Page 93 of Finding Yesterday

I pop my head in the kitchen, seeing Pops and Jack. “You two ready?”

“We’re on our way out, kid,” Pops says. “We’ll meet you there.”

“Sounds good.” I hurry out of the restaurant to return to my car and get Winston, who has his snout hanging out of the cracked window. Then together, he and I walk around to the back of the building, leaves crunching under our feet as a crisp breeze hits our faces. There’s nothing better than Blue Vine in fall.

The rest of the money I got from Tangz went toward a worthy cause—the speakeasy. It’s been upgraded and restored, and there’s been a separate entry built around the stairs behind the pantry. As guests walk through the expanded foyer and down the stairs, they’ll find themselves in a museum.

Rubies that were mined here are in a display case with a plaque of their history. Along the walls hang black and white pictures of the old Blue Vine, before it was destroyed at the end of the Civil War. Children grip their mother’s hands as they stand on the platforms. Families wait for the trains that would take them to their destinations. The look of hope, excitement, and anticipation on their faces defies time, like it was just yesterday.

Another set of portraits focus on the Blue Vine miners, some using the train station, others wheeling out rubies, rocks, and earth in wheelbarrows.

Hannah and Mama have their own plaques too.

We history buffs work so that the past doesn’t get forgotten, to learn from the bad and find inspiration in the good. Echoes of yesterday remind us to put hope above trepidation.

Above the door to the speakeasy is a sign that says, “The Hidden Gem.”

I’m going to have a grand opening tomorrow, so Pops, Jack, and my family are coming to celebrate with me now. Thanks to Charley’s careful restoration, The Hidden Gem is a step back in time, to around 1921.

The black tufted leather seats are all shined. Polished candelabra chandeliers hang from the black coffered ceiling, giving the room an amber glow. The fine details of trim shine with fresh paint, but the floor to ceiling bar shelves are my favorite. Illuminated Gothic arches are on top and Roman columns on the side. And the cabinets have the original ruby knobs made just for the place, with the missing two replaced.

I can’t wait for the town to enjoy this as much as Mama had hoped. I added a few necessary things—bar chairs, artwork, and menus—making sure it all looks as historically accurate as possible.

Speaking of the bar, Winston runs to it and takes his usual position there, waiting for appetizers to drop. He’s my companion and free cleaning service.

“Chicken Little.” It’s Nate’s voice at the door, and I turn.

Nate hasn’t seen the place all redone yet. I think he was avoiding it because of Mama. I’m not sure, but I’m glad he’s here now. “Welcome, Moon Pie.” I smile.

Nate’s eyes go huge as he looks around. “Claire, I…” He blinks. “I don’t know what to say. This is incredible. Amazing. And you found it. And restored it.”

“Thank you, but I had a lot of help. Mama, Hannah, Charley, and Jack.” Hannah did woodworking, and I assumed she taught Mama some things when they started restoring this together. Charley helped me with everything else, including fixing the electrical problems and upgrading the kitchen too. She’s so talented, and it shows. I nod to the illuminated shelving. “I added a few touches of my own.”

“This is…” He wanders around. “Wow.” He runs a hand over the tabletop. “It’s like being in a time warp now.”

I smile ear to ear. “Just what I was going for. I’m pretty sure Mama was too.”

“I’ve never been somewhere where I actually feel the history in my bones.” His glossy eyes return to mine. “I’m sure Mama’s proud. And I’m proud of you too, Claire.”

“Wow, Nate, thank you.” I’ve never seen him like this. There’s no jokes, no sarcasm. Just genuine awe and emotion. “You know I’m pretty proud of you too. You’re a gifted musician. And I love hearing you play.”

He walks up and wraps his arms around me. And when he holds me, there’s no sandwiching, no noogies, no atomic wedgies. “I’m sorry I wasn’t always there for you when you needed me. I’ll be better about that.”

I pull away, putting a hand on my brother’s cheek. “I love you, Nate.”

“Love you too.” He pats my hand. He swallows hard before his gaze wanders to the bar. “Now, can I have a drink or what?”

“Of course.” I head to the liquor cabinet.

“A scotch—”

“On the rocks, I know.” I step behind the counter.

Emma comes in with Daddy and Dylan. She glances around, flashing me a proud smile. “I still get chills every time I step into this place, Claire.”

“Thanks, sis.” I return the smile.

She and Daddy have been in here already, but Dylan hasn’t. “Wow, cool!” he cries out, running around. Before I know it, he’s jumping on the leather seats, and I let him. Of course I do.

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