Page 65 of Threads of Kindness
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Anita replied, shaking the hand of the last person waiting in line to speak with her.
“I’ll watch the newspaper for your opening date,” the woman added. “I plan to be the first person in line.” She gave their clasped hands a warm squeeze before disappearing into the library.
Anita turned to Gordon. “Wow,” she said. “I didn’t expect people to line up to chat with me after my little talk.”
“Your speech was absolutely riveting,” Gordon said. “Well organized, interesting, and beautifully delivered. You, my dear,” looking her straight in the eyes, “are a natural.”
She flushed with pleasure. “I don’t know about that.”
Sunday approached them from the side. “What a complete success! People are going to leave here and tell everyone they know about this exhibit. We’ll be busier than we ever imagined.Talk about the perfect way to launch our new exhibition space in the library!”
“I’m glad you’re pleased,” Anita said. “Old sewing machines—who knew? I’ve been pushing to finish the renovations to Candy Alley so I could get out of your hair. I thought you’d want to install a more interesting exhibit.”
“Based on today,” Sunday said, “the library will be happy to offer you an extension.”
Anita placed her hand on her forehead. “I never would’ve imagined such a successful outcome twenty-four hours ago.”
“I did,” Gordon said simply.
“I’m glad Laura saved that extra dozen cookies for you,” Sunday said. “There’s not a single one left on the table.”
“Can we help put away the chairs and fold the table?” Gordon offered.
“Absolutely not,” Sunday said firmly. “Our student staff will do that. Follow me to get your coats and your box of cookies.” She led them toward the break room. “What are the two of you doing to celebrate your success?”
“We’ve got dinner reservations at seven at The Mill,” Gordon said.
“Very nice,” Sunday replied and went to fetch their coats.
“It’s only three o’clock,” Anita said to Gordon. “I’d like to drop these cookies at the bridal shop. My crew will be eager to hear how everything went.”
Sunday handed them their coats.
Anita drew her in for a hug. “Thank you so much, Sunday. I’ll never forget this day.”
Sunday gave her a squeeze in return. “Have a lovely Valentine’s dinner,” she said.
“One more thing,” Anita said. “Have you heard anything more about your wedding dress?”
“Yes!” Sunday snapped her fingers. “I meant to tell you and forgot. I got an email yesterday that it’ll be delivered tomorrow. It got delayed in Chicago, but it finally started moving again. Will that be soon enough for alterations?”
“Of course,” Anita said. “I’ll be in the shop the entire day. Bring it over to try on, if you’d like.”
“I’m having it delivered here to the library,” Sunday replied. “I didn’t want it sitting by my front door. If it arrives before you close, I’ll call to see if you have time.”
“I’llmaketime for you,” Anita said. “And tell that young man of yours the flowers he sent you are beautiful.”
They hugged again, and Anita and Gordon were on their way.
Anita lockedthe door of Archer’s Bridal and turned the sign from‘Open’to‘Closed.’
“I loved seeing how excited your seamstresses were for you,” Gordon said. “Your crew feels more like a group of sisters or cousins than employees.”
“We’ve been together so long that we feel like family,” Anita agreed. She looked at her watch, then tilted her eyes up to meet his. “Do you mind if we pop over to the museum? They completed refinishing the floors yesterday, but I was so busy practicing my talk that I didn’t get over there. I know we can’t walk around in there yet, but I’d love to open the door and peek inside.”
“Sure,” Gordon said. “I’d like to see them too. We’ve got plenty of time before our dinner reservation—and, frankly, neither of us needs to change clothes. Unless you want to, of course,” he added quickly.
She patted his arm. “I was thinking the same thing.”
