“I hate to burst your bubble, but Dylan and Lisa already know, and Cassandra asked me what was going on yesterday.”
Kyle scowled. “Which means Lucas knows, too.”
“As I understand it, you called him.” I took a breath to control my annoyance. “They’re our friends. They won’t spread gossip.”
“I’m not worried about our friends. Last time the gossips got hold of the information, they made sure to lecture me at every turn.”
My business was already suffering, had suffered in the past because of those same small-town gossips. Would the news affect his chances of being rehired at the police department? He’d get through this better than I would. The last time Kyle and I had broken up, the gossips had originally sided with me, until he apologized. Then, despite the fact I was the wronged party, they’d turned on me for not forgiving him right away. He was the town’s golden boy.
“I should get ready for work,” I said. “Let me know what you decide about Daria.”
“I’m doing this for you, you know.”
I struggled not to roll my eyes. “Yeah, I know.” I hesitated. Should I tell him about the snafus with my magic? If he didn’t believe in it, telling him wouldn’t matter. He’d call off the attempt to correct things, and I couldn’t leave his future in jeopardy. I hoped whatever issue I had acquired would resolve itself so we could move on with sending the spell back to Daria.
Kyle shot me a pointed glance and left.
I retrieved my tomatoes and carried them inside, then checked the workroom once more. Still no open recipe books. When I headed upstairs, Ash trotted alongside me. She stood guard in the bathroom while I showered. Normally, she sat in the windows downstairs while I got ready for work. While I stepped into my jeans and pulled a tunic top over my head, she sat upright on my bed, watching every movement.
“What’s gotten into you today?” I asked her.
She rose to her feet, purred and brushed against me. I picked her up and carried her downstairs, stroking her as we went. When I tried to set her on the couch, she seemed reluctant to leave my arms.
“I need breakfast,” I told her.
She blinked slowly and leaned over to jump down.
I brewed a cup of coffee, made a microwave omelet and when I sat at the dining table, Ash leapt into my lap, kneading my legs before she settled.
She’d always been an affectionate cat, but this was more than her usual. She undoubtedly sensed I was anxious and offered what comfort she could. I was grateful for Ash’s loyalty and companionship.
We arrived at the shop a few minutes before ten. Yvonne was unlocking the bookstore next door. She was the current president of the downtown business owners’ association, so I took the opportunity to get on her schedule.
“Hey,” I said. “I need a spot on your next meeting agenda.”
“Of course, Brynn. Anything I should know about ahead of time?”
Yvonne would share everything I told her in a heartbeat. If gossip helped Windfall through our last months, if people rallied to keep us in business, it might be worth it. “I know the association has to approve new businesses and has the right of first refusal. Cassandra and I are talking about selling.”
Yvonne shot a glance at the boutique window. “I have to admit I was concerned when you took her on as a partner, but can’t you make a go of it on your own? Nora managed for all these years.”
“It isn’t Cassandra’s fault.” I pursed my lips. “And I’m not Nora, something people frequently point out to me.”
She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial tone. “Well, I heard you’ve had some issues with your special orders.”
So much for people rallying to help us. “The next association meeting is after Labor Day?”
“Unless you need me to call a special session,” she said.
Did she think we’d close our doors tomorrow? “At this point, we intend to get through tourist season, at least. We haven’t officially set an end date.”
“Then you still have time to change your mind.” She opened the door to the bookstore. “You’ll let me know if you need that special meeting?”
“I’ll do that.”
I walked into the boutique.
“What was that about?” Cassandra asked.
“I think I just made matters worse.”
Chapter 18
The rumor mill found its way to Windfall two hours later.
“Don’t look now, but Alice is strutting down the sidewalk with purpose,” Cassandra called from her spot in the window. “Since you told Yvonne, I’ll deal with Alice.”
“Thanks.” I sighed. “You know, even if we sell all of our current inventory, it isn’t going to be enough to pay expenses for October.”
“Which, unfortunately, reinforces this is the right thing to do.” She rose from behind her sewing machine on in intercept course with the incoming gossip.
I sat on a stool behind the counter, making a list of things that needed to be addressed before we closed, my unusually clingy cat in my lap.
Alice zoomed straight to me. “How are you and your young man supposed to live with you both out of work?”
I wanted to tell her he wasn’t ‘my young man’ anymore, but that would encourage more gossip. “You do know he’s working for Jude Everly,” I pointed out. “Which means he’s employed.”
She waved off my response. “You know what I mean. Why on earth would you close shop? Are you planning to move to Door County? I suppose that would mean you’d be closer to Nora.” Alice eyed me speculatively, hoping for the inside scoop, no doubt.
Cassandra cleared her throat. “We’re closing shop because we aren’t able to sustain the business.”
Alice cast her an impatient look before she refocused on me. “I suppose it’s difficult to be apart as much as you and Kyle are. Is that why you’re closing?”
“Kyle isn’t involved in this decision,” I replied. “As Cassandra told you, sales are down. They have been
