She rolled over onto her back, snug beneath her covers, thinking about the next two days. She didn’t often have two days off in a row, and she was looking forward to a little time to herself. She wondered if Hunt was staying at his old home, and then decided if he was, she was going to bake him a pecan pie. It would be a simple gesture of kindness to the family during this time, and she remembered it used to be his favorite.

She also had laundry to do, groceries to shop for, and bills to pay, so she got up and headed for the shower. As soon as she was dressed, she stripped her bed, tossed the bedding in the washer, and started her day by making a grocery list.

Later, she made herself a sandwich and a glass of sweet tea and read the local newspaper while she ate, only vaguely aware of the washer chugging away in the little alcove off the kitchen. As soon as she was finished, she grabbed her jacket and purse, stuffed the list in her pocket, and headed out the door. It wouldn’t hurt to drive by Marjorie’s place. She’d seen Hunt walk in with a biker helmet, so she guessed he was riding a motorcycle. If it was parked at his old homeplace, then she would know he was staying there.

A few minutes later, she turned down Peach Street and saw the black truck. But when she got closer and saw a big black and silver Harley parked between the truck and the house, she knew he was there. So now she knew where to find him, and drove past without stopping, heading for the Crown to get groceries. If she hurried, she could get that pie made and over to Hunt before suppertime.

* * *

Junior called Ray, but Ray’s girlfriend, Susie, answered.

“Hi, Junior. Ray forgot and left his phone here at the house, but he’s not here. He went to get some snacks for the game. It starts soon. Are you coming over?” she asked.

“I guess, if it’s okay,” Junior said.

Susie laughed. “Of course it’s okay. Two of the neighbors and their wives are coming over, too.”

“Do I need to bring something?” Junior asked.

“A bag of chips and a six-pack of your desired beverage would not go to waste. Oh…I’m real sorry about Marjorie,” she added.

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll see y’all later,” Junior said.

The fact that they were all getting together wasn’t unusual, because their mother just passed. But they were getting together to watch a football game, not reminisce about her. However, there was nothing more they could do for her today, and it was New Year’s Day. Football was a religion in the South. They figured their mama would understand.