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Chapter 10
“I’m sorry, Aria.” Lois Howell took off her glasses and let them dangle on the gold chain around her neck. The florist shop was redolent with the fragrance of fresh-cut spring flowers, though only a few bouquets decorated the shelves. “I appreciate everything you’re doing, but Ray and I have been running this place for thirty years.”
“Exactly!” Aria reached across the counter and grasped the older woman’s hand.
Though she’d only been petitioning since yesterday afternoon, eight of the ten signatures she’d collected had all come from Meow and Then customers. Plus, herself and Grant from the Mousehole Tavern. She hadn’t been able to convince a single Mariposa owner to sign.
“Thirty years,” she told Lois. “The Bloom Room is your legacy. How can you stand the idea of selling it to a corporation that will bring out the wrecking ball the instant you sign on the dotted line?”
“Your dedication is admirable.” Lois smiled and patted Aria on the cheek. “However, times change. As much as I love this old building, it’s become an albatross we’re ready to turn over to someone else. And it would cost a fortune to renovate the whole street.”
“That’s why I’ve started the Mariposa Renovation Fund.” Aria extended a flyer on which she’d written the details of her fundraising plan. “All proceeds will go toward renovation and revitalization.”
“How much have you raised so far?”
“Two hundred and six dollars and forty-three cents.” Aria tightened her grip when Lois shook her head affectionately. “I’ve just gotten started. Wecanraise enough money to save Mariposa, but only if we stand together.”
“I love your passion, but our minds are made up.” Lois released Aria’s hand and picked up a pair of shears. “Ray and I don’t want to be forced to close The Bloom Room, so this is a great opportunity for us. Did I tell you we’re going on a Caribbean cruise? Our first one.”
Aria stepped away from the counter in defeat. “That sounds great.”
“Don’t be disappointed about this, dear.” Lois turned to head into the backroom. “It’s time to move forward. This is just part of the town’s evolution.”
To what?Aria thought bitterly. An overdeveloped city with high-rise buildings blocking the expansive views of the rocky Pacific coastline and the redwood forests?
She knew about moving forward—they’d all had to do that after Dad died—but that didn’t mean forgetting all the things you cherished about the past. Just the opposite. People, places, photos, songs, memories…everything was woven into your being. You took the past with you when you moved forward.
Clutching her clipboard to her chest, she continued down Mariposa. The bright morning sun shone on the cracked cobblestones and old windows. A Metalworks Hardware truck was the only vehicle parked on the street. Across from the café, Destiny stood in the doorway of Moonbeams with a cup of coffee.
“Morning, honey.” She lifted the cup. “Have time to join me?”
“No, but thanks. I noticed yesterday that Porkchop has been limping, and Max is coming over to check on him.” Aria approached her friend. “Sounds like Lois and Ray are planning to sell.”
“That’s what I heard too.” Destiny’s lipsticked mouth twisted as she glanced a few doors down, where Hunter had stopped to talk to Gary, the Corner Store owner.
Ignoring the awareness bolting through her, Aria narrowed her gaze on the two men as they paused to speak. Hunter had forgone his tailored suit today, opting instead for dark khakis and a navy button-down that fit beautifully over his broad shoulders. He held a tablet out for Gary to see and spread his hand toward the street, likely telling the other man how they were going to tear everything down.
The men shook hands. Aria’s chest tightened. Hunter crossed the street to the florist shop and disappeared inside.
“Morning, Joe!” Destiny waved toward the tall man wearing jeans, a T-shirt, and a tool belt who exited one of the closed shops halfway down the street.
He gave a short nod in her direction before disappearing behind the Metalworks Hardware truck.
Destiny let out a gusty sigh. “Am I coming on too strong?”
“Saying hello to someone is hardly coming on strong.” Aria smiled sympathetically. “He still hasn’t asked you out?”
“Honey, aside from saying hello, he barely glances my way.” Destiny took a sip of coffee, pursing her lips. “I don’t get it. You remember when he fixed my leaky roof last winter? I happened to have a pot of soup on the stove, so I invited him to stay for dinner. The man gobbled down two bowls full, but when I casually said, ‘We should do this again sometime,’ he looked as if I’d suggested we get naked and dance the tango.”
“Are you sure you didn’t actually suggest that?” Aria nudged her friend in the side.
Destinytsked, even as a gleam appeared in her eyes. “Maybe I need to go to those lengths to get his attention.” She fiddled with one of her dangly earrings. “You think I’m too much for him? Maybe he’s scared of me.”
“Then he’s not the man for you.”
“I wish he’d give me the chance to figure that out for myself.” Destiny nodded toward an approaching van, the sides emblazoned withAll Critters Pet Clinic and Hospital. “Looks like hot doc is here. Hey, have you ever considered going out with him? You’ve known each other long enough.”
“That’s kind of the problem.” Aria watched as the driver parked the van a few stores down from Meow and Then. “We went on a couple of dates years ago, but it ended up being just two old friends hanging out. Besides, it’s tough to feel romantic about a man who ate paste in kindergarten and who knows that you once considered getting a Justin Bieber tattoo.”
