Page 101 of What Remains True
“No, I was wondering if the two of us could have lunch today. What time is your lunch break?”
“Usually around one. That gives Krissy time to get to the bank and back before I leave.”
“Let’s meet at the coffee shop just two doors down. I love the chicken salad sandwich they have.”
“Yeah, that’d be nice. I’ll meet you there.”
“Good. Thank you.”
Merry Anna went on her way to work, but something about Tara’s tone bothered her. She seemed a little perturbed about something. She’d know soon enough.
The walk to work was pleasant, the sun warm on her face. She swung her arms, enjoying the hint of sausage in the air.Sage.She wouldn’t have known that smell a few months ago. She had some growing in her garden. Someone in oneof the apartments above the stores on Main Street must be making breakfast.
An odd vibe forced her to stop and look behind her. There was nothing there, but she was unnerved enough to hug her purse close to her body as she walked the rest of the way to work. The feeling hung over her, weighting her with worry as she unlocked the front door and stepped inside.
She scanned the street as she flipped the sign to Open. Her heart pounding, she sat down in the chair by the register, trying to calm down. Crossing one foot over the other, she pulled her phone from her purse and called Adam to try to interrupt the worry.
“Hey, Adam. Everything good at the Locklear abode this morning?” She tried to sound cheerful, not wanting to worry him with some silly nothing. He had enough on his plate.
“We just had pancakes.”
Hearing his voice helped. “Perhaps you should lay off the syrup a little. You may be able to handle a bucking bull, but I have a hunch a sugared-up five-year-old could be way more unpredictable.”
“Hadn’t really thought of that. Good point.”
She didn’t want to dote, but she had to ask, “How’re you feeling?”
“Really good.”
Whatever she was feeling didn’t have anything to do with their relationship. That was a relief. “I was hoping y’all might want to do something tonight.”
“That would be great. Count us in.”
She looked up when a shopper walked through the front door. “I’ve got a customer, but I’ll check in later.”
“Stop by the store on your way home,” he said.
“I’ll do that.” At least if she still had this feeling, she could hitch a ride with them back home.
The rest of the morning, there was a steady stream of customers.
Krissy had warned her that the weeks before and after Fourth of July were the most popular holiday weeks for Antler Creek.
Three out-of-towners came in, wanting to special-order barn quilts after having just driven the barn-quilt trail. That tour was good for business. The barn-quilt tile ornaments Krissy painted practically flew off the shelves. They had only a couple of the Angels Rest ornaments left in stock.
Krissy came in around noon, and before Merry Anna realized it, it was lunchtime.
“I was going to meet Tara down at the coffee shop for a quick lunch. Can I bring you something back?”
“A sandwich, and a cup of sweet tea, if you don’t mind.” Krissy took some money from her pocket.
“I’ve got it.” Merry Anna rang up one more customer and then went to the coffee shop. Tara was already sitting at the table in the far corner, a half-empty cup of coffee in front of her.
“How long have you been here?”
“A while. I was anxious.”
“Is something wrong?” Merry Anna sat down.
