Page 2 of Bidding on the Orc Outcast

She’d transformed the space from cluttered to open, alive with warmth and color. Jewel-toned scarves draped between sections created intimate shopping nooks. A restored Art Deco vanity held a collection of costume jewelry, each piece cleaned and polished until it sparkled like new.

Near the window, she’d arranged a living room scene with a reupholstered emerald velvet armchair and a brass floor lamp. The chair’s worn patches had been patched with fragments of vintage brocade, turning its flaws into features. A hand-knit throw in shades of gold and cream draped over one arm.

“You all deserve another chance to be loved,” she murmured, running her fingers along a rack of vintage dresses. She’d spent hours sorting through the old stock, selecting pieces with potential and bringing them back to life. A 1950s cocktail dress with a torn hem now sported delicate lace trim. A faded denim jacket bloomed with hand-embroidered wildflowers covering old stains.

The old wardrobe she’d rescued from an estate sale now gleamed after days of careful restoration, and she’d lined the inside with wallpaper featuring golden birds in flight to match the polished brass handles. Every item told a story, carried memories of lives lived and celebrations shared. They weren’t finished yet – they were just waiting for the right person to see their worth.

She was adjusting a display of vintage teacups so that the morning light caught their gilt edges, making them glow like tiny treasures, when the bell over the door chimed. She glanced up as Flora and Gladys entered. Flora was an elderly lady with short white curls and a wicked grin who claimed to be an orc, even though she was barely five foot tall. Today she was resplendent in a hot pink tracksuit with “Too Hot to Handle” emblazoned across the back in silver sequins. She was also a member of the Town Council and one of the people who had approved Posy’s purchase of the thrift shop.

“This place looks entirely different,” Flora said approvingly. “You’ve done a wonderful job.”

“I’ll say,” Gladys agreed. She was an attractive, older woman who looked perfectly normal - except for the witch’s hat perched on her silver hair. “The aura in here is completely different.”

“Thank you. I want it to feel welcoming.”

“You’ve definitely succeeded.” Gladys nodded her approval as she explored, then disappeared into the back room that Posy had deliberately left a little more cluttered to allow for the thrill of discovery.

“Such an interesting mixture of items,” Flora murmured, examining a tray of vintage brooches, then gave Posy an innocent look. “Have you considered adding a line of sex toys?”

Posy choked on the sip of coffee she’d just taken and it took a full minute for her to stop coughing.

“Sex toys? In a thrift shop?”

“If you want to serve the community, you should consider all of their needs,” Flora said calmly.

“I’m sure that there are plenty of other places where they can purchase sex toys,” she said, not entirely sure that was true but hoping Flora would let the matter drop.

“True, but it’s a long drive to the adult store by the highway.”

Deciding she didn’t even want to ask how Flora knew that, she did her best to bring the discussion to an end.

“I’ll think about it.”

Black eyes sparkled at her.

“You could even make them vintage if that makes you feel better. Did you know they used whalebone to make the most enormous dil-”

“Flora,” Gladys sighed as she reappeared with two silk scarves and a long crystal necklace. “Stop teasing the poor girl.”

She wasn’t convinced that Flora was teasing her, but she gave Gladys a grateful smile as she rang up her purchases.

“That reminds me.” Flora opened her huge sequined purse and pulled out a sheaf of hot pink flyers. “We’re hosting our annual Valentine’s Day bachelor auction at the community center. All proceeds go to the local animal shelter. Would you mind if we put up a few of these?”

It was clearly a command rather than a question, but she nodded anyway.

“Sure. I’d love to help. Where would you like them?”

“By the register would be perfect.” Her stomach sank as the innocent expression returned to Flora’s face. “I hope you’re planning to attend, dear. We’ve got some prime specimens this year.”

After Larry and the whole divorce mess, dating felt like stepping into quicksand - scary and potentially disastrous.

“I really don’t think-”

Flora ignored her protest. “It’s about community. Getting to know your neighbors. And we have some very interesting neighbors.”

“Flora’s right.” Gladys twirled her new necklace, leaving trails of purple sparkles in its wake. “Half the fun is watching Flora drive up the bidding. Last year she managed to convince Lola Henderson that a date with the troll bridge inspector was worth her entire bingo winnings.”

“He was worth every penny.” Flora’s black eyes twinkled. “They’re expecting their second baby this fall. My matchmaking record speaks for itself.”

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