6
Merry Anna steadied her wateringcan over her growing plants. Tender green shoots had to be a good sign. The sound of a car coming up her gravel driveway made her hurry up the last trickling drops and walk out to the front of the house.
Krissy got out of her car. Dressed all in white with a straw belt around her waist, she looked as though she were stepping out of a travel magazine.
“Why aren’t you at work?” Merry Anna asked. “Oh no, I wasn’t supposed to open this morning, was I?”
“No, I just went to the bank. Matt is putting up more shelves for me, so I thought I’d drop by and see how you were settling in over here.”
“Fine. I’ve added a few feminine touches.”
“Oh gosh. I told Matt he might have to do some upgrades for you. I feel bad with you living here in this place the way it is.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m quite comfortable, and the air-conditioning works fine. It’s great.” If nothing else, it made her humble. She hadn’t really realized it before, but she needed that. She appreciated the bunkhouse and what itrepresented right now. “I even painted that old boat and put it on the back porch. I have a little garden started. With any luck, I’ll have tomatoes to share.”
“Look at you. I never would have taken you as the type to grow her own groceries.”
“Oh, I’m not. Those plants are probably on borrowed time, but I’m giving it the old college try. Then again, I was a business major, which doesn’t really help me with this.”
“Well, you feel free to paint or do whatever you want in here to make it seem like home while you’re in town. If you feel the least bit like it’s just not going to work, please let me know. I want you to be happy here.” Krissy tucked her keys into her purse. “I know all this was supposed to be temporary, but, Merry Anna, I love having you working with me in the store.”
“I love working there. It’s been a breath of fresh air, and you have such an eye for beautiful things.”
“You do too. You’ve been good for business.”
“Helloooo.” Tara walked up the driveway, her hand raised over her head in an animated wave. “Am I interrupting?”
“Not at all. You remember my boss, Krissy, from the party?”
Tara cocked her head. “I do. Hello again.”
“Don’t call me boss. It sounds ruthless.” Krissy elbowed her. “I’m her friend too.”
“I remember. Good to see you again so soon.”
“You know, your house used to be the most beautiful home in Antler Creek.” Krissy stepped over next to Tara. “I used to fantasize about walking down those stairs in my wedding gown. When I was a little girl, it seemed like a castle. I bet I sketched a hundred pictures of it over the years.”
“Well, it’s more like a dungeon right now, but I aim to getit back in shape. And, Krissy, as long as you aren’t in a hurry for that wedding, you are more than welcome to say your vows on that staircase. In fact, I’d love it!”
“Be careful. I’ll take you up on that.”
“Good. It’ll motivate me to work faster.”
“Don’t let her fool you,” Merry Anna chimed in. “She’s already doing hard-core demolition, and you should see her project plan. She’s got a handle on it.”
“I’ve yet to get into your store, but I did do a little window shopping over there last Sunday. Once I get this place in shape, you’ll see a lot of me. Local is the best way to furnish a home.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Krissy said. “And Flossie over at the antique shop may actually have some original furniture from this house. I know when Liz was searching for pieces for Angels Rest, Flossie hooked her up with some of the original bedroom sets.”
“Oh my goodness. I won’t wait to ask her about that.” Tara’s eyes danced with excitement. “Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
“Decor is as important as the construction, if you ask me,” Krissy said. “Who’s doing your contract work?”
“I am.” Tara lifted her chin. “My late husband was a general contractor. He taught me everything he knew, only I read the directions too.”
All three women laughed. “Then you are unstoppable,” Krissy said.
“I’ll do as much of it myself as I can, but I am smart enough to know when to call in the big guns, which starts with the electrical update. That’s one fire hazard I don’t want to delay correcting.”
