Page 33 of Must Love Bees
“It has.” Willadeene nodded. “If we don’t get some rain soon, everything will wither up and die. My poor garden’s hurting.”
Astrid scrambled for something to say. “Yes, we’re lucky to have our own well on the property.”
“Lucky, indeed. And you have one another. You girls know I live a lonely, quiet life. I imagine Honey Hill House is bursting at the seams, what with all the changes taking place.” She turned her gaze on Shelby.
There was no help for it. “Have you two met before?” Willadeene’s quick headshake meant Astrid was going to have to make introductions. “Shelby Dunholm, this is Willadeene Svoboda.”
“ThenewBee Girl? The one everyone is talking about?” Willadeene shook Shelby’s hand. “A surprise for one and all?”
Astrid did try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt but it was extra challenging with Willadeene. She enjoyed sticking her nose into other people’s lives—like now. Shelby had tracked down Aunt Magnolia—her birth mother—a few short months ago, which made her a curiosity to the small town. It was clear the woman was fishing for something, but what? And who, exactly, wasone and all?
Shelby wasn’t the least fazed. It helped that she’d heard plenty of stories about Willadeene and her love of stirring the pot. “That’s me. The surprise.” She bounced Bea on her hip. “I suppose this is the mini-surprise. Two for the price of one—out and about and surprising at will.”
If Willadeene picked up on Shelby’s sarcasm, she didn’t let on. “I’ve heard so much about you.” She cooed at baby Bea. “I wasn’t sure what to believe—since I know Magnolia so well, you see.” She lowered her voice. “Mags? A mother? It never occurred to me that all the rumors were true. People will talk, of course, but it was such a shock... Still, here you are. In the flesh.” There was nothing subtle about Willadeene’s inspection. “And, oh, my, you look so much like... Magnolia.”
Astrid could only stare at the woman, stunned. It had surprised them all to learn that Aunt Mags had a baby as a young teen and that she’d given the baby up for adoption. When that baby, Shelby, showed up, Aunt Mags’s secret had come out. And the years of pain and regret Aunt Mags had endured. Willadeene had no right to go digging into something so personal.
“Magsismy biological mother.” Shelby didn’t just look like her mother, she shared her mother’s sharp wit and intimidating nature. And her adoptive parents taught her to stand up for herself and what was right. She did not tolerate bullies.
“Yes, poor dear.” Willadeene’s face was all sympathy.
“Poor dear? Which poor dear are we referring to? Me or Magnolia?” Shelby made a silly face at Beatrix. “Though I’m not sure either one of usisa poor dear. I’d say things are pretty good at the moment.” She turned her green eyes on Willadeene. “Who, exactly, do you mean?”
Willadeene blinked rapidly. “Well, I meant... I mean...” She cleared her throat. “I’m sure this was a surprise for—for everyone.”
“My parents let me know I was adopted as soon as I was old enough to understand. It was all very out in the open and nurturing.” She shrugged. “No surprises. And since Mags gave birth to me, I’m not really a surprise to her, either.”
Willadeene wasn’t about to let Shelby get the upper hand. The determination on the older woman’s face was unsettling, to say the least. “I was referring to you showing up, out of nowhere, with no forewarning. I’m sure Mags was delighted, of course, regardless. It doesseemto have turned into a happy reunion for all.”
Which led to a long, awkward silence that made Astrid’s chest heavy. If Willadeene was trying to imply Aunt Mags was unhappy about Shelby’s appearance, nothing could be further from the truth.
“Wow. Okay.” Shelby surprised them all by laughing. “Thank you so much for your concern and interest in things that have nothing to do with you.” She held Willadeene’s gaze. “This has been...enlightening.”
Willadeene was speechless.
“We should probably get back to shopping.” Tansy started to back up.
“Dog food. Or, um, oyster crackers...” Did it really matter? Astrid grabbed Shelby’s hand and tugged her along, in awe of her cousin.
“Humph.” Willadeene, thankfully, and her cart headed in the other direction.
Shelby glanced after the woman. “She’s something.”
“You were amazing.” Astrid squeezed her arm. “I’ve never seen the table turned on Willadeene Svoboda before.”
“It was cool. But you should still be careful around her.” Tansy steered the cart. “She’s all ears and mouth. In the ears, out the mouth.”
After that exchange, Astrid wasn’t overly worried about Shelby. “Oyster crackers.” She stopped their cart and pointed to the bottom shelf.
Tansy crouched and picked up the large bag. “I’m pretty sure they’re only in stock because of Aunt Camellia.”
“She does love that bird.” Shelby cooed to Bea. “And you do, too, don’t you? When you’re walking, Lord Byron will have to find himself a higher perch.”
“Mags will love that.” Tansy put the bag in the cart and giggled at the face Bea made. “What’s next?”
“We forgot the dog treats.” Astrid scanned the list. “I’ll go get that. You can get the fruit and diapers. I’ll take Bea?” Bea promptly reached for her, all smiles.
“I guess so.” Shelby tapped her daughter’s nose. “You two behave.”
