Riley blinked, surprised at the wistful twist her thoughts had taken and the sudden twinge of guilt that appeared as she realizedthe neglected condition of the store. She shoved it away and addressed what she considered her grandmother’s most pressingproblem.
“You really have to do something about your inventory, Mimi.”
Her grandmother lifted her chin, the loose skin at her neck wobbling a bit. “Don’t be bossy.”
“I’m not. I’m concerned. I don’t want something else to happen to you while you’re healing.”
“You’re acting like this place is a danger zone.” She glanced around the shop and frowned. “All right, I may have let thingsget a little out of control. But I do know where everything is.”
“But if it’s organized, everyone else will know where things are too.”
Nodding, Mimi said, “You’re right, of course.” Then her face brightened. “What do you plan to do?”
“Me?”
“Darn tootin’ you. I can’t do anything while I’m laid up. Like I said when I called you, I need your help to run this place. Don’t worry, I’llpay you. I know you gave up a lot to come help me.”
She met her grandmother’s gaze. There was no guile or manipulation in her expression, just an uncharacteristic touch of sadnessin her eyes.
“You don’t have to pay me,” Riley blurted, then mentally kicked herself. Her bank account was worthless, and her grandmotherwas offering her a job—she was a fool not to accept.
“Nonsense,” Mimi said. “I’ve always paid you when you worked here in the past. I’m not going to change that now.”
“All right. I accept.” Then she added, “I noticed you don’t have regular hours posted on the door anymore.”
“That’s because I don’t have regular hours anymore.”
Riley sat up in the chair. “Mimi, how are you supposed to make money if you don’t open the shop?”
“Oh, sugar, this store hasn’t made money in years.”
Riley’s brow shot up. “It hasn’t?”
Mimi shook her head as she lifted her finger. “There was that one year, I think five or six years ago, that I broke even.”
Alarm ran through her. “How are you managing without getting paid?”
“I never said I didn’t have any money. Your grandfather left me well taken care of.”
Riley saw the touch of sadness in her grandmother’s eyes return. It usually appeared anytime she mentioned Poppy, who hadpassed away thirty years ago. Riley, of course, had never met him, but she’d heard so many stories and seen so many picturesof her grandfather that she felt like she had known him.
“I’ve also invested well over the years, and I have an excellent financial adviser,” Mimi added. “Trust me, sugar, money isn’tan issue.”
Riley pounced on the chance to put her plan in action. “If you don’t need the revenue, then why don’t you sell the business?Then if you wanted to travel or—”
“I’m not selling.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Knots and Tangles has been in my family for a long time. I’ve heldout hope it will continue that way.”
Another ribbon of guilt wrapped around Riley’s conscience, but she ignored it. Mimi knew she had no interest in running theyarn shop, and it wasn’t her fault her grandmother was not only being stubborn but also making a bad business decision. ThankGod she wasn’t broke. Like me.
Mimi put her hands on the wheels of her wheelchair and pushed forward, her foot rattling a display of stitch markers thatsomehow managed to stay upright. “Anyway, I’ll put you on a salary.” When she mentioned the amount, Riley almost fell outof the chair.
“That’s way too much, Mimi.”
“Pshaw. I can afford it. I also know you have bills to pay, and while you’re here you can’t sell your artwork. So now thatI’m your boss, I insist on paying you what you’re worth.”
“Mimi—”
“Insubordination will not be tolerated at Knots and Tangles. You’re risking your Employee of the Month status.”
Riley laughed. “Other than you, I’m the only employee here.”
“And I’ve won the award every month. It’s about time I had some competition.” Her eyes grew soft. “I’m so happy you’re here,sugar. It fills my soul to have you back in Maple Falls again.”
A lump formed in Riley’s throat at her grandmother’s hopeful tone. She’d have to tell Mimi she was heading back to New Yorkas soon as Mimi’s leg healed. But she didn’t have to say that now. And while she was here, she might as well get this shop,and her grandmother’s home, in better shape.
“I have one condition,” Riley said.
“Name it.”
“That you let me clean and organize this place.”
“Sure thing.”
Riley frowned. “You’re giving in that easily?”
Mimi shrugged. “Letting you clean the shop won’t bother me, because then I won’t have to. It will also get the BBs off myback.” She pointed at Riley. “But don’t you dare touch my house. That’s sacred ground.”
Riley nodded, smirking. We’ll see.
Chapter 4
Erma sat in her wheelchair in the back room of her shop, the only room in the entire store that was somewhat tidy. It hadto be neat so there was enough space to hold a mismatched set of chairs, a turquoise rag area rug, a scratched but belovedcoffee table, and a few TV trays that held snacks and beverages. As the Bosom Buddies entered the room—each carrying her projectbag along with a treat to share—her heart warmed. This was what was important. Her friends, good food, creativity, a bit ofgossip, and lots of laughter. The icing on the cake was Riley’s presence. Her dearest friends were fawning all over her wonderfulgranddaughter.
“Riley McAllister, you haven’t changed a bit,” Madge Wilson gushed. She was the youngest of the Bosom Buddies, and her daughter,Harper, was Riley’s age. “Still pretty as ever.”
Riley’s smile was tight as she nodded. “Thank you.”
“How long has it been?” Peg Ryan set a bowl of ambrosia salad on the table. “Six years since you’ve been back home?”
“A little over nine.”
