Page 20 of A Christmas Duet

In all her life Hailey had never been inside such a multipurpose establishment. Cantor Store sold groceries, served as the post office, had a large liquor section, and in addition to everything else seemed to be the local feed store.

Hailey had noticed a large Christmas tree lot set up along one side of the building, the area marked with a long string of bright lights.

Thelma, Jay’s mother, was busy at the cash register when Hailey walked in. If she noticed Hailey, she gave noheed. Hailey reached for a cart and headed down the food aisle. The grocery section took up most of the space, she noted, with a back room that apparently led to where the feed store operated.

Whatever she decided to cook would need to be simple. Real simple. No way would she be able to impress Jay with her culinary skills.

Uninspired, she paused at the boxed macaroni and cheese and then shook her head. That wasn’t nearly good enough for Jay, even with a decent salad. Inspiration struck when she came upon the pasta section. Spaghetti with jar sauce.

Easy peasy.

Pleased to have found a solution, Hailey cheerfully loaded both into the cart.

Once she found salad mixes, complete with dressing, she had a bounce to her step. For good measure, she added an aluminum-wrapped loaf of French bread. Reading the instructions, she was confident nothing more would be required than to assemble the salad, cook the pasta, heat the sauce, and toss the bread into the oven.

With the dinner menu settled, she went in search of her other supplies. The basics came first. That meant coffee, the most essential item on her list. By the time she finished scouring each aisle, her cart was full. She had more than enough groceries to last her the full ten days.Including some extras, like chocolate candy bars and red licorice.

As she rolled the cart to the checkout stand, Hailey couldn’t help hoping to catch a glimpse of Jay. Their time together had been the best morning she could remember. And Hailey wasn’t generally a morning person.

Thelma glanced up when Hailey approached the register.

“It’s the city girl,” she announced loud enough for the entire store to hear. “I heard Jethro got rid of that rabid raccoon.” She said this as if she hadn’t stopped laughing since the moment Hailey told her of the problem.

“Mr. Raccoon has left the building.” Hailey continued to load her groceries onto the counter.

“From the look on your face when you first arrived, I thought you’d crossed paths with a grizzly bear.”

“I don’t see many forest creatures in Portland,” Hailey admitted. “Especially not inside my apartment.”

“Gotta say, you gave me a good laugh.”

Hailey was happy Thelma had found her situation so entertaining.

Thelma continued to ring up Hailey’s items. As familiar folks entered the store, Thelma shouted greetings and updates.

“Larry, that order for chicken feed arrived this morning. Jethro’s in the back. He’ll show you where to find it.”

Acknowledging her, Larry raised his hand and headed in that direction.

“Merry Christmas, Laura. How’s Sam doing these days?”

“Better, thanks for asking, Thelma.”

The door closed and a young mother with two little ones in tow followed. “Shirley Sue, grab yourself a Christmas tree on your way out. It’s on the house.”

“Much appreciated, Thelma.”

A constant dialogue continued as the storekeeper bagged Hailey’s groceries. Once Thelma had finished, Hailey paid her. “Do you mind if I ask you something?”

Thelma grinned. “I figure you’ll ask whether I want you to or not, so go ahead.”

Thelma was right.

“I noticed a lot of activity taking place in the park. What’s going on?”

Thelma cocked her head and studied Hailey. “It’s a city event, nothing big compared to what takes place in Portland like that Rose Festival you got going. It likely won’t interest you. Just small-town stuff,” she said, and waved a hand dismissively.

“Don’t be so sure,” Hailey argued.

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