“So to summarize…” she said while picking up a pastry and munching on it, “You agreed to a wager with the hot snob from the art show, Harmon—a plot twist nobody saw coming.”She raised her eyebrows.“And you’re supposed to scout for museums with the guy, and make an art show that’s supposed to be better than his, even if he’s the best at it.”She took another bite of her pastry.“And win.”
Sal gave a tight smile.“It wasn’t the best decision…” she said, leaning back.
“You think?”she said with a light laugh.“But like, how do you win?”she asked, crossing her arms over her chest.
Sal shrugged.“The person who meets a minimum threshold for sales, most crowd turnout, and higher critique score will win.”She had oversimplified it, but that was the gist of how she could beat him.As long as she beat him in at least two of the three conditions, she could keep Autumn Town.
Willow lit up when Sal explained this.“Sounds like a challenge!”she said, pulling back her big mass of hair into a half-pony, as though showing that she was about to work at her café again and that the conversation was settled.But Willow stayed at her seat and leaned forward, looking more eager than a few minutes ago.“I’ll ask one of my staff to handle the café while I’m gone,” Willow said.“But then, what about Autumn Town?”
“Oh, I had a talk with Auden yesterday.She agreed to do her internship there while we’re away.She says it would look good on her résumé,” Sal replied.
“And the issue with the money?”Willow raised her eyebrows.That was the most urgent thing surrounding Autumn Town.Autumn Town was breaking even, but Sal was not liquid enough to account for any unforeseen circumstances.
Sal pursed her lips.“I can use up whatever is left of Claire’s inheritance for our Philippines project, but after this, we’ll really be in the red.”
She had hoped that the exhibit featuring theArt Cards from Nowherewould finally give them some wiggle room, but that was all water under the bridge now.There were sales from Claire’s sculptures and the art students’ paintings, but it was barely enough to cover anything major.If she didn’t make enough money, and soon, running Autumn Town would put them in the red, and eventually, she would have to sell it, or close it down.Just the thought of it vexed her.
Sal finished up her breakfast plate with her usual favorite bacon toastie, and then said, “We agreed on the itinerary after the mediation…if that’s what you call it.We’ll be visiting some museums in major cities in the Philippines.”
Willow clasped her hands together while containing an excited grin.“Okay then, looks like we have a plan,” she said more joyfully than Sal expected.“But you’re missing one crucial bit that turns this wager in your favor.”
Sal frowned, amused.“What am I missing?”
“You’re doing this at your home court, the Philippines, and I’ve been dying to go on a holiday with you there,” Willow said with a huge smile on her face.
Sal laughed.“Will, this will not be a holiday though,” she said affectionately.
“I’ll treat it as such while activating the best friend card,” Willow replied.“And by the looks of it, you’ll need all the help you can get.”
Sal noticed a couple of locals approaching the café; seeing as the morning rush was about to start.Willow tapped her hand and squeezed it.“It’s going to be okay,” she said before the next slew of customers arrived.
Maybe Willow was right; maybe it was all going to be all right.Something inside Sal felt nervous about it though.St.Stephenshire was her home now; could she really go back to the Philippines and win against Harmon?The only way she would know is if she took the chance, and so she would.
Chapter Eleven
No Goodbyes
SAL
A Few Days Later
Salhatedsayinggoodbyeto her cat, even if it was just temporary.As Rafa packed her luggage into the car, Willow prepared her senior dog, Mochi, and Mochi’s pet bed in the cottage, while Hana played with her cat toys.
A soft purr reached Sal’s ear.It was Kimmy, close to her human companion, as always.The small tabby cat had walked onto the backrest of the sofa and sat beside Sal patiently, undoubtedly sensing that she wouldn’t go with her owner this time.When Sal finally had the heart and made eye contact, the cat blinked slowly, as though telling Sal that she was going to be all right.Sal’s heart ached as she scratched beneath Kimmy’s chin.“You’ve always been a good girl and my best companion.”She cooed, “I’ll be back.I promise.”Kimmy let out a soft meow.Tenderly, Sal cuddled her tiny companion into her arms, whispering her love before leaving.
***
“No goodbyes.”Sal smirked, trying to lighten the mood as she hugged Rafa at the airport gates.“It’s only two months.”
“Might as well be forever…” he said, breathing in.“I’ll call you.”
“I love you,” she said as kissed him on the cheek.“I’ll bring back1chicharon for you.”He took a deep breath as she let go.“I’ll call you as soon as I land.”
“I love you too,” he said, and in a few minutes, she walked through the gate.
1.Chicharon is a Filipino appetizer or snack.It is deep fried crispy pig skin most commonly drizzled with salt.
Part Two
