Darby nodded. “I know. But I have plans. I’m going to open up a bed-and-breakfast for tourists. Not a fancy one with antiques and such… Well, except for what Grandma already had in the house. But one where people can come and relax after hiking or sightseeing all day.”
“That sounds amazing.” Rarity had wondered what Darby was going to do with the mini mansion her grandmother had left her, but she had assumed she’d sell it.
Darby grinned at Rarity’s comment. “I know, right? Malia says she knows a chef looking for a side gig and she wants to be part of it. Holly’s thinking about it too. We just need a cool name.”
“And a business plan and a contract between the three of you, just in case something goes wrong with the friendship.” Drew added to Darby’s dreaming.
“And there’s always someone to bring down the mood.” Archer lightly punched Drew in the shoulder. “Let’s get the alley cleaned up before you get called off to save the day, Superman.”
“Dude, don’t call me that.” Drew and Archer headed into the back room to go out to the alley.
Darby went over and looked at Rarity’s to-do list. “You think it’s too much for us? Running a bed-and-breakfast? I know we’re young.”
Rarity laughed as she set her pen down. “Darby, I had a plan when I was your age. I did all the right things, and still, I had to adjust when I was diagnosed with cancer. When my upcoming wedding dream blew up during the treatment, I realized that it didn’t matter what other people thought. This is your life. If you want to do this, why not?”
“Grandma used to tell me all the time to follow my dreams. That’s why I went to Scotland to finish school. I’d always wanted to but thought it was too expensive. Especially after she got sick. I wanted to be here with her.”
“And you were. I’m excited to see what happens next in your life. If this bed-and-breakfast is the next chapter for you, then I’m all for it.” Rarity looked around the bookstore. “I have never regretted giving up everything I built in St. Louis and moving here. It’s like I was meant to be here all along. You’ll find your happy place too.”
Rarity grabbed her cell phone. Time to call in the troops to help. It wouldn’t be the same without Shirley, but they could pull together to get it all done.
Chapter 3
Later that afternoon, Rarity sent Archer and Drew to the park to set up the bookstore’s booth there for the festival. She’d been planning on setting it all up tomorrow, but with the guys’ help and with Katie arriving midmorning, she was ahead of schedule. They’d completely set up the alley stage, movie theater, and book sales stand. She was working on the staffing plan for this weekend in case Shirley wasn’t able to work. She’d be okay, but it would be tight. She might have to close the store on Saturday just to have enough people for the festival booth.
Overtime was going to kill her budget this weekend. But sales at the Wednesday signing had been strong and today had been busy. Marc Billings had come by and asked Darby if she’d join him for lunch. Rarity had sent them away with a grin.
Katie had waited until they were out of the bookstore before she said, “Wow, he’s like a bee to a wildflower with her. Can you see it in his eyes?”
“He does seem smitten. And from what I can see, he’s a good guy. Besides, Darby needs a distraction from last night’s mess.” Rarity sighed as she handed Katie a piece of paper. “Go get everyone’s order for lunch at Carole’s. My salad is already on the list. And an iced tea, please.”
“We need more waters too. I’ll stop by the store so we can get stocked up for tomorrow.” She reached for the credit card that Rarity kept in the drawer. “I love spending your money.”
“Just remember, I need money for payroll too,” Rarity teased. “Oh, get additional water and some sodas for the booth this weekend. So buy twice as much as you were planning.”
“I’ll get our lunch order in and then head out to the store.” Katie glanced around the bookstore. There were several customers browsing. Foot traffic had been strong all morning. “Unless you think I need to stay. I can go to the store after we close.”
Rarity shook her head. “No, you’re going to be working too many hours this weekend as it is. Take tonight to do something fun.”
“Actually, Darby’s having a bunch of the girls over tonight for a sleepover. She invited me to come along as well. I really like having her here. She’s not what I expected, but I’m dying to see the inside of her house. And her pool.” Katie took off to help a customer in the romance aisle.
As she did, the bell over the door rang, and Rarity called out, “Welcome to the Next Chapter.”
“Thank you. I know I’m early for Tuesday’s book club, but I am having a bad case of writer’s block and Drew thought I might be useful here.” Jonathon Anderson, Drew’s father, and a full-fledged member of the sleuthing club, walked into the store.
“Jonathon. You’re just on time. Give Katie your lunch order, then come over and tell me all about what’s going on with Edith and Savannah, of course.” Rarity knew that Drew had asked his dad to come up from Tucson where they lived probably sometime last night. Jonathon was a retired detective and a really nice guy. He was also an aspiring author.
“I didn’t come for a free lunch,” he grumbled as he set his laptop bag on the counter.
“Perks of the day. Never turn down food when it’s offered. You don’t know how long it will be until the next meal. Especially with as busy as this weekend is going to be. Besides, I’m down a set of hands. This way I don’t feel bad about asking you to help.” She waved Katie over. “Now give her your order and then I’ll tell you what’s going on unless Drew updated you this morning.”
“No, I talked with him late last night.” After he’d given his order to Katie, he sat down at one of the stools. “Where’s Darby?”
“She went to lunch with Marc Billings. He’s a retired bike racer and we hosted a book signing for his first book last night. He’s also enamored with our Darby. She should be back any minute.” Rarity took a book from a customer who’d come up to the register and processed her checkout. Once she was finished and the customer had left, she turned back to Jonathon to finish the update. “Shirley is at the hospital with George.”
Concern filled Jonathon’s face. “Do we know what’s going on? Should I ask Edith to join me this weekend?”
“I don’t know anything more than what I said.” Rarity thought for a minute. “Can you ask Edith to call Shirley? It might be a welcome distraction from the waiting.”
