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I get ready for the day and unpack my things, putting everything away in a short amount of time. The space feels good, cozy. I slept decent, besides Sutton flitting in and out of my dreams all night. Despite being tired and amped up on Sutton’s pheromones, I think I’ll be comfortable here. Once I’ve tidied everything up, I go to the house and work on a meal plan for the week, taking stock of what they have and what we’ll need, and then I head to Cecil’s, the grocery store Sutton pointed out this morning. I definitely feel the need to prove myself capable in the kitchen after the explosion. I’m still finding caramel in surprising places.
There’s more traffic than earlier, and the parking lot to the beautiful Landmark Mountain Lodge & Ski Resort that Scarlett and Jamison run is full. Scarlett mentioned last night that the lodge is undergoing renovations, but that they’re busier than ever. Tourist season is going strong and will be for a while yet. I’ll have to keep that in mind and give myself more time to pick up Owen this afternoon.
The grocery store is bustling, and I’m surprised by how well it’s stocked. Not only are the produce, bakery, and meat departments top-notch, but there are all kinds of fun, random items I’ve never seen in a grocery store. I put a small potted ivy in my cart, along with a local brand of honey vanilla body wash and lotion that smells heavenly. Just as I’m telling myself I should get out of here before I find something else I love, I pass a large selection of unusual Hawaiian shirts and have a good laugh. And then it’s too late, I see a pair of leggings that have cute detailing and are a velvety soft blend of spandex and suede and grab a pair of them in sage green and black. I need to gradually replace my grungy workout gear with cuter options.
When I finally make it to the line, I wait patiently, entertained by the cashier and the customer in front of me. The customer is a tall, adorable elderly gentleman, and he chats cheerfully to the grumbly, even older-looking man scanning the groceries.
“Fine day we’re having,” the tall one says.
“If you say so,” the cashier mutters.
Now that I’m closer, I can see the cashier’s nametag says Cecil. Ahh, this must be the owner. That thought makes me stifle a laugh. He can’t be completely crotchety if he stocks Hawaiian shirts that have chickens getting suntans.
“Are you coming to chess night at the resort tonight?” the tall one asks.
“Pappy, you know I can’t stand all the chatter at those things. I think you and I are the only ones who actually care about the game,” Cecil says. “My tolerance for giggly ladies is not what it once was.”
He makes a lowhumphsound and I try not to become a giggly lady myself.
Pappy.That sounds familiar. Is this who Owen mentioned the other day? I can’t remember his connection to the family exactly.
“Oh, Cecil,” Pappy chuckles. “You are hilarious.”
When he says it, it sounds likehigh-larious.
Cecil looks up and makes eye contact with me, nodding slightly.
Pappy turns and his smile is friendly. “Hello there.”
“Hi.” I grin up at him. “I’m sorry to eavesdrop, but I think I’ve heard about you from the little guy I’m nannying now, Owen Landmark…”
Pappy’s face lights up and he turns to fully face me while Cecil bags his groceries. “So you’re the beautiful Felicity I’ve been hearing so much about. It’s lovely to meet you.”
My mouth drops open with his words. “You’ve…heard about me?”
“I’ve heard about you too,” Cecil says. “Lar and Mar were quite taken with you.”
“That was…just this morning.”
Pappy laughs. “You’ll find word travels fast around here.”
“Landmark Mountain, where news flies and so do the bets at Sunny Side,” Cecil says.
Pappy shoots a nervous look at Cecil before smiling back at me. I make note to ask one of the girls whatbets at Sunny Sidemeans. They each gave me their number before they left last night and asked if I was offended by group texts. I asked them to please add me to all the chats.
I like all of them so much.
“Owen’s such a special kid,” Pappy says. “He’s my great-granddaughter’s age and every time Ivy visits, she never wants to leave…thanks in large part to how much fun she has with Owen.”
“Where does she live?” I ask.
“In a little town outside of Boston,” he says.
“Oh…is that where you’re from too?” I wasn’t sure what his accent was until he mentioned Boston.
“I’ve lived there most of my life until now…and I still go back and forth quite often,” he says. “Can’t stand to be away from my family thereorhere for very long…but it’s actually helped to be away from the house my wife and I lived in when she was still with us.” He waves his hand and gives me a sheepish look. “Ignore my sentimental blathering. You’ve waited for your turn long enough.” He picks up the bags and nods at Cecil, taking his receipt. He turns and winks at me. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around very soon.”
“I hope so,” I tell him.
