Chapter Eighteen
“Good morning,” Sheryl called out when she walked into Mia’s workroom the next day. “Isn’t it beautiful out there?”
Mia looked up from the necklace she was working on. “Wow. Someone woke up happy.”
“Could be because I got the first half of the email sequence re-done. You’ll need to go over it, of course, but I think it’s pretty darn good, if I do say so myself.” She glanced down and her eyes widened when she saw the neat stack of finished orders. “Oh, my. You’ve been busy.”
“Yep. I know how you hate it when I get behind. Anyway, I’ll get this jade necklace done in the next hour or so and the only other outstanding is the citrine earrings.” She paused and made a face. “Unless you’re about to tell me we had a rush of overnight orders.”
Sheryl shook her head then frowned. “Not a rush, no. But we do have a special request. I wasn’t even going to ask, but since you’re all squared away right now maybe you’d consider doing it.”
“Maybe. Who wants what and when?” she said, rolling her hand.
“A woman would like you to make a pair of matching bracelets for her and her friend. They’re both going through a hard time right now. Apparently, her friend loves your stuff and has been following you ever since you made Melinda Frost’s necklace a couple of years ago. Anyway, she thought if they each had a special piece of jewelry, it would help them. Ground them or some such thing.”
Mia shrugged. “Sure. Of course I’ll do it. Why were you so worried?”
“Because she wants it today and she was hoping to pick it up.”
“Um … that’s asking a lot. And you know I don’t let customers come to my house.”
“I know. I already told her that. She wondered if you could suggest an alternate place. She just really wants her friend to meet you and get the gift in person. She thinks it would give her a boost right now when she’s so low. She’s happy to pay whatever you say is necessary. Apparently, money’s no object.”
“Why do people always want to meet me?” Mia sat back in her chair and frowned. “The whole point of this business is me staying at home with my dogs and not having to interact with the customers.”
“I know. But a lot of folks seem to be pulled toward you. I get this request plenty. Most of the time I don’t tell you about it but for some reason, this one tugged at me. And you know I’m not exactly known to be touchy-feely.”
Mia burst out laughing when she looked over and saw the older woman kneel down and rub Tucker’s belly, a besotted expression on her weather-worn face.
“You can be a hard ass, but we both know you’re actually a big old softy. Especially when it comes to a certain miniature dachshund. And you take such good care of me and my business.” She paused and blew out a breath. “Well, since I’m so on top of things, I do have the time. And an extra big paycheck never hurt my feelings. Charge her double for the rush order and if she’s willing to come to Dalton, an extra hundred for the delivery. I have to take Mac into the vets to check that spider bite on his back anyway.”
“Will do, boss. Let me just print up the request so you can start working on it.”
***
It was early evening when Mia let Mac out of the Escape and led him over to the small section of grass in front of City Hall.
“See, I told you everything would be okay,” she said, smiling down when he began sniffing the base of a metal sculpture. “The vet visit is already in your rearview mirror, isn’t it, big guy?”
She checked her phone, noting she was a few minutes late for the jewelry meetup, but there was no sign of the women. Oh, well. The order had already been paid for, so if they were a no-show, it was no skin off her nose. Other than the time and nuisance.
Pulling up her messages, she made sure there was nothing from Sheryl saying they’d cancelled then settled in to wait. She decided to give them ten minutes’ leeway. Even the best-laid plans could get snarled by a traffic jam.
Maybe she and Roman should eat in town tonight. Gabe’s Diner had a patio area, and she was pretty sure he would let her bring Mac in. Or they could try the new Mexican place just off Main Street. That cuisine was usually good for having plant-based options on the menu. She tipped her head back and tried to remember if they had outdoor dining. If not, takeout would be just as good.
She typed out a message to Roman.
Do you have any plans tonight?
Depends. Are you asking me out?
Maybe. How about we try Holy Guacamole? I have Mac so either we eat outside or do takeout.
Whatever is fine. You decide. What time?
Soon. I’m doing a client drop off right now. If they show. Shouldn’t be more than ten minutes or so. Meet you there?
Can’t wait. Text me when you’re done. And since when do you do drop-offs?
I know. It was a weak momen t .
Mac came alert before she did. He moved to stand next to her then turned and faced the two women as they approached. One was medium height with dark hair cut into a blunt bob and thick bangs over blue eyes. The second was petite, curvaceous, and had long silky black hair.
Mia’s first thought was that the second woman looked like a mermaid.
Her next thought was, Holy shit, that’s Eliza Wentworth .