Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73107 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 366(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
“Well, look who’s here,” June exclaims as we settle into the last two seats at the counter.
“June, this is my mom.” Minnie pokes her tiny head out of the carrier. “And Minnie.”
“You are the cutest,” June coos to Minnie, then turns her attention to Mom. “Pleased to meet you. How about some coffee?”
“That would be perfect,” Mom replies around a yawn, and I wonder if the walk was already too much for her. Though her breathing doesn’t seem labored. Yoga has certainly assisted with that. Hopefully, some coffee and breakfast will help increase her energy level.
Once Mom is happily sipping a coffee loaded with creamer, June asks, “Does Jack know you’re here?”
“No, we only drove in for the art fair.” It’s not the whole truth, but I suspect June knows that. “I thought Mom would enjoy it.”
“I’m sure she will.” She winks. “And he’ll be happy to see you.”
My stomach does a little flip. “Will you be attending?”
“At some point. Aunt Dina will need me at Honeycomb. It’s going to be mobbed all weekend.”
We place our order, then eat our breakfast while chatting and people-watching. Minnie gets her share of nibbles from Mom’s toast, and I note that there are plenty of new faces in town for the art fair.
“People are so friendly here,” Mom points out as yet another person asks if they can pet Minnie, who is soaking up all the attention.
Mom seems invigorated after coffee and an omelet, but I still don’t want to push it. “How are you feeling? Do you think you’re up for a walk to the art fair? It’s not far, but we can always—”
“Honestly, I feel good. Not as winded as I thought I’d be. Maybe it’s all the yoga breathing. Plus, you and Dr. Ritter were right—the mountain air seems to be doing me good.”
“Glad to hear it. But the minute you feel breathless or dizzy, you let me know.”
“Deal.”
Once we cash out, we’re on our way. I ignore the man on the corner selling the cursed bumper stickers featuring frogs and whales. It seems silly, knowing what I know now about this town and its people. But to each their own.
The closer we get to the grassy area where the tents are set up, the more crowded it becomes. Cars are parked everywhere and people walk in groups toward the center of town, so I’m glad we decided to get on the road last night. I feel a little thrill that Aqua Vista is getting its due with the event. No doubt, this is what helps keep the local economy booming. I’m not sure if the man with the cursed merchandise helps or hurts business, but there’s no doubt he’ll make a killing this weekend.
The first tent we come upon near the entrance is the Spellbound shop. Beth has all her merchandise set out, but it’s obvious she also sells her intuition—or at least it’s a draw, as she speaks intently to a customer with her hand on the woman’s wrist. Another lady is near the main table, holding a crystal and waiting to cash out—or maybe to get some of Beth’s insight as well.
“That’s Beth, the owner,” I say to Mom. “She made your bracelet.”
“Oh, how lovely.” Mom jangles the jewelry on her wrist. She’s worn it constantly, so maybe Beth will tout that the healing crystals are influencing Mom’s energetic spirit. “I must thank her.”
We stand in line, and once the customers leave, we step up to greet her.
“I just knew I’d see you here.” Beth squeezes my shoulder. “And this must be your mom.”
“Yes, hello. Please call me Isabel.”
“As long as you call me Beth.” She reaches over and pets Minnie. “How is the bracelet working out for you?”
Mom swivels her wrist. “I love it. Thank you.”
“And the mountain air?”
Mom swings a confused glance my way, obviously wondering how Beth would know we’d discussed such a thing prior to the trip.
“Beth is intuitive,” I explain. “She was the first to suggest that coming here might do you good.”
“And you,” Beth adds with a twinkle in her eye. “Jack’s booth is at the end of this row, in case that’s where you’re headed.”
“We are now,” Mom teases. “I’m looking forward to meeting the man who’s captured my son’s heart. If he’s like the people I’ve already been introduced to, I give my glowing stamp of approval.”
Beth smirks and throws me a knowing look, no doubt thinking about Jack being his own grumpy and interesting character. I get that same anxious feeling in my gut about Mom meeting him.
“He’s good people,” Beth replies, sending us on our way.
As we move past the tents with jewelry, quilts, and baked goods, we stop to look at wares Mom finds interesting. She buys a pie and a biscuit for Minnie from Slice of Life, and as we approach the middle of the row, there’s a large, colorful sign on Mae’s tent asking for donations for her rescue.