“She never saw him after that?” I asked, still wondering if they could have possibly spent one night together.
“I don’t believe so. Your aunt said that one night talking with him was enough for her. Besides, I think that same party was when she ran into Max again.” My mom looked to Ian. “Your uncle was a fabulous journalist during World War II. He loved to write when he had the chance. Have you come across any of his stories yet?”
Ian appeared stunned. “I didn’t know he wrote. He never mentioned when he visited my father, his brother.”
“The lodge took up a good portion of his time, but I do recall Aunt Effie saying that she loved reading his stories,” my mom said. “You should look for them and if they aren’t at the lodge they might be at Pepper’s place.” She gave a quick look at her watch. “I need to go. I promised Danny I would be at the garden center by noon to help him with more inventory. You two should go and check out Yesterday’s Treasures while in town.”
“Do you know anything about the owner? I heard she wasn’t a local,” I said.
“The shop was busy when I was there, and I only got to speak with Kate briefly. She has relatives in Barnsville. Her family moved away about thirty years ago, before she was born, Kate Meadows.” My mom slipped out of the booth.
“Have a good day, Mrs. Madison,” Ian said.
“It’s never too soon to call me mom, Ian,” she said with a wink.
“Mom!” I admonished.
“Just a bit encouragement to speed up the inevitable,” she said with a smile. “Toodles.”
Ian chuckled. “I love your mum.”
“You and just about everyone in Willow Lake,” Zelda said, stopping at our booth on her way to the kitchen. “She’d win with a landslide if she ran for mayor.” She laughed. “But she’s right. Your dad wouldn’t be happy about it.”
“What do you say we check out that secondhand shop?” Ian asked.
“You don’t have to get back to work?” I asked, surprised.
“Nope, I cleared my calendar for the day. I’m all yours.”
“Just for today?” I found myself asking with a tease.
He leaned close and whispered, “For always, Pep.” Then he kissed my lips lightly.
“New love is so grand,” Lara said with a sigh while passing our booth.
I definitely agreed with her.
People called out to me as we left, telling me to urge my mom to run for mayor. I had a feeling she might not have a choice. I also saw how the women couldn’t take their eyes off Ian. It was something I had to get used to. His good looks attracted attention and I needed to ignore it as easily as he did.
Ian and I decided to walk to the shop. The town had done a good job clearing the street and sidewalks of snow. The sunny day was fast melting the rest.
Some of the shops on the south end of Main Street were old houses. Cutter Way, an appropriate name, was the crossroad that divided the business section from the residential area. Yesterday’s Treasures occupied one of the houses before reaching the crossroads. It was Victorian in style with a welcoming porch.
We were greeted by a pretty, smiling woman, fairly tall, curly, reddish-blonde hair falling loose from whatever tried to contain it. She wore a skirt that brushed the tops of cowboy boots, a white shirt with layers of necklaces topping it, and an oversized jacket. Her multiple bracelets clattered as she reached out to hand us a paper.
“Welcome to Yesterday’s Treasures. I’m Kate, the owner. This map will point you to where various items are located in case you are looking for something in particular. Otherwise browse at your leisure and if you have any questions just ask.”
I introduced myself and Ian. “I’m Pepper and this is Ian.”
She smiled at Ian. “I recognize you from the cover of the romance section that has a room all its own. It’s nice to meet you in person. And you are Pepper the Prepper. I keep your new releases here since you’re a local and since I’ve yet to come across any of your books to be sold secondhand.”
“Thank you,” I said, thinking Kate was going to be an asset to the community and perhaps even a friend. I knew Amy would love her eclectic style of dress and I couldn’t wait to tell her.
“Would you mind each taking a picture with me? I’d like to frame them and hang them on the wall.” She pointed to a wall behind the payment counter that was presently bare. “I hope to add more photos of me with locals rather than celebrities.”
Ian and I gladly obliged, each taking a turn snapping pictures with our cameras as well as Kate’s.
“I have taken enough of your time. Please enjoy the store,” Kate said.