AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I frowned at her.
She made the squeaky noise that I was pretty sure was a laugh.
Maggie said, “Ava, I’m going to grab some more cups. Might take a hot minute. I think they’re buried under the latest coffee delivery.”
“All right.” We didn’t need more cups. There were plenty under the counter, so I knew she just needed some time to herself. It was probably best I waited on talking to her about what I’d overheard with Dez yesterday, especially in her current frame of mind.
Estrelle sipped her hot chocolate. “You’re simply delaying the inevitable.”
I wished she’d stay out of my mind. I used my best baby voice and said to Juniper, “Pay no attention to the spooky old woman, okay?”
In response, Juniper reached up and grabbed my lip, gripping it tightly.
Estrelle laughed again.
The door opened, and Gracie rushed inside. “Sorry about that.”
I pried a tiny hand off my mouth. “Don’t be. I enjoyed it.”
She smiled. “Careful saying stuff like that or I’ll be calling you to babysit in no time at all.”
“Let me give you my number.”
I stayed seated until Gracie effortlessly scooped Juniper up and wiggled her into the carrier. Suddenly, I wondered what would have happened if I’d stood up while holding Juniper and had another dizzy spell? I shouldn’t have been so careless about holding something so precious. It was just… I sighed. I’d wanted to experience something I’d been denied for so long. I needed to get that checkup before Gracie took me up on my offer to babysit.
Gracie said, “You’re a sweet one, Ava. Thank you so much for watching her for me.”
“You’re welcome so much. She’s sweet as can be. Literally, I think. She smells like strawberries.”
“Your sense of smell is amazing. That’s her baby shampoo. It’s strawberry scented.”
I smiled. “Do they make an adult version? Because if so, I need it.”
She laughed. “I’ll check.”
“Everything okay with Ben?”
“It is. He was offered some overtime and wanted to check with me about it. As much as we need the money, some things are more important. Aren’t they, baby girl?” She kissed Juniper’s head. “So he’ll be coming home as planned.” She wiggled into her backpack and headed for the door. “See you tomorrow at the yard sale.”
As soon as she was outside, Estrelle said, “Lovely family.”
I picked up my rag and started wiping tables again. “Seems to be an abundance of those around here.”
“Yes, there is.”
I glanced at her. She lifted an eyebrow, as if she knew what I was about to ask.
“Go on,” she prompted.
I looked toward the front window. Unsurprisingly, the strange white-winged monarch hovered there. It was doing better flying these days, but it still had a bit of a wobble. “Is the butterfly that’s following me around my grandmother?”
“No.”
Well, there went that theory. Then I recalled how the butterfly had been in the attic when I found the spilled sea glass and smelled the seaweed. “Is it Maggie’s mom?”
Her other eyebrow went up. “Most definitely not.”
I sighed. “Is it…” I was having trouble finding the word I was looking for. Finally, I said, “It’ssomething,right?”
