Tail of Two Hearts. Charlotte Carter
plump divorced mother of twins, Sherie had the kind of smile that made everyone her friend.
“I am. I’m still thrilled that she and Tate found each other.”
“I think we all are.” Vivian handed her a flyer, explaining what they were up to at Happy Endings and asking her to post it in the window.
Sherie agreed, putting it up as they spoke. Vivian thanked her and then went next door to Sweet Dreams Bakery.
The moment she opened the door, Vivian was met with the smell of bread baking, along with the scent of cinnamon, apples and chocolate. The aromas washed over her, and her mouth watered.
Melissa Sweeney, the owner, stood behind the counter.
“Do you know, every time I step inside here, I gain two pounds just from the sweet smell of the place?” Vivian said with a laugh. “I can feel my thighs growing by the inch.”
Melissa returned her laughter in a full-throated voice. “I’d probably be a lot thinner if I’d opened a toy store instead of a bakery. I do way too much taste testing.”
“Hmm, but think what we’d all miss out on right here in Bygones if you hadn’t.” Vivian handed Melissa a flyer, asking her if she would post it in the window. They chatted for a few minutes. Then, proud of herself for not buying one of Melissa’s delicious peanut butter with chocolate drops cookies, Vivian retraced her steps, heading first to The Fixer-Upper, the new hardware store in town. After a quick visit with the very charming and recently engaged Patrick Fogerty, she was on her way again.
She’d saved Fluff & Stuff for last.
Boyo, tail wagging, met her at the door of the pet shop.
“Hi, fella. Are you keeping guard over the cash register today?” She knelt to pet him. His light brownish coat felt so silky to her; she loved to run her fingers through it.
“What’s up? What’s up?” the parrot announced.
“I guess guarding the cash register is Pepper’s job, huh? You’re just looking for some loving.” As she stood, Chase arrived up front, giving her a sudden case of shyness. “Hi there.”
“Hi back at ya.” He grinned as his gaze swept over her simple blouse and skirt with approval. “Hope you haven’t come by to cancel our trip to the animal shelter.”
“Uh, no.” A sharp stab of disappointment at the thought of canceling caught her off guard before she realized he was teasing. “I came by with the flyers for Doggie Daze, hoping you’d post one in your window.”
“Sure will.” His smile broadened like he was keeping some wonderful secret. “And I’d like some for my counter, if you have enough. I can probably talk my puppy fan club into taking some home to their parents.”
“Good idea!” She gave him a handful. “If you run out, let me know. I can always print more.”
Their hands brushed as he took the flyers. They stood gazing at each other for a moment. Boyo rubbing up against Chase’s leg. Pepper squawking. Vivian’s heart doing its pitter-patter thing in a rapid beat.
“I’ve got to deliver some of these to the school,” she finally said, her mouth unusually dry.
“Okay, then, Viv. I’ll see you in the morning.”
She nodded and fled out the door, feeling like a teenager who had just been invited to the prom by the cutest boy in school.
Vivian’s next delivery took her a few short blocks to the combined grammar and high school. She found Coraline Connolly, the school principal, in her office. Vivian stuck her head in the door.
“Are you busy, Mrs. Connolly?”
The older woman looked up from the stack of papers on her desk. “Not too busy to see you, Vivian. What brings you to my part of the world? Not trouble at the bookshop, I hope.”
“No, not at all.” In addition to being a frequent patron of the library when Vivian had worked there, Mrs. Connolly was also the heart and soul of the Save Our Streets committee, which was overseeing the revitalization of Bygones’s Main Street and the new shops that had recently opened. “Allison and I have come up with an event for this Saturday. Chase of Fluff & Stuff is helping out with the idea so it can be a promotion for both of the businesses.”
Taking the flyer from Vivian, Mrs. Connolly read it over. “What a good idea,” she said, looking up. “I’m sure the town’s benefactor would be pleased to know there is so much cooperation between our new entrepreneurs.”
“Has anyone figured out yet who he, or she, is?
Mrs. Connolly lifted one shoulder in a halfhearted shrug. “Not that I’m aware of.”
“Everyone is certainly curious.”
“I’m sure that’s true. I know I am. In any event, it’s excellent that you and Allison and Chase are all working together. Chase seems to be such a nice man, and he does love his animals.”
“Yes, he does.” A silly flush warmed her cheeks, a problem she’d had since childhood, which she blamed on her redheaded complexion. “We’re both hoping Doggie Daze not only encourages people to buy books about dogs but also helps out the Happy Havens Animal Shelter. Evidently, the shelter is strapped for both room and money with so many animals being turned over to them by families who are leaving town.”
“Oh, dear, it seems like the factory closing has caused so many problems for our little town. Not the least of which is the possible closing of our school, which would force our children to be bussed to another town. Some of our teachers have already signed contracts with other districts for next semester. It’s so hard to see our town suffering so.” She held up the flyer and smiled, although the smile seemed a little forced. “I’ll post several of these on bulletin boards around the school and hope for a good showing at Doggie Daze.”
“Thanks so much.” Vivian started to back out the door.
“Do give Chase my regards. It’s nice to know two animal lovers will be working together for our shelter.” The principal’s eyes gleamed with a hint of matchmaking on her mind.
“Yes, ma’am.” Flustered by the way the school principal had so easily linked her and Chase together, Vivian hurried down the hallway.
She quickly chided herself. Mrs. Connolly was only referring to their mutual concern about the shelter. She wasn’t suggesting there was anything romantic going on between Vivian and Chase.
Because there wasn’t.
As she walked back to Happy Endings, she passed Fluff & Stuff. Unable to help herself, she glanced inside.
Chase, who was standing by the cash register, spotted her and waved, then mouthed the words, See you tomorrow.
Feeling a tremble of excitement in her tummy, she waved back and gave him a thumbs-up.
What if it was possible? She and Chase? A couple?
Based on her recent experiences with men, she believed that seemed unlikely.
But what if it could be? she thought, futilely trying to still the excitement of her romantic heart.
Chapter Three
The following morning, Vivian tried on a few different outfits before settling on a shirt, with three-quarter-length sleeves, patterned in colorful fall leaves and her rust-colored skirt. She paired that with comfortable shoes for walking around the shelter, then tossed a light jacket over her arm and headed out the door.
“You be good, Essie,” she called to her cat. “And leave Roger alone.”
Trying to temper her eagerness as she drove into town, she still couldn’t help but look forward to spending time with Chase. And, of course, visiting the shelter.
She parked on the street. By