Julie’s stomach was already grumbling. Mac and cheese got less appealing by the day, even if it was the only thing she could reliably make without burning. She glanced quickly through the menu as Lucy walked out of earshot again.
Without looking at Ivy, she said, “It’s not that bad.”
“Right. That’s why you can’t look me in the eye when you answer the question.”
Julie sighed and set down the menu on the tabletop. “It’s more complicated than I expected it to be, that’s all.”
“What did you expect?”
“To come, put up some decorations, and that would be that.”
“Have youeverthrown a party?”
“Not since college.” And those were very different than the sort of party Gram wanted.
“How can I help?”
The offer of help was a bit unexpected, and Julie didn’t know what to say for a few beats. She glanced around the café. People were, unfortunately, watching her and whispering. But they smiled when she met their eyes. She smiled back and then turned to Ivy.
“I’m sure I can handle it. I just need to get some repairs done to the inn. I have an appointment for that. And, apparently, an inspection. I don’t have an appointment for that, yet. And—”
Ivy cut her off as she dug through her purse. “An inspection from Ted Thorndike?”
Julie blinked. “Yes, actually.”
“Here. I can give you his number.”
“Oh, I think the caterer already did…”
“Did she give you his business line or his cell phone?”
Julie couldn’t answer the question. Her friend pounced on that uncertainty.
“Here’s his cell phone.” She scribbled down a number and slid it across the table. “Tell him you got it from me.”
When Julie picked it up, her movements were hesitant. Ivy caught her hand and squeezed. There was nothing in her face but earnest friendliness. For some reason, that surprised Julie. Maybe it shouldn’t. She knew Ivy from way back when. But they’d been kids back then. If Julie were to run into any of her old childhood friends in the city, she definitely wouldn’t be met with anything other than polite friendliness. Maybe an expressed desire to catch up that never actually came to fruition. Not… this.
Ivy let go of her hand with clear reluctance. “This is a small town. It’s not like Boston. Here, people do things to help each other.”
And she meant it. If that was really true—and Julie had no reason to think Ivy was lying—then maybe she needed to revise her opinion of Pinecone Falls.
“Actually, there might be something you can do to help?”
Ivy beamed. “What do you need?”
“Do you know where I can find a Christmas tree around here? I remember Gramps just used to chop one down at the edge of the property, but I don’t think that’s an option this year.”
“Why not?”
Julie raised her eyebrows. “I have never chopped down a tree in my life!”
Ivy laughed. “Oh, that’s no problem. I’ll bring my husband out, and we can do it together.”
“You don’t have to do that…”
“Don’t be silly. I’d love to see what the inn looks like nowadays, anyway.”
She and Julie shared a smile.
