Mindi
September 2024
I could feel the change of weather in the air as I walked down the main street of Willow Valley headed for The Crispy Biscuit.I’d kept myself busy with the tree farm and the community center, but in my quiet time, my mind wouldn’t settle.
I pulled the door open and walked into The Crispy Biscuit, the smell of pumpkin spice in the air.
“Morning,” Tristan greeted with a smile.
“Morning.I’m not too late to grab a pumpkin scone, am I?”I questioned.
“Let me check.Looks like you are in luck.We have two left.”He winked, grabbing one from the tray.
“Great, on second thought, I’ll take them both.I’ve been wanting one since I heard you guys were making them again this year.They always go fast.”
“That they do.Did you want a coffee as well?”
“Of course.”I smiled.
“Grab a seat and I’ll bring them over.”He smiled, turning to make another pot of coffee.
I made my way over to my favorite corner booth and slid inside, waving to Brooke as I got settled before pulling out the paperwork I’d brought with me.I had to plan some of our Christmas activities this year at the community center.
“Here you go,” Tristan said, placing both my coffee and scone on the table.
“Thank you.”I smiled.
“What are we working on today?”he questioned.
“Just some holiday plans.”
“Yeah, I guess that time of year is already close, isn’t it.”
“Yes, it’s sneaking up quick.I’m sure you guys are already planning.”
“Brooke might be.”Tristan winked just as Brooke came up behind him.
“What might I be doing?”she asked, resting her chin on his shoulder.
“Planning for the holidays.”
“You know it.If I don’t start, things won’t get done.”
“Exactly,” I added, digging in my purse for my pen.
“Ah, look, Ethan and Peggy,” Brooke said, waving in their direction as they walked through the front door.
I waved to them both, glad that they were here.Ethan had been one of the steadiest volunteers we had since he’d settled in Willow Valley, and both he and Peggy, along with his daughter Melinda, always helped with the Christmas dinner at the center.I was glad that I’d have their brains to pick, but one look at Ethan’s face told me something wasn’t right.
“Ethan, Peggy, how about you join me?”I called out, waving them over as they stepped inside.
Peggy placed her hand on Ethan’s arm and whispered something before making her way over to where I was sitting.She slid into the seat across from me.
“I’ll get you guys some coffee,” Tristan said.
“Oh, and could we also each grab a couple of those wonderful pumpkin cookies.”
“You know it,” Brooke said, moving toward the counter to grab them.
