Farmer Jim Video Cover

Ava watched Iris Pye expertly weave her way through the packed café carrying a plate of food in each hand. As she turned first this way and then that way she paused here and there to ask after somebody’s health or how many bales of hay the farmer had gotten off his field or where the Missus was this morning. Iris Pye possessed three valuable currencies in life - her smile, her big heart and her delicious food. She was the Queen Bee and her bee skip was the Paradise Café.

“Here you go,” said Iris putting the two plates of food down on the table. “Be right back with butter and maple syrup.” The pancakes were massive. Ava could see already she’d have difficulty getting through just her one.

“There you are,” said Iris back in a flash to set down a small dish loaded with pats of butter. “Butter’s fresh in this morning. Harvey just delivered from the cheese factory! Do you like real maple syrup?’ asked Iris proudly looking straight at Ava.

Ava smiled up at her and then quickly looked down to avoid Iris’ eyes. “I’ve only had it a few times but I remember it tasting heavenly!”

“Well you’re going to love this. I buy it from the Amish and they make the best syrup in these parts. Where’s that Annie got herself to?” asked Iris craning her neck to search the café.

“She received a phone call and went outside to talk,” said Ava.

“That poor gal, folks never let her be for long. But that’s OK she likes keeping busy. Annie and me are like two peas in a pod that way! Well enjoy.” With that Iris headed to the cash register to ring up a check.

“Better start eating before that pannycake gets cold.” Ava jumped startled again by Big Jim‘s booming voice. “Ha-ha-ha!” laughed Jim, “Scared ya didn’t I?” and he laughed deep from his ample belly some more.

The warm, golden, blueberry-buttermilk pancake begged to be eaten. Ava didn’t know what to do. It would be rude of her to start eating without Anne Pine. Oh but it smelled so good. Ava’s mouth watered - suddenly she was ravenous.

Ava picked up her knife and started spreading butter over the steaming surface of her pancake. Just then Anne Pine re-entered the café and handed Iris Pye, who was still at the cash register, a huge stainless steel thermos saying something to her before heading back to the booth to settle in across from Ava. “Is everything alright?” asked Ava.

“That was Doc. I have to head out to deliver a calf. It’s a breach.” Anne Pine let out a great laugh. “Two babies - no relation all in one morning!”

“You look tired,” said Ava.

“I guess no rest for the wicked! But I’m used to it,”said Anne.  Ava wondered if work was Anne Pine’s whole life. Work and more work. Ava knew that kind of life all too well. She knew if a person kept themselves busy enough it saved them from being alone with their own thoughts. And most people would do anything to avoid their thoughts and the feelings that came along with them.

“Here you go Annie,” said Iris Pye concern scattered all over her face as she plopped down the thermos. “Its full up and I’ll put your pancakes in a carry container for you. You need to eat.”

“Thanks Iris,” said Anne stifling a yawn.

Ava put out her hand to Anne Pine. “Thank you for everything,” said Ava.

“You still thinking you’ll head back home today?” asked Anne realizing she didn’t know where home was for Ava Land.  Ava nodded. “Are you going to see a doctor like I recommend?” asked Anne Pine.

“I’m feeling pretty good. I don’t think I have to bother,” said Ava. The thought of seeing a doctor always filled her with dread. “Besides, you checked me out and I have complete faith in your assessment of my noggin!” said Ava tapping her forehead as she laughed.

“Well if you trust my word than I’m telling you to stay on till the morning before heading out,” said Anne Pine shaking Ava’s hand. “And you’re welcome,” said Anne lugging herself back out of the booth again. “And thank-you for breakfast!”

Ava stood in line at the register to pay the check a full forty-five minutes after Anne Pine’s departure. As she waited Ava’s eyes lighted upon a small poster on the wall. There was a picture of a man. She recognized the face. It was Big Jim.

“How was your pancake?” asked Iris Pye jolting Ava.

“Delicious!” said Ava, ” The coffee, everything was delicious! That pancake was the best I’ve ever tasted.” Iris beamed. “What’s this?” asked Ava pointing to the poster.

“Oh that! Why our Jim is a movie star now,” said Iris, “the kids who watch that video of his follow him around town like he’s a regular Pied Piper.” Iris laughed. “It’s really something!” Ava was entranced. She thought of Jeannie, her Executive Assistant  back at the office pregnant with her first child. Her baby shower was coming up.

“Do you sell these here?” asked Ava.

“Nope.The Farmer’s Store  just down the street does.” Iris handed Ava her change. “Hope to see you back here real soon,” said Iris smiling, “Bye now!”

Ava stepped out on to the street. She hadn’t meant to stay so long but the ambience of the Paradise Café had gotten under her skin. She found herself wanting to stay just a few minutes longer and a few after that and so on. Or was she simply putting off what she came here to Eden to do in the first place?

An hour ago, back at the motel, Ava was resenting the fact she had to meet Anne Pine for breakfast. She had wanted to drive straight out on Sawmill Road instead of having to turn in the opposite direction to head to the Paradise Cafe. Now apprehension had a firm grip on Ava. What was waiting for her out there?

Ava got into her Jeep Wrangler and sat staring off into space. Her mind wandered back to the meeting she’d had with Brent Atwell in his law office just two days ago.