radford and time was money. So he grabbed the doorknob and yanked open the door, where he seemed to be transported to another time and place, inside the family establishment called Letty's Diner.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

Eliza Kingston rang up Mr. Procter's bill. That'll be two dollars even, she said. The guy always had a cup of coffee and a small muffin every afternoon. The bill was always two dollars, even. She wasn't sure why he even requested a bill.

Thank you, young miss, he said, and patted her hand. It's been a pleasure today.

She forced a smile to her lips. Yes, sir. Come back tomorrow.

I intend to. Margaret is having her book club and I can't stand those women. He leaned closer. I may even have some of your pie.

She bit her lips. You'll get in trouble with your diabetes.

Yep. It'll give me some excitement at my age. He chuckled, threw two quarters onto his place at the front bar where he'd been seated, and walked away, using his cane.

The door opened and a younger man walked inside. He had short brown hair, was muscular, and wore sunglasses—the expensive kind. Even the watch on his arm was pricey. It wasn't that Eliza was checking him out—even though he was very attractive—but he just seemed out of place. The guy wasn't from Heartflower. From his designer boots to his expensive polo shirt, he was definitely from out of town.

It didn't matter. A customer was a customer. She'd learned that from her Grandma Letty.

The man seemed lost, standing in one place as if waiting to be seated. He even took off his sunglasses, probably to figure out what to do. So, Eliza sashayed up to him and stared into his very blue eyes. She could lose herself in those pools of light blue. Wow.

She mentally shook herself from the distraction. May I help you?

He grinned and his dimples appeared. Double wow.

I'd like something to eat. He glanced around the place. Where's the hostess?

She about laughed, but reined it in. You're looking at her. I'm also a co-owner, the cook, the waitress, and I clean the place after hours. She nodded toward her helpers in the back. I have some great employees, so don't worry, your food will be out on time. She pointed toward the front bar. Have a seat, unless you'd like a table. You can choose wherever you want to eat and I'll find you.

He nodded, fixing his lips as if he was rethinking eating here. I see.

She glanced around with a grin. The food's good and the…

Company's better, everyone in the place said.

She leaned closer to the new guy. I have them all trained. Have a seat. I'll get your order in a bit. She walked away, glancing back at him one last time to just memorize that face. He was so handsome up close. Wow.

Take a picture, it'll last longer, Henry Johnson said. He laughed, as did all the men at his table, just a few feet from where she walked. She was more than embarrassed, her cheeks burning hot. She turned back toward the kitchen, where she intended to hide for a few hours. Let her helpers handle things.

The newcomer laughed and walked up to the bar, seating himself on the stool. It's okay, he said. I get that from a lot of women.

After she handed the man a menu, Eliza went into the kitchen and worked behind the partial wall, just watching as she worked.

You're a womanizer, Henry said to the newcomer. Can you give me a few hints? I want to take out a few of these women in town but they all think I'm too old.

New Guy laughed. Piece of cake. Who's your intended victim?

I figured I'd set the bar low at first. Henry pointed to Eliza. Her. All the men at the table laughed, but New Guy turned toward Eliza.

You'd go out with him? New Guy asked Eliza.

She shook her head. Nope. He's married and about the age of my father. Besides, I don't have time to date anyone.

No? But you're so young. You'd think you'd have all the local men after you.

She chuckled. Just one.

She don't want him, Henry said. No one wants him. His grandpa is an idiot and the trait worked its way down the family tree that probably didn't fork at all.

Eliza had to smile. You got that one right.

What's the guy's name? New Guy asked.

He runs the gas station down the street, Henry said. His name is Larry Pionola. We nicknamed him Pinhead.

New Guy chuckled. Nice name. Does he deserve it?

Yep. Eliza had to wait on the man, so she finished filling the last plate in front of her and took the plates out to Henry and his three friends. You need to behave, she said to Henry. We don't want people coming into this town thinking we nickname all the idiots.

Henry guffawed, as did his friends. But we do.

Yeah, but that doesn't need to get down to Texas, if you catch my drift. She walked over to the new guy. What'll it be?

He had a menu in his hand, but when he lifted his eyes, she wanted to swoon. What was it about this man?

What do you recommend? he asked.

As much as she'd rather just watch the eye candy, she had to actually participate in the conversation. Well, it's lunchtime, so I'd say the chili, a burger, or my favorite, the chicken pot pie.

Sure. The chicken pot pie. He handed her the menu. And can I get a bottle of Perrier?

She was certain that was bottled water, from what her sister had told her. Um…we don't have any Perrier.

Okay, how about Evian?

Nope. We have tap water. We don't have the space for bottled water. But the tap water is really good.

Sure. I'll try that. He nodded as if satisfied.

Eliza stood in front of him for an extra moment. Whatcha doing in town? You seem out of place here, if you don't mind me saying so.

I'm here to get gas. He pointed outside, so Eliza looked out the front window.

She took a step closer to the windows, looking above the half curtains so she could see outside. Is that red thing your car?

Yep. New Guy nodded. A Jaguar. Nice drive.

Her brother-in-law loved those cars, so she knew more about it than most people.

She shook her head. I don't think Pinhead…I mean Larry will serve you. He doesn't carry gas for imported cars. She bit her lips, hoping the guy fell for it.

Henry and his friends chuckled but were quiet.

Different gas? New Guy said. Will he really think that takes different gas because it's imported?

Eliza nodded. Larry's not the brightest bulb. I dare you to ask him if he'll sell you regular gas for that car. I'd love to hear what he tells you.

Me, too, Henry said. His friends all agreed.

Well, I'll just take you up on that challenge. New Guy stood up and threw two twenty dollar bills onto the bar. I'll be back in time for that meal. Just keep it warm for me. I have to meet this Larry guy.

Eliza grabbed the cash and handed it to him. Take your money. You might need it for your imported gas. I'll keep your meal warm for you.

Thanks. The man pocketed the cash.

Good luck, Henry said. I'll give you ten bucks if he fills your tank with regular gas.

New Guy laughed and pulled on his sunglasses. You're on. And if he doesn't, I'll pay you twenty.

No, you'll pay him nothing, Eliza said. No betting. She pointed to a sign on the side of the wall that said, 'no betting, spitting, or swearing.' That is, unless I'm allowed in on the bet.

New Guy laughed. Sure.

Eliza chuckled. I'll pay ten bucks if he says regular, too. But you guys owe me nothing. I just want to bet on something.

New Guy laughed again, his dimples very evident. You're a good person… He leaned closer at her nametag. Eliza. Is that your name?

Yep. Eliza Beth.

He tilted his head slightly, in question. Like Elizabeth, sort of?

Yeah. Mom's from England and loves her royalty. I have one sister named Victoria Alexandra, and another sister Anne Mary. My poor brother is Edward George. I feel for him.

New Guy's eyebrows lifted. Edward?

Yeah, but he goes by George. He hates the name Edward.

I feel his pain. He inched toward the door. I'll be back.

What's your name, sonny? Henry asked.

Jasper. Jasper R…Richards.

Henry seemed confused. You rolled your 'r' there. You from out of the country?

No. I sometimes give my middle name. Not a problem. I'm from Florida.

Wow, Henry said. That's quite a drive to get gas. I'm Henry, and these are my friends, Don, Bob, and Tom.

New Guy shook all their hands. I'll be back. I have to see this. He inched toward the door. Keep my meal warm for me, Eliza.

She bit her lips to stop from laughing. Poor guy. He'd be out a bunch of cash if it were up to Henry.

~~~~~

Chapter 3

Jasper walked out of the diner, realizing he'd almost exposed himself. Now he'd have to remember that last name of Richards. With all the talk of British royalty, it was the only name he could think of that fast. At least it also started with an 'r' like his last name of Radford. But it was strange that Eliza's brother was named Edward, just like he was. No use ever telling anyone his real first name.

He hopped into his Jaguar and took off out of the parking lot. He had to see this Larry guy. No one could be that stupid.

He drove down to the gas station and pulled in beside the gas pumps on his right. He got out and made sure the doors were unlocked, so Larry could open the gas tank. That's the way his Jaguar operated.

A man sauntered out of the building, wiping his dirty hands on a rag. Can I help ya?

Yes. I need some gas. Is this a full service station or a self-serve?

Without answering, the guy looked down at the car. This car is a beauty. How much did this set ya back?

A bit. Jasper never talked money. That was just tacky, according to his mother. I need gas. Can I get some here?

The man sighed, took off his baseball cap, and rubbed his sweaty forehead. This here's a foreign car.

Yes. Jasper wasn't about to ask if they had high-octane gas. He wanted to see what the man said.

The man turned toward the open garage door to the building. Hey, Larry. Can we put gas in a foreign car?

No! came a loud response.

Jasper bit back a chuckle. The people at the diner were right. Larry, the man inside the open bay door, was an idiot.

Why not? the man asked Larry. You gotta see this car. It's a beaut.

A man needing a haircut and sporting a pot gut walked out of the building. Jasper just had to know. Are you Larry?

The man nodded and squinted as if ready for a fight. Yeah. Who is ya? This guy seemed crazy.

Jasper lifted his hands in his defense. I'm just driving through. I need gas for my car. Can I pump it or is this a full-service place?

I can't give ya no gas for this thing. He pointed toward the car. It's from overseas, ain't it?

Yes. Originally from Great Britain. I just need some gas for it. The premium stuff or high octane would be nice, but I'm not picky. I'll take regular if need be.

Larry shook his head, staring at the Jaguar. We have high octane but I don't think that'll work. He walked around the car. I'm gonna have to get some gas from a big city like Wausau for this thing.

Jasper's mouth about dropped open in surprise. A big city? He'd driven past Wausau about an hour and a half ago, and it wasn't that big at all. He considered it more of a large town than a city. However, it was bigger than this place.

Larry wiped his brow, still staring at the car. Yep. We can't put regular gas in this or even premium. It's gonna take that fancy gas.

Fancy? There was no such thing. Jasper was certain of it. Tell ya what. I'm going down to the diner to have some lunch. You find out what kind of gas it takes and I'll be back.

Yep. I'll do that for ya, but it's gonna take me a few days to get gas for this. He pointed toward the diner. There's a motel a few doors down from the diner if you want to stay in town. I can get that gas for ya and you can be on your way then. I'll tell ya when I have it.

Jasper wanted to laugh, but the man was serious. Pinhead really fit him. You know, I've had this car for a few years. I use super unleaded in it and it's been running for almost thirty thousand miles without complaining. I'm willing to take my chances and just put super unleaded in it.

Larry tsked and shook his head in slow motion. I don't know if I can do that.

Jasper let out a breath. Can I fill up a gas can then? I'm heading out West and need to get going.

He ran his hand over the hood of the car. And put that gas into this beautiful car? Larry shook his head once again. Jasper was certain there was a rattle coming from the guy's brain, too. No, Larry said. I don't want to fix it after you ruin it with gas. Let me just see what I can do for ya and I'll get it ready to go.

I'll be over at the diner, then. Or out of town to a real gas station. This was ridiculous.

Fine. Don't you be goin' anywheres. The next gas station is 50 miles away, heading West. I doubt you're the type to go north, and out of your way. He seemed to be able to read Jasper's mind.

Larry and his lackey went back into the building.

Jasper got into his car and returned to the diner. He couldn't believe it. He walked inside, pulled his wallet out of his pocket, and thunked twenty bucks down on the table in front of Henry. That man's an idiot. Are you sure his parents weren't siblings?

Henry and his friends laughed aloud. Henry lifted the twenty and handed it back to Jasper. You keep it. You're going to need it for the motel.

Jasper's eyebrows lifted. You know about that?

Henry nodded. He's done it before.

Does he run the motel?

Nope. But he should. He'd make a bundle. Henry laughed, joined by his friends.

Jasper returned to his seat. Eliza came from the back and put his plate in front of him. The scent was marvelous, and there was more food on that plate than he'd eat at two meals. Wow. This has to be the biggest meal I've ever seen. He took a sniff. I think I can eat it all, too.

I hope so. That's a pricey one. It's nearly five bucks for that meal. I hope you like it. She walked away.

Five bucks? He dropped that for a latte every day, and sometimes twice a day, thinking nothing of it.

He grabbed a fork and began to eat. The flavor was the best he'd had, and he'd been raised on gourmet food. He looked up at Eliza. With blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail, and blue eyes, she was beautiful, but didn't flaunt it. He wondered what her story was, since everyone seemed to have one in this town.

The front door opened, so Jasper turned to see who was coming inside. A young boy with short brown hair, who was probably about six or seven, walked in the door. He went slowly, as if he had problems catching his breath. His coloring was off, too, almost appearing blue. Mom, the boy said. I'm done with my schoolwork. He took a deep breath.

Good, Ben. Eliza stepped behind the cash register. Go take a nap. You can sleep in the back room. He walked past her, but she touched his shoulder. Did you have fun working outside?

Yeah. But I'm really tired now. The sun took a lot out of me.

Take a nap. When you're ready for lunch, let me know.

I'm not hungry. And the boy headed into the back.

She had a son? It made Jasper wonder what was going on, since Eliza said she didn't date. Where was the dad? He had to know more, for some reason. Maybe staying at that motel to wait for the non-existent imported gas was a good idea, just to get to know Eliza. He also wondered about her son. What was wrong with him?

The thought made him realize if he put in a resort in any town, at least he'd be helping the locals by getting them jobs, even if he did buy their property. It was how he rationalized the whole idea. But could he displace an entire town or two where he intended to go, in Montana? At least it wouldn't be happening in Wisconsin and these people could live out their lives. He intended to find out more. This