Page 60 of Threads of Kindness
“I agree with you one hundred percent,” Gordon said. “It’s obvious you love this place and your part in it. Highpointe is lucky to have you.”
Sunday flushed with pleasure. “I’ve got a staff meeting in a few minutes,” she said. “The library will open in half an hour. Is it okay if I leave you here to set up?”
“Of course,” Anita said. “Gordon and I have got this.”
“If you need anything, text me. I’ll have my phone with me.”
“Thank you, but we won’t,” Anita said. “Don’t worry about us.”
Sunday gazed at the lumpy shapes wrapped in blankets and towels. “I’m excited to see what you’ve got under there,” she said, pointing at the carts.
“We’ll let you know when we’re done,” Anita said. “You can tell us if you think we need to move anything or make adjustments.”
“Sounds good,” Sunday said. She turned toward the stairwell that led to her office on the third floor, but paused and looked back. “Lyla needs to know what you’ve named the museum. She’s got the graphics ready to go except for the one that saysComing Soon.She needs the name for that.”
“I’m sorry it’s taken me so long,” Anita said. “I’ve been waffling. It doesn’t seem like the name I came up with is quite right.”
“I like the name you chose,” Gordon said.
Anita shrugged. “I guess I’m being too picky, but it seems like something is missing from it. Anyway, I’m being silly. The name I’ve chosen isStitches in Time: A Museum Celebrating Vintage Sewing Machines.”
Sunday clasped her hands together. “I love it! That’s a terrific name. I’ll tell Lyla. She’ll have that sign finished by the end of the day.”
CHAPTER 30
Maggie stepped out of the entrance of the administration building and pulled the hood of her arctic parka over her head. Susan’s car waited at the curb. She clutched the hood closed at her throat and hurried down the wide stone steps to the car.
“Thanks for picking me up,” she said as she climbed inside.
“Of course,” Susan replied. “It’s far too cold for you to walk to the library.” She reached over and ran her hand along the quilted arm of Maggie’s coat. “This is nice and warm, isn’t it?”
“It sure is,” Maggie said. “I didn’t think I’d ever need it here in Westbury, but I’m glad you gave it to me as a ‘just because’ gift.”
“Aaron bought me one for Christmas, and I thought the same thing,” Susan said. “Then it got so cold a couple of weeks ago, and I was thankful to have it. When I saw the forecast for another record freeze, I decided to buy you one.”
“You are the best daughter,” Maggie said. “Thank you—and happy Valentine’s Day.”
“Same to you, Mom. What are you doing the rest of the day?”
“John made reservations for us at Stuart’s Steakhouse tonight. After the grand opening of the sewing machine exhibitat the library, I thought I’d head home and finish my day there. I’ve worked late every night for the past week. I don’t have any meetings today. If it hadn’t been for Anita’s exhibition opening, I would’ve worked from home the entire day.”
“I like the sound of that,” Susan said, pulling into the library parking lot. “And instead of working when you get home, I suggest you do something you enjoy. You’re entitled to an afternoon off.”
“What are you doing today?” Maggie asked, changing the subject. “You’re awfully chipper. Are you feeling better?”
Susan parked the car. “It’s like I’m a new person,” she said. “I haven’t had morning sickness for the past two days. It’s like someone flipped a switch—no more nausea, and my energy level is back to normal.”
“That’s wonderful, honey,” Maggie said. “You must be past the first trimester.”
Susan nodded. “Last time, I was sick my whole pregnancy. I hope this one is different.”
“Are you and Aaron going out to dinner?”
Susan shook her head. “We didn’t make reservations because I was so sick. We’d never get them now, anyway,” she said. “Plus, we don’t have a babysitter.”
Maggie cocked her head to one side. “You remember that you just told me to take the afternoon to do whatever I want?”
Susan looked at her mother and nodded.
