“If you need any techie help, Austin Woods—he’s engaged to my niece, Livy—he’s really good with that kind of thing. He does websites and social media. He helped get the cafe’s online ordering system going.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Evelyn pushed away from the counter. “I know someone for everything here in Moonbeam. If you need a plumber or an electrician, let me know. I have the name of a general handyman, too. Two, actually. The Keating brothers. They’re retired but work at Parker’s on Sunday. They also do odd jobs around town.”
“I guess you know just about everyone in town.”
She laughed. “Pretty much.”
He looked over his shoulder when she waved to someone. Two identical women were entering the cafe.
“Oh, Evelyn, dear. We were walking by and I told Jackie that we must come in and get some ice cream. Aren’t we wicked? Sweets in the middle of the day.” The twins walked up to the counter and looked at him.
“Jackie, Jillian, this is Rob. His sister bought Murphy’s Resort, and he’s in town helping her.”
“Oh, so good to meet you,” Jillian said and reached out and pumped his hand. “We’re thrilled the old resort is getting all spruced up. It was getting to be such an eyesore. Murphy just let the place go. Didn’t keep up with repairs. And it’s needed paint on those cottages forever.”
“Pleased to meet both of you. And my sister is working on the paint. Hope you like bright colors.”
“Oh, that will look so cheerful.” Jackie gave him a wide, approving smile. “What made your sister decide to buy the resort? Is she in the hospitality business?”
He laughed. “Not exactly. At least not before buying this resort. We did stay there a few times when we were kids.”
“Ah, fond memories, I bet,” Jillian said.
He nodded. Not particularly fond memories of the resort itself. The place had been run down even back then. But hedidhave fond memories of the ice cream at Parker’s.
“Well, we wish her all the best.” Jackie turned to Evelyn. “I’ll have a scoop of vanilla in a bowl. And some sprinkles on top. I do like sprinkles.”
“I think I’ll have the same,” her twin said.
“You two take whatever table you want and I’ll bring it over to you.”
“It was nice to meet you. We hope to meet your sister soon.” The twins headed over to a table by the window.
“Just to let you know, anything you say to the twins can and will be broadcast to the town,” Evelyn whispered, leaning close. “They have good hearts, but they do like to know what’s going on in everyone’s lives… and don’t mind letting other people know, too.”
“Okay, I’m forewarned.” They seemed like rather harmless, personable ladies to him, but what did he know about small-town gossip?
Melody came out of the kitchen. “Evelyn, let me take over here. It looks like your bread dough is ready to be made into loaves and I know you wanted to try out that fancy braid with this batch.”
“Okay, thank you. The twins ordered vanilla scoops in bowls with sprinkles.”
“I’m on it.”
“I’ll see you soon,” Evelyn said, and then, much to his disappointment, turned and disappeared into the kitchen
“Hi, Rob. Having a nice day?” Melody asked with a friendly smile.
He nodded and gave her an automatic smile in reply. Melody was a nice, friendly woman, but he much preferred Evelyn working the counter. He’d probably have to come back tomorrow for more ice cream…
Chapter 9
“Hey, Aunt Evelyn.” Livy hurried into the kitchen and grabbed an apron. “Melody just introduced me to that Rob Bentley I keep hearing about. Did you know that he’sRobertBentley, the author? I just finished one of his books. It was so good.”
“You know his writing?”
“Yes, a thriller writer. So good. Great characters. Does a good job with the locations. And the plot twists. Wow.”
