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“Hi, Mrs. L.” The woman was standing looking at her window display.
“You look pretty, Mandy.”
“Thanks.”
“Wait!” Mrs. L dashed back inside her shop, returning with a silver chain bracelet. In between the links were small circles of rose-colored stone. “This will be perfect with that dress.”
She slipped it on Mandy’s wrist and did up the catch.
“See, perfect.”
It was, actually. Mandy loved it. She opened her purse, but Mrs. L stopped her.
“No, dear, this is my gift to you. It’s wonderful to see you so full of confidence, Mandy. I’ve watched you for many years and hoped one day you’d realized what a special young woman you are. Plus, you’ve done so much for me without a protest, and I’ve been guilty of taking advantage of you.”
“No—”
“Yes. A lot of us have in this town.” Mrs. L’s lips drew into a straight line.
“I let you.” Mandy hugged Mrs. L, and the lined face creased into a smile. “Thank you so much, I love my bracelet.”
“Excellent. Now you go on, I have a window to dress.”
“I’ll come by and take a look on the way back.”
She walked down the main street of Ryker Falls with a spring in her step.
You’re strong in here.
Entering A.S., Mandy saw the bar manager.
“Hi, Em. I’m here to see Joe.”
“He’s just had to head home, Mandy. He said to apologize. Benjamin is sick.”
“On no, nothing bad I hope?”
“Between you and me, I think it’s just a cold, but you know what new parents are like.”
Mandy laughed. “Yes, I’ve seen them in action before. I’ll catch him another day then. See you, Em.”
Disappointed, Mandy walked slowly back out of A.S. and headed to her car. Getting in, she turned on the ignition and let it idle. Tapping the steering wheel, she wondered if she had the courage to go and see Ted. They’d parted on good terms the night of the parade, so she was sure they could keep their discussion on a business footing. He could be busy, but then maybe he had a few minutes to see her, or she could make a time to come back.
“Just do it.”
Minutes later, she was driving in the lodge gates. Mandy saw Ted outside the front entrance talking to someone. He wore a suit today. Deep, charcoal gray, with a pale blue shirt and darker blue tie. The man looked seriously handsome.
Parking, she got out and walked up the front steps to where he stood.
“Hello, Ted.”
“Hi.” He looked annoyed. Not a good sign, maybe she should leave?
“You look busy, I’ll come back.” Before she could walk away, he’d wrapped his fingers around her wrist, stopping her.
“Stay.”
“Thanks, Mr. Hosking, we’ll just take some photos before we leave.” The man he’d been talking to shot Mandy a curious look, then walked away.
