“Well, I was thinking about doing one anyway.” Before I leave.
“That would be jim-dandy. You can use materials here in the shop for inspiration.” Her smile was warm. “I’ve always lovedyour work, even if I’m a little biased. I think it will also help sell the store when the time comes.”
Riley paused as unexpected sadness washed over her, and this wasn’t the first time her emotions were out of whack since supperwith Hayden last night. She’d been kicking herself for being so abrupt with him, but if she hadn’t, she would have ended upkissing him, and that would have made a complicated situation worse. Before she fell asleep last night, she thought aboutHayden’s passion for his hometown and about all the work she was putting into Knots and Tangles to improve it, only for itto be sold. That’s what I want, though. Right?
“Riley? Is that idea okay with you?”
She turned to Mimi, seeing her expectant look. “I’d love to create art for the store,” she said, tamping down her sadnessand trying to be as enthusiastic as her grandmother.
“Wonderful! Now you’re really going to be busy! Let me know what you need. Money, supplies. I can even get a couple of theBBs to help do some things around here. Myrtle should be back from her trip next week, and she’s going to pass out from shockthat I’m actually letting all this happen.”
Riley laughed. “That sounds good. We need to settle on a budget.”
Mimi waved off the idea. “I can afford anything you need.”
“But a budget is always a good idea.” Despite her lack of money, she’d always had a budget that she tried to follow to theletter. Tracey had never had enough money, not even for food sometimes. Riley always made sure that even if she was flat broke,she had enough to keep a roof over her head and something in her stomach.
“All right. I’m coming to realize you know best.” She lifted her chin and looked at Riley. “How about we go to the diner andget some lunch? You can tell me all about these storage plans for the back room.”
A short time later, they were in the diner, which was half empty even though it was lunchtime. Mimi wheeled her chair on theopposite side of a table that had bench seating on one side.
“Oh shoot,” she said. “We should have invited Hayden to join us.”
Butterflies danced in Riley’s stomach at the mention of his name. She’d managed not to think about him while going over herplans with Mimi, but she should have known the distraction wouldn’t last long.
“Next time we’ll invite him,” Mimi said.
Anita came over and offered them menus. She had gotten a haircut since the last time Riley saw her—a cute pixie style withcaramel highlights throughout her auburn hair. She looked adorable.
“Hi, Riley,” she said, then added, “How are you feeling, Ms. McAllister?”
“I’m feeling like some sweet tea, sugar. Extra sweet, please.” She grinned. “I’m also doing well, thanks. Next week I’ll getmy crutches, and then there’ll be no stopping me.”
Anita laughed. “I’m so glad. We miss you on the team. Myrtle too.” She pulled a notepad from her apron, then wrote down thedrink order. “What would you like, Riley?”
“I’ll have water, thanks.” Before Anita could leave, she added, “I like your hair.”
She blushed and touched the back of her head. “Thank you. I got it done yesterday after my shift.” She checked the kitchenbefore turning to Riley again. “You’re the first one to notice.” She jotted down their orders. “A water and a super-sweet,sweet tea. Got it. Be back in a jiff.”
As Anita walked away, Mimi leaned over. “She’s such a darling girl, but I feel bad for her.”
Riley frowned. “Why?”
“That uniform she and the other waitresses have to wear. It’s hideous.”
Anita had disappeared into the kitchen, but another waitress Riley didn’t recognize was taking a customer’s order on the otherside of the diner. Riley had to admit her grandmother was right. The uniform was a throwback to the diners of the fifties,even though this diner hadn’t been updated since the seventies. The dresses were short-sleeved with white trim and a whitecollar, along with a hemline that hit above the knee. All of which was fine, but the rest of the dress was a bright shadeof Pepto-Bismol-pink.
“Talk about something that needs to be updated. This entire place could use an overhaul.” Mimi sat back in her chair, a cattyexpression on her face. Then she started observing the room. “I’ll be right back,” she said as she started to roll away fromthe table.
“Where are you going?”
“To talk to Jasper Mathis. He’s lookin’ a little lonely over there all by himself.” She went over to the old man who was ata small table with only two seats. Riley watched as Mimi rolled right up to him. He seemed more annoyed than glad for Mimi’scompany.
Anita arrived with the drinks, then pointed her thumb at Mimi and Jasper. “I wonder if there’s something going on with thosetwo,” she said.
Riley straightened. “Why?”
“Oh, I don’t know. It might be the romantic in me, but I think they make a cute couple.”
At that moment Jasper frowned at Mimi.
“Ms. McAllister always makes sure to stop by to say hello to Mr. Mathis if he’s sitting alone.”
“He doesn’t seem all that happy to see her,” Riley said.
“I think he’s hiding his true feelings.” Anita sighed. “Wouldn’t it be adorable if they got together?”
“No,” Riley blurted. “My grandmother hasn’t been interested in anyone since Poppy died thirty years ago.”
“Are you sure?”
“She would tell me.” Riley was positive her grandmother wouldn’t keep a secret like this from her. Or would she?
Anita nodded. “Like I said, I’m just overly romantic.” She glanced over her shoulder again as Tanner walked out from the kitchento the counter where the cash register was, a white kitchen towel slung over his shoulder, his long hair pulled back and securedin a hair net. He crouched and disappeared behind the counter for a second, then
