Riley pounced on the chance to put her plan in action. “If you don’t need the revenue, then why don’t you sell the business? Then if you wanted to travel or—”
“I’m not selling.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Knots and Tangles has been in my family for a long time. I’ve held out hope it will continue that way.”
Another ribbon of guilt wrapped around Riley’s conscience, but she ignored it. Mimi knew she had no interest in running the yarn shop, and it wasn’t her fault her grandmother was not only being stubborn but also making a bad business decision. Thank God she wasn’t broke.Like me.
Mimi put her hands on the wheels of her wheelchair and pushed forward, her foot rattling a display of stitch markers that somehow managed to stay upright. “Anyway, I’ll put you on a salary.” When she mentioned the amount, Riley almost fell out of the chair.
“That’s way too much, Mimi.”
“Pshaw. I can afford it. I also know you have bills to pay, and while you’re here you can’t sell your artwork. So now that I’m your boss, I insist on paying you what you’re worth.”
“Mimi—”
“Insubordination will not be tolerated at Knots and Tangles. You’re risking your Employee of the Month status.”
Riley laughed. “Other than you, I’m the only employee here.”
“And I’ve won the award every month. It’s about time I had some competition.” Her eyes grew soft. “I’m so happy you’re here, sugar. It fills my soul to have you back in Maple Falls again.”
A lump formed in Riley’s throat at her grandmother’s hopeful tone. She’d have to tell Mimi she was heading back to New York as soon as Mimi’s leg healed. But she didn’t have to say that now. And while she was here, she might as well get this shop, and her grandmother’s home, in better shape.
“I have one condition,” Riley said.
“Name it.”
“That you let me clean and organize this place.”
“Sure thing.”
Riley frowned. “You’re giving in that easily?”
Mimi shrugged. “Letting you clean the shop won’t bother me, because then I won’t have to. It will also get the BBs off my back.” She pointed at Riley. “But don’t you dare touch my house. That’s sacred ground.”
Riley nodded, smirking.We’ll see.
Chapter4
Erma sat in her wheelchair in the back room of her shop, the only room in the entire store that was somewhat tidy. It had to be neat so there was enough space to hold a mismatched set of chairs, a turquoise rag area rug, a scratched but beloved coffee table, and a few TV trays that held snacks and beverages. As the Bosom Buddies entered the room—each carrying her project bag along with a treat to share—her heart warmed. This was what was important. Her friends, good food, creativity, a bit of gossip, and lots of laughter. The icing on the cake was Riley’s presence. Her dearest friends were fawning all over her wonderful granddaughter.
“Riley McAllister, you haven’t changed a bit,” Madge Wilson gushed. She was the youngest of the Bosom Buddies, and her daughter, Harper, was Riley’s age. “Still pretty as ever.”
Riley’s smile was tight as she nodded. “Thank you.”
“How long has it been?” Peg Ryan set a bowl of ambrosia salad on the table. “Six years since you’ve been back home?”
“A little over nine.” Riley nibbled on her fingernail, then quickly shoved her hands behind her back.
Erma watched as Riley interacted with the other two Bosom Buddies—Viola Porter and Gwen Brown. Everyone peppered her granddaughter with polite questions, never once hinting that they knew the deeper reasons for Riley’s departure from Maple Falls, beyond her wanting to be a famous artist. Erma wasn’t sure Riley knew those reasons herself. Her granddaughter not only didn’t want anything to do with her mother, but she also didn’t want to be anything like her. The BBs were also aware of Tracey’s past and the friction between her and Riley. These women were Erma’s confidantes, and although they didn’t knoweverything, they knew a lot. They also knew when to keep their mouths shut about BB secrets.
Guilt stabbed at Erma, but she shoved it away. She hadn’t exactly been forthright with Riley today. The shop hadn’t always looked this messy. The BBs helped her tidy it up often enough. Over the past year or so, even before the accident, Erma realized she was losing interest in running the store, which was why she hadn’t been open as often as she should. Before she broke her leg, she’d finally started to organize her inventory with the intent to liquidate. She had finally accepted that her granddaughter wouldn’t continue the Knots and Tangles tradition, a fact that deeply saddened her.
With Riley here now and working at the shop again, Erma prayed she would change her mind and see the value of keeping tradition alive. She knew it would take a miracle for that to occur.Good thing God is in the miracle business.He’d already provided one miracle—Riley was back. Hopefully soon she would realize that despite the past, Maple Falls could truly be her home.
After all the women filled up their plates with snacks and visited for a while, Erma clapped and wheeled herself as close to the sitting area as she dared, almost knocking her leg into one of the chairs.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this thing,” she muttered, rolling to a stop next to Gwen.
“You’ll be on crutches soon enough.” Gwen gave her a brilliant smile that was always perfect because her husband was a dentist. His practice was in nearby Malvern, the closest large city to Maple Falls, although calling it large was a stretch.
