"Excuse me, Miss, but what does a big shot city lawyer know about Keeneston? Why did you leave? You weren't busted in one of those sex-for-hire stings that brought down the governor up there, were you?" asked a man who looked to be one hundred years old.
Kenna froze. She wasn't completely prepared to tell them why she had left. She couldn't just announce to a group of people that she fled for her life and hoped to hide out here until she could figure out what to do. Stick to the truth, she thought. It makes the lies easier to remember later. She placed her lawyer face back on and even managed a little laugh. "No, no. No sex scandals, I'm sorry. But if you really want, you can walk me home tonight and we can start our own rumors," she joked and then threw in a wink. The place erupted into laughter, but she knew it wouldn't placate them. So she added, "I was just tired of the long hours, the lack of appreciation for my work, and I was firmly stuck in the litigation department. I wanted a change. My nana was great friends with Mrs. Ashton, Will's grandmother, so I thought this would be a great place to be able to make a home. So far it has exceeded expectations. Are there any more questions?" Kenna looked around, hoping there were no more to come but saw a hand raised toward the front. A group of teenagers wearing letter jackets were all pushing the leader to his feet.
The pimply, but surprisingly tall, muscled young man stood up, "Umm, I was… I mean, we were wondering if you’re single or if you're married to some fella’?" His face flushed red and even the tips of his ears appeared to be burning.
Kenna was shocked by the personal question and thought everyone else would be. But as she looked around, clearly everyone was very interested in her answer. "No, I'm not and have never been married," she said in a slightly shell-shocked voice.
She saw another young man stand up, "Are you dating Coach?"
Now she was just confused. Apparently the group was more interested in her personal life than her professional one. She had been expecting questions about her beliefs in capital punishment or stiff jail terms, not if she was romantically involved with someone. "Who is Coach?" she asked the young man.
"He is," The boy pointed to Will.
Will raised his hand. "Guilty. I help coach the Keeneston High School football team."
Kenna's mouth was frozen in an O shape and she turned back to the boy. "Well, in that case, no. We're not dating. Actually, today is the first time I've seen him since I was twelve." Some of the younger men in the cafe were smiling and trying to grab her attention. She couldn't believe this. Pretty soon she might be auctioned off for dates.
She almost groaned aloud when she saw yet another hand raised. This one belonged to a middle-aged soccer mom. She was sitting at a table with her husband and two boys dressed in some sort of sports uniform. Kenna gave a slight nod to acknowledge the mother.
The mom put down her hand and stood up, nodding hellos to some people in the crowd, "Where are your people from?" she asked and continued to stand.
Somewhat perplexed at the question, Kenna answered. "Well, I was born in Liverpool, New York. It's just outside Syracuse. My parents met at Syracuse University and we moved to New York City when I was ten." Kenna smiled at the soccer mom to indicate she was done and waiting for Part Two. This was starting to turn into a toughest interview she had ever had. She glanced quickly at Will and smothered her irritation at the fact he was lounging in the booth with a huge Cheshire cat grin on his face. At least one of them found this amusing.
"What do your parents think of you moving so far away? Are they considering moving closer as well?" The soccer mom sat down, indicating the end of her line of questioning.
The fake smile dropped from Kenna's face at the mention of her family. She noted that Will sat up straight and looked to be seconds away from coming to her aid, but she knew she must answer this question.
"Sadly, no. My parents died in an auto accident a couple of years ago. I was an only child, as were my parents. You find me the only member of my family left, the lone Mason. Are there any…"
"Oh, you poor dear!" Miss Violet had apparently had enough of hiding in the back and had come out of the kitchen. Much like her sisters, she was barely five feet tall with the signature white hair. She varied from Miss Daisy in the fact that she looked to be all matronly cushion, which she promptly put to use pulling McKenna into a fierce hug. Kenna found herself bent over with her face buried in pillowed breasts, being slightly rocked. She tried to tell Miss Violet it was okay, but her words got muffled in Miss Violet's ample cleavage.
"Now, now, dear. You have family right here. Doesn't she?" Miss Violet asked the cafe.