The store closed at two today, giving Merry Anna plenty of time to get ready for the party tonight. She had the rest of the afternoon to do whatever she wanted.
She’d never considered herself crafty, but helping Krissy paint barn-quilt tiles had been so much fun that she was itching to try a few things on her own, so much so that she’d splurged on some paint and was attempting a full-size barn quilt at home in her spare time. She’d only painted the background and penciled the design so far, but she hoped it would turn out as nice as the little plaque she’d painted that read, “Say yes to new opportunities,” which she’d already hung in her bathroom so she’d remember the phrase every day.
Once Merry Anna started painting, she just couldn’t stop. An old bookshelf and a couple of old ceramic pots that were in the shed now wore a fresh coat of color. An old johnboat resting on its side next to the bunkhouse caught her eye. Sheguesstimated she had just enough paint left to cover the outside of it.
Surprisingly, when she finished, the little boat looked almost seaworthy again. Not that she’d put it to the test.
“Hello.”
Merry Anna spun around at the sound of the woman’s voice. Stepping out from behind the boat, she saw an older woman dressed in denim capri pants and a shirt with birds appliquéd on the front. Her big white sunglasses and bright lipstick made her look like a Hollywood celebrity despite the casual attire.
“Hello. I didn’t hear you come up.” Merry Anna balanced her paintbrush across the top of the can and walked over to her.
“I’m Tara.” Her chin was set proudly, and the little woman couldn’t be more than five feet tall and a hundred pounds soaking wet while holding a sack of potatoes.
“Adam told me you bought the big house down the hill.” Merry Anna checked her hand for paint, then extended it to the woman. “I just moved in recently too. It’s so nice to meet you.”
“And you as well. I see you’ve put a lovely coat of paint on that old boat.” Tara grinned. Her lipstick had bled into the wrinkles around her mouth, and her white hair looked as soft as a cotton swab. “What are you going to do with it?”
“I have no idea.” Merry Anna let out a nervous laugh. “I’m really not all that creative, or maybe I am, but my life before I moved here didn’t allow me the free time to express myself that way. I’m kind of winging it.”
“It’s a lovely color,” Tara said. “You have a good eye. I live for fun projects and home decor. That shade of blue is quite trendy right now.”
“Really? Beginner’s luck, I suppose.” The boat did look pretty now that it had some color. No one would ever guess it had looked like something to throw on the burn pile an hour ago.
“Oh, I don’t think luck had anything to do with that. I believe one has an eye for design or they don’t. Can’t really teach that.” Tara stepped closer to the boat. “You know, some folks might turn that thing up on its side and add shelves for a bookcase, which is cute if you live on the lake, but we don’t. A better idea would be to put it up on something so it’s counter height and fill it with potted plants. It would make the most whimsical raised bed. A nice way to present the plants in a way that does not require weeding…which I hate because it’s a complete waste of time. Plus, it wouldn’t matter if it leaks.”
“I don’t really know if I like weeding or not. I’ve never done it.”
“Then let me save you the trouble,” Tara offered. “You won’t like it.”
“I’ve never been good with plants, but now that I’m not working sixty hours a week, maybe they’ll stand a fighting chance. I could put in some tomatoes and herbs. What do you think?”
“That’s a wonderful idea. Plant some of those cherry tomatoes too. I do love those.” Tara smacked her lips playfully. “I’ll help you eat them, because that’s one thing about veggies people forget. They seem to come ripe all at one time. Feast or famine.”
“Well, neighbor, I’d love to feast with you. Hopefully, it’ll be successful.”
“I can help you. I’m great with plants. I’m crafty too. In fact, this is going to sound quite braggy, but I’m pretty goodat most things.” Tara paused. “With the exception of computers.”
“Ah! Now, computers—that’s something I can helpyouwith.”
“Wonderful. Maybe you can help me figure out how to get Wi-Fi set up in that old house so I can order stuff.” Tara looked hopeful. “I’ve got huge plans for that place, but to bring it back to its former glory, I need more than what I can get locally. I’ve got supply-house connections online if I can justgetonline.” Tara hugged her arms to herself. “It’s going to be a beauty.”
“I can’t wait to hear all about it.” Merry Anna looked past Tara toward the house. “It had to have been a gorgeous home at one time.”
“Yes. Stately, even. It still has good bones.” Tara gazed at it like a lovesick teenager. “The moldings are exquisite. It’s a shame it’s been empty so long. Deferred maintenance is bad enough, but a home without a heartbeat living in it…well, that is surely the death of a house.”
The sorrow in the old woman’s voice tugged at Merry Anna’s heart. “That sounds horrible.”
“Nah. I’ll save her. It would have been much more fun to work on this one with my husband, but at least I won’t have to compromise on anything.”
“I’m really sorry for your loss.”
“Don’t worry yourself over it. I’ve got heart enough to bring that one back to life.” Tara winked and went on. “I’m ready to resuscitate that thing. I even found some wonderful pieces down in the basement I might be able to do something with. Nary a light down there. Good thing I had a flashlight with me.”
“You need to be careful in the basement, especially in thedark. We should exchange cell phone numbers. That way if you get into any trouble, you can call me for help.”
“And vice versa. Probably should tell you that I’m a bit hard of hearing, though. Sometimes I don’t hear my phone. So if I don’t answer, don’t worry.”
