Page 49 of Threads of Kindness
CHAPTER 24
Anita took a step back to admire the charcuterie board she had ordered from Pete’s Bistro. The long wooden rectangle took center stage on a display cabinet. The arrangement featured cured meats, sliced and cubed cheeses, mixed nuts, dried fruits, and an assortment of crackers, artfully placed along its length. A wheel of baked brie rose on a pedestal stand, flanked by small bowls of honey and jam. Bottles of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic champagne stood in buckets of ice on the counter next to the cash register, along with a silver tray of fluted glasses.
Gordon came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “It looks beautiful, sweetheart.”
She nodded in agreement and glanced at her watch. “People will arrive any minute. I can’t wait to thank them for believing in my vision.”
“You’ve got a remarkable group of friends, that’s for sure,” he replied. “But that’s how you roll here in Westbury.”
She swiveled in his arms and planted a kiss on his cheek. “I haveyouto thank most of all for this,” Anita said. “I wouldn’t have thought of opening a museum if you hadn’t suggested it.”
“Pfft,” he said, brushing off the compliment. “I don’t know about that.”
She glanced up at the overhead pendant lighting. “Thank goodness they still work. It’d be too dark for people to roam around in here without them. It’s awfully chilly, though—the old heater isn’t keeping up.”
“It definitely needs to be replaced,” Gordon said.
“Should we run over to Archer’s Bridal and borrow the space heater we use in the workroom?” she asked.
“If people leave their coats on, they’ll be fine,” Gordon said. “I’d be hesitant to plug in that heater. It might blow a fuse.”
“Hadn’t thought of that,” Anita said.
“Besides, once a few more people are here, it’ll warm up. Are you excited to open those crates?” he asked. “I certainly am.”
“Andhow,” Anita replied. “I thought about suggesting the two of us take a peek when you arrived yesterday, but, since I’ve asked people to a ‘great reveal’ party today, I thought that would be cheating.”
Gordon chuckled. “I admire your self-restraint.”
Motion outside the shop window drew their attention.
“That’ll be your guests,” Gordon said, stepping forward to open the door.
Tim and Nancy were the first to arrive. Close behind were Joan and Sam, followed by Judy and Jeff. The women hugged Anita and greeted Gordon warmly.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Anita said to her friends. “The renovations are just getting started, but already things feel so much better in here. Having the mold remediated and the walls repaired goes a long way toward making me comfortable in the space.”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Sam said, “but we’re ahead of schedule. The roofers are coming back tomorrow to finish up. They said they’ll be done before noon.”
“That’s wonderful news,” Tim said. “They’re predicting heavy snow and record cold by the end of the week. I’m sure they want to finish before that hits.”
The door opened again, and Sunday and Josh joined them. Anita and Sunday hugged like old friends.
“So, this is the site for Westbury’s newest museum?” Sunday asked, stepping back and surveying the space, her eyes wide. She turned to Anita. “This could not be more perfect. I’m so excited for you.”
“You’re too sweet,” Anita said, blushing. She turned to Gordon. “Will you open the champagnes and pass out glasses?”
“I was about to suggest that,” Gordon said, moving toward the beverages.
“While we’re waiting for Maggie and John to arrive,” Anita said to the group, “please help yourselves.” She pointed at the food. “It’s happy hour, and I’m sure everyone’s hungry. We don’t know what we’ll find in those crates in the basement, so I suggest everyone fortify themselves first.”
“This looks so pretty,” Sunday said, admiring the spread.
“It’s from Pete’s,” Anita replied.
“That’s who’s catering our wedding reception,” Josh supplied.
Everyone took an appetizer plate and began filling it. Gordon passed out drinks, and soon conversation hummed as everyone nibbled. The offerings on the board began disappearing.
