Page 29 of Threads of Kindness
John released Eva and Roman from their stays. After a warm greeting for the guests, the dogs settled into their beds by the hearth.
John gestured toward an open bottle of chardonnay on a tray. “We’ve also got red, if you prefer.”
Anita and Gordon both pointed to the chardonnay and nodded their approval.
Maggie motioned them to chairs flanking a low coffee table. A charcuterie board filled with cheeses, crackers, mixed nuts, and seedless red grapes sat at the center. She handed each of them a small plate and cocktail napkin.
“What’s keeping you here another day?” she asked Gordon.
Gordon looked at Anita. “I think it’s your story to tell, honey.”
He helped himself to a cracker and a cube of aged sharp cheddar.
“I plan to open a small sewing machine museum,” Anita began, “with the beautiful antique machines that have been gathering dust in the basement of Archer’s Bridal.”
Maggie nodded. “I had heard that.”
“I’d like it to be located on the square,” Anita continued. “Being close to Archer’s Bridal would be convenient for me, and Tim Knudsen thinks it would be a tourist attraction.”
“I agree with him,” John said. “It’d be something unique for Westbury.”
“Tim suggested the old building that housed Candy Alley. He contacted the owners, and they’re interested in selling. He’s arranged for me to view it tomorrow morning. Gordon was kind enough to postpone his flight so he could check it out with me.”
“I’m as excited to get inside that place as she is,” Gordon said. “It was boarded up before I ever came to Westbury.”
“I spent most of my paper route money in Candy Alley when I was a boy,” John said with a grin. “I have a lot of happy memories of that place—just like you do, Anita. It’s exciting to think you might be the new owner.”
“I was only in it once, before Charlotte passed away,” Maggie said. “That was the year I moved into Rosemont. I was posting notices for the Easter carnival. I can’t say I remember anything about the place.” She clapped her hands together. “This is so exciting! You’ll have to let us know theminuteyou open escrow.”
“We haven’t signed a contract yet,” Anita said. “I’m trying not to get my hopes up.”
“I have a feeling it’s going to work out for you,” John said. “This will be another chapter in the building’s colorful history.”
“What do you mean?” Anita asked.
“I’m not really sure,” John admitted. “It was before my time, but Ithinkthat building had a shady past.” He narrowed his eyes in thought, then shook his head. “I really can’t remember any specifics.”
“My goodness,” Anita said. “I’ll have to look into that.” She selected a small bunch of grapes and began plucking them off one by one.
“Who knows what secrets you’ll find buried there,” Maggie chimed in. “Rosemont’s attic has been full of surprises—and Judy found the ornaments in the Olsson House that led her to Jeff.”
“Now that you mention it,” Gordon said, “I recall a rusty filing cabinet in the corner of the attic upstairs under Rosemont’s eaves. I took a quick look months ago when I was assessing the furniture stored there. If I remember correctly, it’s full of newspaper clippings from the ’20s through the ’70s. That might be a good place to start our research.”
Maggie and John exchanged a knowing glance at his use of the word“our.”
A buzzer sounded from the kitchen.
Maggie picked up her wineglass. “That’s me. We’re having lemon lasagna. It’s a recipe from this morning’s paper. Meatless, and supposed to be lighter fare for the new year.” She smiled from Gordon to Anita. “Ishould’vetold you when I invited you—you’re going to be my guinea pigs. There’s also a green salad and garlic bread. If the lasagna is horrible, we’ll order a pizza.”
“It smells delicious,” Anita said.
“I’ve never known you to make anything thatisn’tfabulous,” John added.
“I love you for saying that, John,” Maggie replied. “But you know that’s not true.”
She turned toward the kitchen. “At any rate, I’m headed in to finish up. You three stay here and enjoy your wine. I’ll let you know as soon as everything’s ready. We’re eating in the kitchen, family style—because both of you are like family to us.”
CHAPTER 14
