The sun was bright and warmed me as I followed the sidewalk to Mouse Trap, the cheese shop Ashlyn recommended.The bright sign and the massive wheels just outside the beam of sunlight drew me inside, where the air was cool and heavy with the scent of more varieties of cheese than I’d ever heard of.
A silver-haired hottie was talking to a couple with a child in a stroller when I walked in.He waved but didn’t break his conversation with them as he talked them through options.
I walked along the front window, reading the tags of the cheeses and finding a few I did know.The case on the right side of the store was cold, housing cubes and blocks of cheese ranging from soft to hard with extremely descriptive cards to make sure a customer knew exactly what they were getting with each selection.
I was halfway down the case when the door chimed, and the couple left.
“Welcome to Mouse Trap.I’m Elijah.I don’t think we’ve met,” the silver fox said, smiling warmly at me as he approached.
“I’m visiting a friend for the summer.I’m Reegan.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Reegan.Do you have something in particular you’re looking for today or just browsing?”
“Mostly browsing.My friend recommended I stop by when I told her I was getting bored sitting around her house all the time while she works.”
Elijah laughed kindly.“I can understand that.I would have to get out and do things, too.What do you do, if you don’t mind my asking, since you’re here for the summer?”
“I’m a teacher.”
“Ah, that makes sense.You cram a full year of work into nine months and get paid less than you deserve.”
I snorted.“Sounds about right.”
“Well, I hope you enjoy.If there is anything you want to try, please let me know.And I’m happy to answer any questions you have.”
“Thanks, Elijah.”
“You’re most welcome.”
The door chimed, and Elijah moved to the side to greet the new customers and give me space to explore.
I was in heaven.I could have tried one of everything in the store and gone back for more.When I made it to the back of the refrigerated case, I moved to the other side where larger blocks of uncut cheese were stored on shelves.The fact that I could buy a wheel of cheese delighted and scared me.Because I would eat the entire thing if I did that.And then I’d regret it.
Like tequila sophomore year of college.I shuddered.I still didn’t touch the stuff.
When I made it around to the front of the store again, I grabbed a hand basket so I could choose some cheeses.Brie and Parmesan were easy choices for me.I knew I’d go through my two favorites in one sitting, but I wanted to try some new options.
A maple cheddar was intriguing, so I added a small block to try.A garlic Swiss made my mouth water in anticipation.Then I saw the cheese curds.I added three of them to try out, knowing I was going to enjoy the hell out of my lunch.
Near the register, I found crackers of all varieties and some packaged sliced meats for a charcuterie board.I grabbed a jar of olives and a slate board that had Mouse Trap carved into the corner.If nothing else, it would be a reminder of my summer with Ashlyn.
“All set?”Elijah asked as I moved closer to the register.
I nodded and set my basket on the counter.“I think so.”
“You picked some good ones.The maple cheddar worries people, but it’s worth it.”
“Yeah, I wasn’t so sure, but I couldn’t resist it.”
“The maple comes from a farm on the other side of the Adirondacks.”
“What farm?”I asked.
“Jones Family Maple Farm.It’s in a small town on the Saint Lawrence River.”
“MacKellar Cove.”
Elijah drew back in shock.“You’ve heard of it?Most people don’t know the town.”
