“I’ve been busy at The Flower Cottage.”
Her mom’s half-hearted laugh wasn’t a good sign. “I can’t believe you’re still there. I thought the novelty of living in a small town would’ve rubbed off already.”
“I like living in Sapphire Bay,” Jackie told her. “There are a lot of wonderful people here and everyone in the community helps each other.”
“Are you still part of that little Christmas group?”
Jackie frowned. “Are you talking about Santa’s Secret Helpers?”
“That’s the one. It’s so quaint delivering mystery gifts to people. Although I still don’t know why it’s a year-round thing. After all, Christmas only happens in December.”
Jackie rubbed her forehead. She’d heard the same comment when she first told her mom about the group. “It’s because people need things throughout the year. We want to make a positive difference in people’s lives whenever they need help.”
Carissa sighed. “Well, if you ask me, it’s a waste of money and time. But who am I to judge what you’re doing?”
Her mom was right. She didn’t have a right to judge other people. Especially when she did as little as possible for anyone else.
Jackie took a deep breath and focused on a baby’s jacket sitting half-finished on the coffee table. “I wanted to tell you something, Mom.”
“I’m listening,” Carissa prompted, sounding disinterested.
“When I started working at The Flower Cottage, I told you about the cottage Paris remodeled to create her store. Well, there were another three the county was turning into small businesses. The second cottage became a café, and the third opened recently as a quilting store. I’ve just signed the lease on the fourth cottage.”
“Whatever for?” Carissa asked.
“I’m opening a knitting and yarn store,” Jackie announced, trying to infuse her voice with confidence. “As well as wool, needles, patterns, and everything else people need to get started, I’ll sell my own knitting.”
“Really?” Carissa’s skepticism was palpable. “Has anyone told you your little hobby isn’t the type of thing you can earn money from.”
“People are already buying my knitting,” Jackie reminded her. “I have a website and a loyal following. I’ve contacted other groups around Flathead Lake and a lot of people want to sell their knitting in my store. It’ll be like a community co-operative.”
Carissa huffed. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. It takes more than loyalty to pay your rent and utilities. Who would want to buy all that wool and knitting stuff in a small town like Sapphire Bay?”
Jackie bristled but tried to keep her voice steady. “Well, there are a lot of people here who enjoy knitting, and that doesn’t include the tourists who come to town.”
“Jackie,” her mother sighed, “you know I worry about you. It’s a risky venture. What if it doesn’t work out? You could lose everything and end up homeless again.”
Feeling the sting of her mother’s words, Jackie changed the subject. “So, how’s Samuel? How are things going between you two?”
“Samuel?” Carissa scoffed. “We broke up months ago. I’m living with someone new now. His name’s Taylor and he’s such a honey. He’s originally from Wyoming, but he’s been living in Georgia for the last ten years. Next time he’s flying home to see his family, we’ll go a little farther and visit you in Montana.”
Jackie’s heart sank at the prospect of her mother coming to Sapphire Bay. She didn’t need more doubt and negativity in her life right now. But she swallowed down her apprehension and forced a smile into her voice. “That sounds nice, Mom.”
“Anyway,” Carissa continued, “when is this store of yours opening?”
“In about three-and-a half weeks,” Jackie replied.
“Is there anything you need from me?” her mother asked, though Jackie sensed the lack of enthusiasm in her tone.
Jackie shook her head, even though her mother couldn’t see the gesture. “No, Mom. I just wanted to tell you about it. That’s all.”
“Well, good luck with everything. And don’t leave it so long between phone calls. I care about you.”
Jackie wondered if her mom’s latest boyfriend was with her. It would make her sound as though she genuinely cared about what Jackie was doing. “I’ll let you know how the store’s going once I’ve opened.”
“You do that, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. You’re not getting any younger. Being in debt isn’t something you should take lightly.”
And with those depressing words ringing in Jackie’s ears, her mother ended the call.
