Page 16 of Finders Keepers

Sophie walks into the kitchen with me and I pull out a chair at the long granite island, she carefully climbs up and arranges Mr. Hoppy on the countertop next to her. We both settle in to watch.

Ms. Lucy bustles around her kitchen with practiced efficiency, pulling plates from cabinets and silverware from drawers. The kitchen is warm and inviting, with copper pots hanging from a rack above the island and herbs growing in small pots along the windowsill.

“Here we go,” she announces, sliding a plate in front of Sophie. “One official taste tester portion.”

Sophie’s eyes widen at the stack of golden pancakes, steam still rising from them. They’re perfectly round and impossibly fluffy, with thin apple slices peeking out between the layers. A small pitcher of amber syrup sits beside the plate.

“These are for me?” Sophie whispers, suddenly shy but unable to hide her excitement.

“That’s right, darlin’. And I need your honest opinion.” Ms. Lucy taps the side of her nose. “No sugarcoating, even if there is plenty of sugar in that syrup.”

Sophie giggles, looking to me for permission before picking up her fork.

Ms. Lucy places another stack in front of me, then turns to grab a delicate teapot from the stove. The tea she pours into my mug is a pale golden color, fragrant with herbs.

“Here you go, dear,” she says, sliding the mug closer. “My grandmother swore by this blend. Said it could calm even the most troubled heart.”

I wrap my hands around the warm ceramic, inhaling the soothing scent. “Thank you.”

Sophie takes her first bite and her eyes light up. “Mmm! It’s like… like eating a cloud with apples in it!”

Ms. Lucy laughs, delighted. “That might be the finest review I’ve ever received.”

I take a sip of tea, feeling its warmth spread through me, then take a bite of pancake. The flavors melt on my tongue—butter, cinnamon, tender apples, and something else I can’t quite place.

“These are delicious. What makes them so fluffy?” I ask.

“That’s the secret.” She winks. “Vanilla cake batter.” She says mischievously.

My eyes grow wide. “Really?”

I would have never guessed that.

We eat in comfortable silence for a moment. The tea is working its magic, steadying my nerves. I gather my courage.

“Ms. Lucy, I was wondering… does the town have a library or maybe a flower shop? I’ve been thinking it might be a good idea to look for work, at least part-time.”

Her eyes crinkle with approval and she turns to look at me.

“You know what they say, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second-best time is now. Same goes for putting down roots.” She heads to the sink and starts washing her hands. “As it so happens, Magnolia Blooms, that’s our local flower shop, is looking for help. Owner’s an old friend of mine. I could give her a call if you’d like.”

My heart leaps. “That would be wonderful. Thank you.”

She beams drying her hands, already reaching for her phone. “While y’all finish those up, let me give Mary Beth a quick call.”

As she steps into the other room, I watch Sophie happily demolish her pancakes, Mr. Hoppy, now propped up beside her plate like he’s joining us for breakfast. The rising sun streams through the dining room windows where Ms. Lucy is leaning against the table, catching the silver in her hair as she talks animatedly on the phone.

I’m still trying to process her words when she bustles back into the kitchen, flour dusted apron swaying with her movement. Her face is lit up with that knowing smile I’m starting to recognize.

“Well, honey, looks like you’ve got yourself a job!” She dives her hands into the flour container and measures some out. “Mary Beth’s just tickled to have some help, especially someone who appreciates flowers as much as she does.” She wipes her hands on her apron, leaving more flour streaks. “She said you can head over there anytime today to talk details.”

My fork freezes halfway to my mouth.

“Today? Like right now?” My anxiety kicks in. “But Sophie—”

“Oh, honey.” Ms. Lucy waves away my concern. “I wouldn’t expect you to rush off this minute. Just sometime today when you’re ready.”

I set my fork down, appetite suddenly gone. A job at a flower shop sounds perfect, exactly what I’d want. But leaving Sophie, even for an hour…

---