Page 44 of Pick Yourself Up
Piper turned to Amber. “He’s besties with Moose and Finch. They’re even larger than Boomer here. Oreo’s never met anyone he can’t befriend.”
A chime sounded behind them, and Piper grinned. “That’s the back door to Phail Central. Hopefully, another tourist. Come on and I’ll show you around. You’re going to love it.”
Amber sent him a bemused look, and they followed Piper into the back.
Amber released Gray’s hand with a squeeze and followed Piper into Phail Central. Her steps faltered as she took in the incredible space.
Gorgeous photographs, paintings, and other art covered the walls. Phail Fact cards below each item included information on the artisan and their work. She was drawn to an incredible fall landscape of a lake surrounded by trees showcasing golds, reds, and oranges.
The feel was similar to a few of the paintings she’d bought for The Sidderlight. Shock rippled through her when she realized it was the same artist. Josie Ellis. Amber turned to Piper. “Does Josie Ellis live in Phail? I decorated a conference room of a hotel I worked at in Chicago with her paintings. She’s incredibly talented.”
Piper beamed. “Josie’s an even better human than she is an artist. She lives out at Midnight Lake with her husband, Nico.”
Such a small world. “When I’m closer to opening the inn, I’ll be back for some art for the walls. I’m hoping to showcase the area and its history. Each room will have its own apple-related theme, but I need more information about the process and the history before I decide.”
Piper grinned. “That sounds amazing. Like apple blossom time or the history of the farm?”
She nodded. “Exactly like that.”
Piper pointed at a shelf displaying mugs filled with Phail sayings. Come to Phail to succeed. No one fails in Phail. You’ve Phailed. Phail Better. So many more. Many of them showcased Fancy Firefly and Phil Phail the Fox. Town mascots.
Amber wondered if she could create similar items of her own for the inn once it had a name. There was certainly enough inspiration for her in the store.
She could even include a small gift shop in the inn's lobby, including items about the inn and showcasing the Phail merchandise as well.
It was too early in the process to arrange for that now, but she’d see if she could figure it out once she was closer to having a functional building.
Amber stopped to caress the moccasin in the next display. At the farm, they each had their own pair to wear inside. She wanted to get a new pair for her and Gray to wear when they were at the inn. She could do the same for her guests. Have a selection of moccasins to choose from. With an option to purchase at the end. She turned to Piper. “I love the ones we have at the farm and I’d like to get some for the inn. I’m wondering if the artisan would make me a few dozen pairs for my guests. And maybe have an option to purchase. I’d have to figure out the process for that, but I definitely want the option for the guests.”
She was rambling, ideas spinning in her head. Phail Central was a huge inspiration for her and she knew she’d be back often.
Piper grinned. “Hang on. Nimii, come and meet Amber Malssum. She had an idea she’d like to discuss with you.”
A striking woman stood from where she’d been unboxing some items.
After introductions, Piper explained Amber’s idea. Nimii handmade each pair, which boggled Amber’s mind. “I’d love to supply them for your inn. It’ll take me a while to create a few dozen pairs, so I’m glad you’re not opening for a few months.”
Amber smiled. “Probably not until summer. I thought about aiming for apple blossom season, but there’s too much work to do. Might take me until fall.”
When she and Gray left the store a while later, he squeezed her hand. “You three seemed to have fun.”
She swung their hands. “I did. They’re both so nice. Nimii is Ginny’s wife, and she’s so talented. My mind is nearly bursting with ideas for the inn after speaking with the two of them.”
He spun her into a twirl and brought her back in for a hug. “I’m so glad. Knox said everyone here was terrific. Not sure I believed him—he’s such an optimist—but he’s right.”
Amber nodded. “He sees the best in everyone. Always has. He’s also usually right, which can be annoying in a big brother.”
They spent a few hours exploring the rest of town and walking the forest trails, enjoying the peace and the leaves. Benches sat at intervals throughout the paths and plaques along the way informed them of more Phail Facts. Wildlife information, town history, jokes and riddles.
More ideas to think about incorporating into her inn. Maybe she’d even get Phail into the name somehow. The hotels she’d worked in had taught her how to entice guests who craved privacy and security, no matter the cost. An inn in rural Vermont would be different.
Quirky and unique might be her new buzzwords.
When they entered The Saloon, Amber couldn’t stop the smile. The place could have been a movie set. The bar took up almost the entire width of the room at the back, and the bar top appeared to be a single piece of wood, polished to a sparkle.
Shelves of bottles hung in front of the huge mirror that spanned the length of the bar. A staircase led to an open balcony with doors leading to rooms off to the back.
The wooden tables and chairs added to the ambiance. “This is amazing. We could be in an old western movie.”
