Page 9 of All Because of You

“Vaguely.” The Bakers were one of the biggest families here in Walker Beach—the kind with a few landmarks named after them—and it was hard to keep track of them all. “It was good to see you.”

“Do you want to come with us? I’m sure Shannon and Bella won’t mind. And I’d love to hear more about what’s going on in your life.”

The eagerness on Ashley’s face made Madison almost want to say yes. Almost.

“That sounds fun, but I have so much work to do here.” And she still had a shop full of people—maybe about ten had entered in the few minutes that she and Ashley had been talking. “Maybe another time?”

“Of course.” Ashley paused, touching Madison’s arm. “I can keep you posted on the librarian job. If by some miracle you stayed, you’d make me the happiest woman in the world. Too many people I care about have left.” She flashed Madison a sad smile before heading out the door.

Yeah, Madison wasn’t holding her breath. Even if she had a desire to stay here, the library job sounded like it was months off. And the bills in Madison’s purse were a stark reminder that she needed money now.

Madison thrust on a smile as a customer approached. And then another. And another.

Finally, after the last straggler left, the clock read eight. Madison’s eyelids were heavy, and she leaned against the desk, rubbing her temples. There was no way she was going to have the energy to do any more work on the store tonight. Sure, she might have sold a few items, but she’d just lost an afternoon of good work hours that she could have spent cleaning and organizing.

It had been amazing how one person after another trickled in. She hadn’t done a thing except stand there and take people’s money. Must have been the easiest couple hundred she’d ever made.

Curious, she reached for the stack of bills she’d shoved into a Kleenex box she’d found under the desk. As she counted, her eyes widened and her heart sped up.

She recounted.

No way. That wasn’t possible.

In the course of four hours, on a rainy Wednesday afternoon and evening, she’d made $903. Her first school loan repayment had just been covered. Almost her second one too.

What if . . .

No. She couldn’t stay. Not here.

And yet, she needed a job. A house.

She already had both. Here.

No, not a dream job, but one that would be steady and secure. Aunt Chrissy had never mentioned financial troubles, and Ashley had said the townspeople really wanted a hardware store again. Hole-in-the-Wall Hardware could be the answer to their collective needs.

Yeah, she didn’t know anything about running a business—and a hardware store in particular—but she was smart. She could learn.

And yes, she’d have to get over that the job happened to be in Walker Beach. But she could do that. Madison wasn’t the same girl who had walked the halls of Walker Beach High School, crying anytime someone whispered “Lizard Lady” in her ear. She was strong, and she knew her worth.

And people who were strong took decisive actions. They didn’t wait for others to rescue them. No one was going to rescue Madison—no one, maybe, except for Aunt Chrissy, who’d left her this opportunity in the first place.

That was it. She was doing it.

Hole-in-the-Wall Hardware was going to open for business once again.

After a full day of budget meetings that had kept Evan locked in a conference room with his father, only one thing would put a smile back on his face—a meal from the Frosted Cake.

Specifically, their meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Yeah, those babies were gonna get him through another long night at the dark and lonely office.

But that beat going home to an even lonelier apartment, with only his cat Jeter for company.

“Here ya go, sugar.” From behind the pastry display case, Josephine Radcliffe handed Evan a paper bag with The Frosted Cake stamped on the front. As usual, the brightly lit bakery-slash-restaurant bustled with Walker Beach residents just off work and looking for a good meal and friendly company.

From its tables in back with floral tablecloths to racks of spices and jams for sale in the corner and a huge painting of a pink VW Bug hanging on the far wall, this café was Walker Beach through and through—as was its white-haired owner with the ready smile and ample hugs.

“You know the way to a man’s heart.” He unrolled the top of the bag and breathed in the scent of homestyle cooking Ms. Josephine was famous for. She’d even added an extra roll—and all Walker Beach regulars knew her bread was worth its weight in gold. “If you weren’t married, I’d propose to you right now. Tell Arnie I say hello, by the way.”

“I will. He’s enjoying the retired life while I slave away.” The sixty-something grandma winked at him and wagged her finger. “And you save that proposal for some young lady who will surely appreciate it. You got anyone special yet?”

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