Page 26 of Wynns of Change
“As long as Marty brings you home, I won’t worry.”
“Speaking of Marty, I’m sure he’s at the curb waiting for us.”
Harlow and Lottie gave Mort a pat on the head and strolled to the front of the property. Sure enough, their friend stood at the ready, waiting to give them a ride.
The women climbed in next to him, lightheartedly teasing him about his new haircut and asking him if he had a girlfriend.
They bantered back and forth, and before Harlow knew it, they had reached Peyton’s fudge shop.
He made a move to help them down. Lottie waved him away. “We’ve got this.”
“I’ll be back for you later. Have fun, ladies.”
“Thanks, Marty.” Harlow blew him a kiss. “You’re the best.”
His face turned beet red. “Right back atcha.”
The women fell into step, trekking along the sidewalk to The Fudge Shop. A sign on the door informed customers they had closed early for the evening.
Having been given specific instructions, they followed the brick pavers around to the back.
Lottie gave the door a light rap.
Peyton appeared. “Hey, Harlow, Lottie.” She hugged them both. “You’re right on time.” The last to arrive, she ushered them inside and down a narrow hall to a cozy seating area where the others sat chatting.
“I don’t smell the tantalizing aroma of your delicious fudge,” Harlow teased.
“You can have a bite for dessert.” Peyton counted heads. “It looks like everyone is here.”
Harlow glanced around. “Everyone except for Abby.”
“Who is part of the surprise.” Their hostess patted the back of a chair. “We’re in for a special treat, ladies.”
The Magnificent Mackies gathered alongside two others who weren’t a part of their group. Harlow realized one of them was the postmaster. The other was a woman who worked at the downtown visitor’s center.
“Now that we’re all here, let’s get started.” Peyton ran to the back. She returned moments later, accompanied by a trio of wait staff wearing crisp black uniforms.
Abby brought up the rear, steering a cart filled with beverages. Taped to the front was a bright blue sign with bold black letters,Island Time Catering.
Peyton clapped her hands. “I’m thrilled to introduce Mackinac Island’s newest business, Island Time Catering, owned by none other than Abby Stokely.”
Everyone began talking at once, congratulating Abby on her new endeavor. “This has been in the works for a while. I’ve always dreamed of owning my own catering business.”
“We thought we would kick it off by hiring her to host a Mackie’s party,” Noelle explained.
While her sister Meg poured drinks, Abby handed out flyers, listing the company’s themed menus, a la carte pricing and even pricing per person. “The catering company is up and running. We have everything needed for an event. Tables, chairs, tableware. I even purchased heaters for outdoor events.”
Harlow studied the list, a brilliant idea forming in the back of her mind. As soon as the check for her latest project cleared the bank, she planned to host a dinner, her way of thanking her family and close friends for helping her through the rough patch. A catered dinner, courtesy of another good friend, would be perfect.
The dinner party proceeded seamlessly with the staff serving a variety of prepared dishes. The guests feasted on tossed salad, sweet dinner rolls, herb crusted baked chicken, twice-baked potatoes and roasted asparagus.
Harlow, discovering she was hungrier than she realized, polished off every morsel of food on her plate. While in Vancouver, she merely picked at her meals, chalking it up to her nonstop work schedule. Looking back, she realized it was more than being busy. Harlow had been homesick.
Eryn nudged her arm. “Everything was delicious.”
“Down to the very last bite.”
Abby slipped in behind them and draped her arms around their shoulders. “Well? What’s the verdict?”
