I pull into the school parking lot right at 8. I quickly unbuckle Nina and walk her to the door.
“Sorry she’s late” I say to the camp staff as I walk in the gym lobby.
“No problem Ms. Green! We’re just getting started. I’ll take her to her group.” May Leewin, one of my son’s new friends, steps toward me.
“Thank you May!” I turn back to Nina “You brother is going to bring you to the store after camp today.” I say as I give her a hug. Then look back at May “Zack should have brought her lunch with him this morning.”
“Yes ma’am he did.” May replies.
“You all have a great day!” I say as I head to the door.
“Bye mommy” Nina says as she starts toward the gym with May.
In the parking lot, I see another parent rushing to get her son into camp late as well.
“Morning Jessica” I say to her as I climb in my SUV. I receive a small frantic wave in response.
On my drive back to my shop I go through a mental checklist of things we need to get done to decorate for the 4th of July celebration on Monday. Thankfully Sherry Lynn has already planned out the desserts we need to have made so I don’t need to worry about that portion of our commitment… unless Erik is sick tomorrow as well… I make a mental note to call her when I make it back to the shop. Just as I get my head wrapped around the tasks I need to complete for the day, I pull up to Mrs. Peg’s, the small Bed and Breakfast/Diner 2 doors down from my store. I walk in the front door of the dining room to see it unusually crowded.
“Morning Mrs. Peg, what’s going on?” I ask as I approach the counter.
“The new detective starts today. He has just been the talk of the town. Well of course he’s staying here for the time being, so everyone has been in here asking what I know about him.” Mrs. Peg replies
“He likes blueberry muffins.” I say with a laugh.
“You’ve met him?” Charlie, one of the elderly men who frequents town gossip sessions at Mrs. Peg’s, asks me, gaining the attention of pretty much the whole room.
“Oh um yeah, Roger told me he was starting today so I bought him a muffin basket.” I say slightly shocked with all the unexpected attention.
“What’s he like?” Pearl, another elderly town gossip, asks.“He’s nice, I dunno if he’s quiet or if Roger and Nina are just too extroverted for anyone to get a word in.” I say with a laugh “But, he seems like he’ll need to adjust to a small town, otherwise I can’t say I know very much about the guy.
“I’d say so.” Pearl says. “Peg tells us he’s from Nashville, that’s a big difference from Boulder Springs.”
“That’s true.” I say then turn back to Mrs. Peg. “Can I place an order for pick up?”
“Sure can!” Mrs. Peg says “Whatcha want?”
“Tomato, mozzarella, and spinach panini with balsamic for me, club sandwich on white toast for mom, chicken salad on toasted wheat with extra mayo for Kiera, and…. Actually I don’t know if Sherry Lynn is at work today, mind if I call real quick to check?”
“No problem, hun! No one in here is in a rush!” She says with a smile.
“Thanks Peg!” I say as I move toward the door to make a call outside.
The phone rings twice, then I hear the voice of Kiera “Thank you for calling Posies and Pastries Florist and Bakery, how can I help you today?”
“Hey, K it’s Dot, did Sherry Lynn say if she was going to come in today?” I ask.
“She actually just got here.” Kiera says “Wanna talk to her?”
“No, that’s okay! Just wanted to know if I should order her lunch.” I say “I’m at Peg’s now, should be there soon. I imagine y’all aren’t very busy this morning.”
“No we aren’t, how did you know?” Kiera asks
“Everyone is down here at Peg’s gossiping about the new detective, I saw several of our regular coffee folks.” I tell her. “I’m gonna order then I’ll be right there.”
“See you soon.” Kiera says then hangs up.
“Talking about me.” I hear a voice behind me say.
I jump a little and turn around. Walking up I see Roger and JR.
“Oh just wait till you go in there.” I say with a smile. “What are you guys doing here anyway? Didn’t you say you had places to be?”
“Yes, we are walking around town. I thought JR would like to see the town in daylight, before he goes on patrol tonight.” Roger answers.
“Patrol? That’s not usually a detective thing though is it?” I ask.
“No, but it’s a great way to learn the town.” Roger answers.
“So what was this about ‘the new detective’ you said on the phone?” JR asks me with a smirk.
“Well I was telling someone at my store that none of our morning regulars are there, because they are all in here gossiping about you.” I laugh. “You guys going in there?”
“Sure are” Roger says “Then we’re going to come down to your shop, he’s getting the full Boulder Springs tour.”
“Well I’m going to finish ordering my lunch, then I’ll see y’all in an hour or two cause I figure it will take about that long to get through this impromptu meet and greet.” I say reaching for the door.
“Let me get that.” JR says grabbing the handle before I reach it.
“Thanks.” I say as I head through the diner door.
Once inside the whole room falls silent noticing who follows me in. I quickly make my way to the counter to finish my order before the commotion can start.
“Add a chicken bacon ranch wrap to my order, Mrs. Peg.” I say “I’ll probably send Roy down to pick stuff up, have him order whatever he wants and add it to my tab.”
“Okay! When do you want it?” She asks.
“Around noon is good.” I reply
She nods and I head for the door. As I walk out I wave to Roger and JR who have a full crowd around them eager to learn about the new guy.
YOU ARE READING
Sunset in a small town
ChickLitSingle mother and business owner, Dot grew up in the small town of Boulder Springs. She moved away for college, but returned to raise her children with her family's support. JR is a detective who is trying to get away from the politics of police dep...