An apothecary displayed rows of bottles and soaps, the comforting aroma of which mingled in the air around me. An art store boasted beautiful canvases and supplies. I wasn’t much of an artist, but it gave the impression that anyone who stepped foot in there could find their inner Rembrandt. A sign in the glass-enclosed display window announced a new craft store coming soon upstairs.
I wasn’t very crafty, either.
At the far back was a gardening center with vibrant pots and leafy plants that I’d surely kill if I brought them home. Peeking out from the forest at the back was a wooden bridge, sparking a memory. What was across that bridge?
I considered exploring further, but the coffee shop to my right drew my attention. A crisp and welcoming breeze pushed my back, and I ventured forward. Inside, Brianne nursed a thick mug, eyeing it like a long-lost lover.
I hesitated, unsure if I should interrupt her moment of passion, when her eyes lifted and bore into mine.
“Hey, girl! Come on over and join me.”
“I should order first.”
“No need. Ms. Ana will be along, and she likely already knows what you want.”
I took the seat she motioned to with a grateful smile. There was no menu on the table, but as I turned to read the board behind the cashier stand, a familiar figure approached me.
“Hey, Ms. Ana.” I did that awkward thing where I didn't know whether to hug or shake her hand. I rose halfway, only partially surprised to find she already had a drink and was reaching it out to me. “It’s so lovely to see you again.”
I didn’t ask if she remembered me. It was clear from her expression that she did. And I’d already given up on questioning it.
“Simone Bardot, my goodness you’ve aged gracefully!” She closed the gap between us, setting the drink on the table and pulling me into a motherly embrace.
I held on longer than I’d intended. It had been a long time since I felt comforted this way. It shook up all the tumultuous pieces inside me,waking up a longing for affection and support that I’d buried deep when Jeff fell ill.
No, a tiny voice whispered inside me, I’d buried it long before that. Granted, we’d never been incredibly passionate. But when did my comfortable marriage with Jeff become two roommates who happened to share the same bed?
Whether I wanted to believe it or not, that happened long before his affair.
“Welcome home, dear.” Ana’s smile was patient and warm, as if she knew a single hug had sent me into turmoil. “I expect you’re settling in at the Magnolia?”
“Trying to.” I attempted a shrug, but my lips trembled. As a kid, when I wasn’t working out or hanging with my mom at the office, I was at the public library. Ana might have been the coolest librarian ever. She had a matronly air, but everything about her was as vibrant and youthful as the town itself. Like things aged here without getting old.
“Aww, hon, give yourself time. It’s a lot to take in.” I didn’t question how she knew what I was going through. I knew enough about small towns to know that one person’s business was everyone’s business. When Agatha died, I’m sure the rumor mill went crazy trying to find out who took control of the Magnolia. “You know, when everything around you feels uncertain, the best thing you can do is find an anchor.”
“An anchor?” I let her guide me back to my seat next to Brianne.
“Yes, dear. Something to root you in place. To help you feel secure and less adrift. You know, like a good friend.” She gave Brianne a quick side embrace and me a final warm smile. “Enjoy your day, you two.”
“Well, that was subtle.” I chuckled along with Brianne, taking a sip of my drink. Then, my world stopped. Tiny squeals of delight danced through my taste buds. I was floating on a caffeinated cloud of happiness. “Oh. My. God.”
The moan that escaped me was straight up erotic. Brianne’s head tilted back, and she laughed like she hadn’t in years.
“Oh my.” She wiped tears from the corners of her eyes. “I forgot how everyone responds to their first drink here.”
“What is it?” I was a little lightheaded.
“It’s different for everybody.” Brianne tipped her own mug so I could see the caramel-colored liquid inside, different from the dark frothydrink that had washed all the bitterness from my mouth. “Ms. Ana has a knack for knowing what people need.”
“I dimly recall it being the same when she was a librarian. Good to see she still knows books.” The coffee shop was divided in two. On the far side were rows of weathered bookshelves and inviting recliners, a few of which were occupied by people lost in their own worlds. “Maybe that’s her magic. I wonder what she is.”
I glanced back at Brianne, who was gazing at me as if trying to solve a puzzle, making me wonder what I’d said. Was that offensive, to ask what kind of magical creature someone was? I didn’t know the rules. Besides, wasn’t Brianne mundane? God, I hated that term.
My throat tightened, and I fought to find something to say to correct the situation. Brianne was the most welcoming person I’d found here, and we were starting to become friends. I didn’t want to screw it up by shoving my foot in my mouth. Ana was right. I needed an anchor. Finally, I settled on being honest.
“I’m sorry if I offended you. I’m learning to adapt in a new world here.” I took another sip of my drink, but it didn’t have the giddy effect from earlier. With just a few words, I’d managed to make myself feel small and out of place. Again.
“Would you like to come to my house for dinner Friday evening?” Brianne smiled at me and patted my arm. It was a domestic and welcoming response. Man, she was good.
