She picked them up one by one, searching for the damaged one. There wasn’t a single imperfection, certainly not a quarter-inch wide piece missing out of the skirt. She frowned. “These are all fine.”
“The one that sold wasn’t broken, either. I would have noticed when I wrapped it.” BethAnn took the piece from her and turned it over in her hand. “Maybe it was in the bottom of the box when you unpacked it and got dumped out.”
“Maybe.” Except she hadn’t turned the box over. And even if she had, if the piece had fallen out and hit the floor, she would have heard something.
So where had that mysterious piece of porcelain come from? It was just one more unanswered question.
And one more piece of a puzzle that seemed to have the two brothers at its core.
The bell on the glass entry door rang, and Jessica paused in her end-of-day straightening. Great. Five minutes till closing and someone was ready to start shopping. From her position at the back of the store, she couldn’t see who’d just come in, but for BethAnn’s sake, she hoped the visit would be brief.
The last-minute customer wouldn’t affect Jessica’s schedule. BethAnn would probably shoo her out the minute Shane arrived. Today was only her third day on the job, but the store was one of the most pleasant places she’d ever worked. That was because BethAnn was the nicest boss she’d ever had.
Jessica straightened the last of the bolts of fabric then walked into the back room to claim the plastic container that had held her lunch. The window was once again whole. Handy Andy had come out the day she’d discovered the broken pane and replaced the glass. Since then, there’d been no other incidents.
After shutting the closet door, she checked the clock hanging over the table. Six right on the dot. Shane would be walking in any moment, if he wasn’t there already.
When she reached the front, Shane wasn’t there, but BethAnn and the customer stood leaning against the U-shaped counter facing one another. The newcomer glanced in Jessica’s direction and gave her a friendly smile. Melissa Langston was another former classmate with whom Jessica had shared nothing in common except attending the same school.
“BethAnn told me you were back and were helping her out while you’re here.”
Jessica returned her smile. “Yes, but I think it’s the other way around. She’s the one doing the helping.” If it weren’t for BethAnn, her bank account would be pretty puny. Actually, it was still puny, but next week, it would get a nice little shot.
Melissa’s expression sobered. “I’m so sorry about your sister. We didn’t really hang out, but I saw her all the time at Pappy’s. No one expected this.”
Jessica nodded. It was the same sentiments she’d heard echoed again and again, on the street and at the funeral. Suicide was the last thing anyone expected from Priscilla Parker.
Everyone meant well with their condolences, but she’d be glad when she eventually ran into the last person in Harmony Grove who knew her and Priscilla.
“I’m sorry I didn’t make it to her funeral. One of those nasty wintertime bugs had me down.”
“I’m glad you’re doing better.”
“Thanks.” She pulled a folded-up sheet of paper from her purse. “I’m getting married in June and I’ve been driving BethAnn crazy with my indecision.”
BethAnn grinned. “Never. It’s the maid of honor’s job to be support for the bride, whatever that entails.”
Jessica smiled. “Who’s the lucky guy? Anyone I’d know?”
“Probably,” BethAnn said. “Do you remember Chris Jamison? He wasn’t from Harmony Grove, but they started dating before you left.”
“Yeah, I think I saw you guys together some.” That was more than eight years ago, and they were just now making it to the altar? Maybe they split up and recently reunited. Or maybe Chris was one of those commitment-phobic guys who needed an ultimatum to finally consent to give up his freedom. Jessica wasn’t rude enough to ask, but she’d had enough experience to know with guys like that, nothing was sure until the ink dried on the marriage license. Even that didn’t mean it would last.
Melissa unfolded what she held, a sheet of printer paper bearing a photo of a woman in a formal gown. “I found another design I really like for the bridesmaids’ dresses.”
BethAnn took the page from her. “This one’s pretty, too. Whatever you decide on will be beautiful, but you’ll need to nail it down soon. June is going to be here before we know it.”
The front door swung open and Shane stepped inside. Jessica slipped behind the counter to retrieve her purse. “If it’s okay, I’ll leave you guys to your wedding plans.”
Shane held the door for her, and she walked out.
“My car’s ready.”
“Already?”
“I called CJ’s Garage from BethAnn’s. He towed it in and replaced the brake line this afternoon. They close at six also, but he said he’d be there till six-thirty. Since we walk right past it on our way home, I figured I’d pick it up and give you a ride that final block.”
“Do you need any help with the bill? Just till you get your first check. I know this was unexpected.”
“Thanks, but I’ve got it. Actually, he’s going to let me pay it with my first paycheck next week. I’ve sort of drained my account getting Prissy’s stuff paid.”
Extending credit to members of the community in small towns was common. Extending credit to people with her background, not so much. Fortunately, BethAnn had gotten on the phone and promised that it would be paid, even if she had to cover it herself. Yet another favor from BethAnn. That “helping out” she referenced was feeling awfully one-sided.
Jessica didn’t hold it against CJ, though. The old man had known the former Jessica too well. She wouldn’t offer a loan to that
