AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m looking for some ornaments,” Atticus said. “First tree in the new house."
Renee didn’t respond, staring at me a moment longer than felt comfortable. “Annie Armstrong, as I live and breathe. What are you doing here in town?”
“Visiting the Moon family,” Annie said. “You remember me?”
“Honey, everyone here knows who you are.” She rolled her eyes. “If you believed everything people said, you’d think you’d been their best friend growing up. You know how that is. When you’re famous, people make all kinds of assumptions about you, and when you’re on top, they either want to tear you down or act like they’re part of your world. Trust me, I know all about it.”
“You do?” Atticus’s lips twitched.
“Of course I do. Because of my pies.” Renee shook her head as if the whole idea was tragic. “Everyone wants one this time of year. I can’t go anywhere without getting accosted. Especially since I was on television.”
This conversation was getting weirder by the minute.
“You were on television?” Atticus asked.
Renee blinked and raised her brows. “Atticus, really.”
“What?” Atticus asked.
“Everyone knows about the baking competition. On the Food Channel? I came in fourth place. Ever since then, it’s been madness in the shop. As if I would make pies for just anyone. I’m a business owner, for goodness' sake.”
Atticus tapped his forehead. “Right, when was that? I’ve forgotten.”
“2014,” Renee said. “Seems like yesterday.”
“I’m sorry you didn’t win,” I said.
“I was ousted over a very tricky soufflé recipe.” Renee shuddered. “It was a bloodbath.”
“But you survived,” I said.
Renee paled and clutched a sparklyRthat hung around her neck. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up anything from the past.”
For a moment, I didn’t understand. But then I realized.Bloodbath. Thinking of our parents. Or course. “Not to worry,” I said stiffly.
My father had been right to take me away from here. Over twenty years later, and I was still the daughter of the murdering adulteress.
“We’re going to take a look around,” Atticus said in a tone that impliedleave us alone.
Renee smiled. “Yes, please, go right ahead. I made many of them myself, but I also procure pieces from other artists.” Renee lifted her chin toward the opposite booth. “Unlike Gooseberry’s.” She lowered her voice. “I think their stuff might be made in China.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Atticus said politely.
We wandered away from Renee, none too soon, to look at the ornaments she had hanging from a plastic tree.
There were angels, stars, and various other ornaments made of quilted material or knit. A few exquisite blown-glass bulbs caught the light. Atticus snatched all four of them up immediately. By the time we were done, we had a dozen ornaments and a red pie pan that Atticus wanted to give to Jasper for Christmas.
“A pie pan?” Renee asked, pursing her lips. “Don’t tell me you’ve taken up your stepfather’s hobby.”
“Myfatherneeds a new deep dish pan, that’s all,” Atticus said. “In case he decides to compete again.”
“Right, of course.” Renee blinked long, possibly fake, lashes.
When we were done there, we thanked Renee and almost guiltily went to Gooseberry’s display. Soon, however, we were loaded up with another dozen ornaments. We delighted over each one while choosing which to take home.
Atticus picked up an ornament that was essentially a miniature pair of ballet slippers. “I’m getting these to remind me of you.”
A tinge of sadness had crept into his voice. Was he already imagining next year, when I most likely wouldn’t be here?
