Page 12 of The Pink House

CHAPTERFOUR

Hannah let several days pass before going back into the woods. She wished she’d paid more attention to where she’d walked before. Even though she walked for nearly an hour in all directions, she wasn’t able to find the pink house.

As she approached her house, she saw Charlie in his truck as he backed out of the driveway and headed down the street.

She realized that while she’d asked Charlie if he’d seen the pink house, she hadn’t asked his mother. Hurrying into her house, Hannah grabbed the pretty platter she’d been meaning to return to Lisa and added a half dozen of the cupcakes she’d baked yesterday.

Seconds later, she stood on the porch next door. Balancing the platter, she gave a couple of hard raps on the screen door with her free hand.

“Coming.” Lisa’s voice sounded far away.

Knowing the woman’s mobility issues, Hannah patiently waited, smiling at how the light set the glitter-covered cupcakes to sparkling.

“Did you forget your phone again?” Lisa asked as she swung open the door, then she blinked. “Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were Charlie. He’s always forgetting his phone.”

“Just me. Returning your plate and thanking you for the delicious cookies.” Hannah held out the plate with the cupcakes. “I was experimenting with a new recipe. These were made with fresh raspberries and blueberries.”

“Sounds yummy.” Lisa studied the cupcakes. “They’re also gorgeous. What kind of topping is that? I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Orange-infused buttercream with edible glitter and glitter stars.”

“Charlie is going to love these.” Lisa gave a little laugh. “Who am I kidding? I can’t wait to try one. Please come in.”

“Where would you like me to put these?” Hannah wasn’t about to force Lisa to deal with the plate, not when she could see her jerky movements.

“On the dining room table would be lovely.”

“I hope I’m not interrupting.” Through the opening leading into the dining room, Hannah noticed an open laptop and papers nearby.

“Not at all.” As if seeing the direction of her gaze, Lisa smiled. “I do some work for Collister College, but what I’m focused on now isn’t time-sensitive.”

“Please sit.” Lisa gestured to the sofa in the living room.

After setting the plate on the table, Hannah took a seat on the sofa.

Lisa eased herself into a nearby chair with a black mesh back.

“What is it you do for Collister?” Hannah asked once Lisa was settled.

“I’m what’s called a cataloger. I analyze current metadata standards and look for ways to improve the college’s systems. The goal is to make it easier for students and professors to find what they’re looking for in the library system.” Lisa gave a little laugh. “That’s probably more than you wanted to know, but I love it. I’m grateful I found something I can do from home and use my degree. I also do some freelance work for other entities.”

“I remember when you worked at our branch library.”

Lisa smiled. “I have a master’s in library and information science.”

“That’s impressive.”

“I don’t know about that, but it’s the perfect field for my skill set and interests. I loved being a community librarian, but this is perfect for me now.” Lisa inclined her head. “What about you?”

Hannah waited for the question that was certain to follow, theWhat are you going to do now that you’re in GraceTown?When it didn’t come, Hannah was left to fill the silence. “I worked in marketing in Greensboro for a manufacturing company. I was downsized shortly before I moved here.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Sympathy filled Lisa’s voice. “I thought perhaps you were able to work remotely.”

“Nope.” Hannah attempted to force her lips into the semblance of a smile, but couldn’t make it happen. “That job was my first professional position out of college. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. Still, getting cut stung.”

Lisa’s gaze grew thoughtful. “I believe letting go of old dreams is difficult, no matter the circumstances.”

“Old dreams?”

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