Wendy could tell she was being manipulated, but it was hard to argue. Besides, it would be easier to run errands—and go to the vet clinic—without Jackson and Oliver tagging along. “Okay,” she agreed. “But you both stay in the house while I’m gone. If you need anything, call me. I should be back in an hour.”
As she parked in front of the hardware store, Wendy thought of a few more items that she could use from there ... except she didn’t have the funds. However, she remembered how Poppa had kept an account with the store. She wondered if they still did that, or if she could open one. By the time they sent her first bill, she’d have sold the cottage and could easily repay them with interest if necessary.
But first things first. She needed to get and deposit that check. Like he’d promised, Caleb’s store was open but, to her dismay, Crystal was working there today. “I, uh, I thought you worked next door,” Wendy said tentatively.
“I work here ... and there ... wherever they need me,” Crystal said lightly. “It’s all in the family.” She laughed. “So are you furniture shopping?”
“No, I’m here to see Caleb.” Wendy forced what she hoped looked like a friendly smile.
“Caleb’s busy.” Crystal smiled but her eyes seemed chilly. “He’s got this big dining table project to complete. It’s this amazing piece of live-edge wood and two benches and several chairs. Really beautiful. Anyway, he’s got to get it finished by early next week. He doesnotwant to be disturbed.”
“Oh.” Wendy pursed her lips.
“Sorry.” Crystal looked a bit smug.
Wendy remained at the counter, trying to think of something. “Well, Caleb asked me to come by,” she told Crystal. “He had something for me.” She looked around. “Or maybe he left it out here.”
Crystal frowned. “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.”
“It’s just that he told me he’d be here and to come—”
“Fine.” Crystal’s tone grew sharp. “I’ll go check with him. But I do hate to interrupt his work. Caleb is an artist, you know. He really shouldn’t be disturbed.”
“I’m sorry, it’s just that—”
“Never mind, I’m going.” And just like that she disappeared into the back room.
Wendy felt guilty as she waited. Maybe it really was wrong to disturb him like this. But, really, wouldn’t it only take a minute or two? When Crystal didn’t come right back, Wendy felt even more guilty.
“Hello?” a female voice called from the front of the store. “Anyone here?”
“I’m here.” Wendy went over to see an older couple standing by a coffee table.
“Oh, good.” The woman pointed to the table. “What can you tell us about that?”
“Well, it’s handmade by a very talented local artist whose work sells all around the country.” Wendy smiled nervously. “Caleb Colton is the craftsman. He makes all the wood furnishings in this shop. Each is a one-of-a-kind piece. Completely unique.” She glanced at the tag on the table, trying not to blink at the price. “And as you can see, this one is made from black walnut. Caleb uses all sorts of wood.” She reached down to stroke the smooth surface. “Isn’t this wood grain amazing?”
“Yes.” The woman nodded. “I absolutely love it—and it would look perfect in our great room.”
“It’s rustic yet elegant.” Wendy wished she could afford such a piece for the cottage.
“Well, then I guess we better get it,” the man said. “I assume you deliver?”
“I, uh, yes, of course,” Wendy assured him. If Caleb didn’t deliver, Wendy felt certain it would fit in the back of her Subaru. And for the price of this piece, Caleb would be a fool not to provide free delivery.
“Then write it up,” the man instructed.
Wendy was just going up to the counter when Caleb emerged. Wearing work clothes, a fine coating of sawdust, and a warm smile, he greeted her.
“I just sold your walnut coffee table,” she whispered to him.
“What?”
“That couple over there—they assumed I worked here and I just played along. Do you deliver?”
“You bet.” He chuckled. “Nice work, Wendy.”
“You folks are in luck,” Wendy told the couple. “You’ll get to meet the artist now.” And just like that she introduced Caleb to them—and they all visited congenially, discussing the walnut table and where Caleb found the wood for it.
