Page 27 of One Sultry Summer

“I’ll do my best to remember that.” I smiled back at her.

“What do you say we meet here in the lobby, say after nine-thirty?”

“That would be perfect.”

∞∞∞

The morning weather was heating up nicely. After hearing from Devin a few minutes ago, I’m eager to meet more of the townsfolk, especially since he’s feeling better. His task this morning was to head to the library for research.

Meanwhile, I’ll belooking into the surrounding property and making an appointment to see the mayor. With a little pep in my step, I make my way to the lobby after breakfast. Its design reminds me of a log cabin with its warm tones and wood accents.

I waited at the window facing east, the view, an open field of wildflowers. It was quite beautiful.

“Good morning, Valerie. I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”

“Not at all. I was enjoying the view.”

“That old field, there ain’t nothing to see there.”

“If you don’t mind me asking, what are those flowers called? They have a beautiful shade of blue.”

“Those are bluebonnets. It’s not the scientific name; however, they are the official flower of Texas.”

“Really? They’re quite lovely.”

“Normally, they don’t flower at this time, butyou know we’ve been having unusual weather lately. The flowers are probably confused, thinking it’s still spring.” I chuckled to myself about her reasoning for the flowers blooming. “Come on, let me show you the true beauty of this ole town.”

She was prepared to go, dressed in a pair of jeans, a white button-down blouse, and cowboy boots. I followed her outside to an older pickup truck. She rounded to the driver’s side and climbed in. Upon entering the vehicle, she leaned over and pulled on the latch mechanism to unlock the door for me.

We drove around town, and she pointed out places of interest and told me about the city’s history. She pulled into a space in front of the town square. The square was adorned with beautiful flower beds, creating a welcoming and picturesque scene.

A gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly baked bread from a nearby bakery, and the soundof a street musician sitting in front of a record shop playing a cheerful tune, added to the lively ambiance. As we walked along the sidewalk, Abby greeted each person we passed by. I would have guessed she’s well respected if I hadn’t known it by now.

We stopped in every store from the beauty salon to an antique store to the bakery, where I purchased a pecan pie, and a dessert called kolach. I was told that kolach is a pastry filled with cream cheese and dried fruit. It reminds me of a Danish pastry, which is buttery and made of a puff pastry. I must leave soon before I purchase more unnecessary desserts.

“Is there anything else I can get you?” The young lady waits patiently as my eyes gaze at the display case again.

“No, I think that’s everything. Thanks.” She’s diligent about packing my desserts to go. After ringing me up, I thanked the store owner, Ms. Hansen, for her hospitality and for making timeout of her day to meet me.

Our next stop is the furniture store on Maple. The sign on the door says it was established in 1968. The store is filled with what looks like handcrafted furniture. All with gorgeous curves and lines. We’re met by an older gentleman whose eyes sparkle upon introduction.

“Good morning, ladies. I take it the baked goods are not for me? What can I help you with?”

“Howdy, Harold, how are you? Remember, I told you I was coming by to introduce you to Ms. Valerie Masterson of Phoenix Construction? Well, Valerie, this is Harold Welch, owner of Welch and Sons Furniture.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. Welch.” I put out my hand and waited for him to reply, but he didn’t reciprocate the gesture. I slowly bring my hand down back to my side. “The furniture you have here is beautiful.”

“Did you wanna buy something?”

“I would love to. However, I doubt you’d ship toCalifornia.”

His eyes lit up. “We can ship anywhere.”

“That’s awesome. Perhaps after I’m done with my current job assignment, I’ll take you up on that.”

“There are rumors you want to close businesses down.” He studies me. The corners of my lips curled into a smile.

“No, sir. That’s the last thing I’m here for. Can we have a seat somewhere?”

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