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“Brilliant! How is she doing now that she is working with her brother? Does she miss child services?”
“The art center is doing well. It’s become a destination spot. Her brother has been quite busy with restoration projects. She’s been consulting for him and running the adjacent café.”
“She’s a love. So, what can I do for you?”
“I want the place to be comfortable in spite of the condition it’s in.” Gaines wasn’t sure how to broach what seemed like a ridiculous question. He looked around the room and frowned. “Candles. Yes or no?”
Minnie chuckled. “A few wouldn’t be a terrible idea, but nothing too overwhelming. Stay away from lilac and coconut. You don’t want your place to smell like old ladies or suntan lotion, now do you?”
Gaines smiled. “Correct. I certainly don’t want this to turn out to be a damp squib.” He chuckled, using one of Minnie’s favorite terms for a total failure.
“Oh, I doubt that, but I understand. You want to make a good impression and not look like you’re desperate.”
“Desperate?” Gaines balked.
“Oh, lovie, it’s obvious you have a sweet spot for her. I am sure everything will be aces and do get vanilla candles. But not too many.”
“Will do. And thanks, Minnie.”
“You are quite welcome. Have a wonderful time. Give Luna my regards. We miss working with her.”
“I will. Gotta dash and go buy some candles. Thanks again, Minnie.”
“Cheerio.”
Gaines hopped into his Jeep and drove to the local pharmacy. He wandered aimlessly through the aisles. Heaven forbid he ask someone where the candles are kept. As he walked down the third aisle, he realized he was probably being watched by security. What was a grown man doing meandering through the women’s hygiene section of the store? He picked up his pace and moved as quickly as possible into the toothpaste section. Nope. Not here either. He finally succumbed to his ignorance of product placement and asked a woman who was taking inventory of the dental floss. “Excuse me. Can you point me in the direction of candles?” He didn’t know why he felt embarrassed, but he did. Maybe because he couldn’t remember the last time he had thought about candles.
“They’re right over there.” She nodded at an endcap.
He must have walked past them at least twice. Now he really felt ridiculous. “Duh. I should pay better attention. Thanks!”
The woman gave him a “most men don’t pay attention” shrug.
He stared at the shelves. Some of the names were vague.Summer Delight. Serene Sanctuary. Home Sweet Home.He took a whiff of it and his eyes almost teared up. That was one home he didn’t want his to smell like. He searched for vanilla but there were none. He gingerly pulled the Serene Sanctuary closer to his face, concerned it would make him sneeze. Much to his surprise, it had a clean scent. Once again, he was befuddled. He brought the candle over to the same woman who had directed him to the shelf. “May I ask you something?”
She shrugged again. “Sure.”
“I’m having guests and I want to give my place a little more, I dunno, umph, I guess. Would this be all right?” He handed the candle to her.
“Divorced?” she asked.
Gaines laughed out loud. “Is it that obvious?”
She gave him a deadpan look.
“Understood.” He nodded. “Due to my candle ignorance, could you please advise?”
She handed it back to him. “This is fine. Has a little sandalwood so it’s a bit more masculine than the others. Go for it.”
“Thanks. I appreciate your help.”
“She’s a lucky woman,” the clerk replied, as he was walking away.
He stopped suddenly, turned, and grinned. “I think I’m the lucky one.”
“Even better. Good luck.” The woman finally smiled.
Gaines bought three large candles and a lighter and headed back to his place. He set one on the dining-room table, one on the fireplace mantel, and one on the bathroom vanity. He decided to light one just to be sure he wouldn’t have another olfactory reaction. He checked his watch again. Three more hours. He didn’t want to start any new projects. The house was in a state of suspended animation, and he didn’t want to open any work files. He couldn’t remember the last time he actually had time on his hands. He sat on the sofa and looked around for the umpteenth time. Not very homey.It is what it is, and that’s why she’s coming. I should be thankful it looks the way it does.
