The rough sound of her clearing her throat is loud in the quiet room. “Yes, let me grab my purse and list.”
Walking her outside, I lead her to my truck.
“Jaxon is still here?”
“He’s finishing up. I need to grab some stuff from where I’m staying. I’d like to do that first, then we’ll head to town.”
I’ve traveled light and lived out of duffel bags for so long it takes me about ten minutes to stuff everything in. My firefighting gear is already stored under the tonneau cover of my truck.
Climbing back in the cab, I smile at her. “Your shop first then the store?”
“Perfect. Do you know where Mugg’s Up is?”
“My favorite coffee spot.”
“The shop is two doors down.”
CHAPTER 6
Grace
Caleb pauses in front of the store window. One of Guy’s paintings is center stage. It’s always bittersweet when I see his work on display in the shop that used to be ours. When Guy and I owned it, we called itMud & Twine. Now it’sPop’s Gifts. They usually only keep one or two paintings and they have snapshots of other works that can be viewed upon request.
“Are these three photos of Guy’s work as well?”
“Yes. They were some of the last things he did.
“The new owners brought in a lot of cheap tourist items and display less of the local artisans since they took over. I shouldn’t complain, they gave me a job and let me sell my pottery.”
I greet the owner as I walk in.
He glances up from counting cash in the register. Startled at first then a little sheepish, he smiles. “Uh hi, Grace. I was going to call you. About next week...” He glances to the left and I see the sign.
Store Closing Until Further Notice
“Wha...why?”
“We just aren’t making the money we thought we would. We’re taking a cruise and will decide what we want to do while we’re gone. Kids want us to spend more time with the grandchildren.”
“I—I understand.”
“Can we ask a favor?” Caleb holds out his hand. “Caleb Rourke. Can you let us know first. We may want to rent the place and maybe look at your stock. The local items are consignment, correct?”
Pops eyes light up. “Yes. If you’re interested in taking over, maybe we could come to a deal on the other items. We can talk when we get back from vacation. You want to leave your number?”
“Absolutely, but you can also reach me through Grace.”
“I see.” Pops glances my way as he takes down Caleb’s number.
Putting his arm around my shoulder, Caleb steers me out of the shop.
“What are you doing? Why?”
“Hear me out. Jaxon says you need to be back in control of that shop. It was popular and good business for the town before Pop’s took over. I’m looking for a permanent place to live and there’s an apartment upstairs. Let’s see what happens. We may be able to work a deal with each other.”
Getting the shop back? My heart starts racing. No. Don’t get your hopes up. “Okay, but I pay my fair share.”
“We’ll run it by Jaxon tonight.”
