Carlton Cove

Chapter 4

4

We are only open from 12:00-5:00 on Sundays and many of the nearby businesses have similar hours.

It was about 11:30 and me, Mom and Dad were sitting at a table in the Gamble Coffee and Tea. It was a beautiful day, blue skies and about sixty degrees, and it was a shame that Betty and Henry do not have outside seating. Just then, Betty walks by our table. "Betty," I said. "You and Henry should add outside seating. Today would be perfect to sit outside."

"Actually, Henry brought that up at a town council meeting the other night. Since the sidewalk is city property, the mayor will have to be involved. But it should not be an issue once we get permission to add outside tables. Other business would like to do the same, like Gianna's, the Bistro and the ice cream store."

"How long have you and Henry been a part of the town council Betty?" Dad asked.

"Oh, about five years now." Betty paused and said, "By the way, our daughter Lydia is looking for a full-time job now that our grandson, Christopher, started pre-K. Let me know if you hear of any jobs available."

Mom smiled at Dad. "Well Betty, it just so happens that we are hiring. Now that Jake has published his first book, we need someone full time to take his place. Hank will be doing press releases and book tours with Jake very soon. Jake also has his own author website, which he is on quite a bit with his blogging and such. Plus, Hank meets with him regularly with updates and marketing ideas.

"I will call Lydia today," Betty said. "Can she come see you tomorrow?"

"If she is available, she can see us today," Dad said.

"I will go call her right now."

Betty walked away as I changed the subject. "Mom, what did Victoria mean about me naming my book character after her?"

Mom gave Dad a secretive look. "I am not sure Jake."

"I think you do Mom."

She gave me a surprised look. "Why on earth would you think that, Jake?"

I looked at Dad. "When you walked Victoria back to your office yesterday you gave me a strange look and you did it again after she had thanked me for naming a book character after her. When you were explaining to me about the Moirai, Dad said you had a unique gift. What did he mean by that, Mom?"

Mom looked at Dad as she sighed. "Jake, ever since I was in my teens, I have always had a knack for sensing things about people. In my twenties, it became even stronger."

"What do you mean Mom?"

Mom gave Dad another look. "You know how some people say that they can read people or have feelings about people?"

"Yes, I guess so. Are you one of those people?"

"I suppose I am."

"Son, your mother tends to have notions or inklings about things and people," Dad added. "She has been that way ever since I have known her."

I thought about what Hank had said about Betty having a six sense. "So, it's more like a six sense?"

Mom looked at Dad again. "I guess you could say that."

I looked at Mom and was reading her eyes and her expression. I did not buy her explanation for a minute. But I decided to move on. "So, getting back to Victoria, what are your feelings telling you about what she said about me naming a book character after her?"

"Well, she really loves your book and I am sure it was just her excitement of meeting you and having you sign her book."

I contemplated my next question. "It that answer for my benefit or yours Mom?"