Chapter 1 #2
“Which would have been a lot less lonely than the cabin,” Flora said sternly, then sighed. “But I suppose under the circumstances…”
Flora and Gladys exchanged what would only be called a meaningful look, leaving her even more confused.
Why did she feel as if they knew something she didn’t?
She decided to finish her tea and excuse herself, but a few seconds later, the waitress returned with a stack of pancakes, three slices of perfectly cooked bacon, and a side of crispy hash browns.
“There you go, hon. I’ll bring you some milk as well. Good for the baby.”
“But I didn’t order—”
The waitress was already gone, and she gave the other two women a helpless look. Neither of them seemed surprised.
“Rona always knows what you want,” Gladys explained, giving her plate an approving look. “Aren’t you hungry?”
She realized Gladys was right—the food was exactly what she would have ordered. As the sweet smell of the pancakes drifted towards her, her stomach growled impatiently. She took a hesitant mouthful, then moaned blissfully.
“This is amazing.”
Both women smiled at her, then Flora tilted her head.
“Ah, just in time.”
The café door swung open and a huge minotaur ducked through the doorway.
Her fork froze halfway to her lips. He had to be seven feet tall, even without the sweeping horns, and he was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit that somehow made him look more imposing rather than less.
He moved with surprising grace for someone his size, his hooves clicking softly on the wooden floor.
The petite redhead who accompanied him murmured something to him, and his gaze landed on their table. Even from across the room she heard him sigh, but he made his way over to them and nodded politely.
“Flora. Gladys.”
“Houston!” Flora gave him a wide innocent smile. “Perfect timing. This is Chloe Bennington. She’s new in town.”
Houston gave Flora a wary look, but he smiled at her.
“I’m pleased to meet you, Chloe.” His voice was a low rumble. “This is my mate, Ginger. I hope you’re settling in well.”
“I am, thank you,” she said cautiously, and Ginger gave her a sympathetic smile.
“It can be an adjustment, but Fairhaven Falls is a wonderful place to live.”
“Don’t just stand there looming,” Flora ordered. “Sit. We were discussing Chloe’s future.”
She blinked. “We were? I didn’t think my future was up for discussion.”
“Everything’s up for discussion in Fairhaven Falls,” Gladys said mildly. “You’ll get used to it.”
Houston seated Ginger on the bench next to Chloe, then pulled up a chair which creaked ominously under his weight. “What are you scheming, Flora?”
“Scheming? Me?” Flora pressed a hand to her chest in mock offense. “I’m simply solving your problems for you. Chloe here needs a job.”
“What?” She blinked again. “I never said—”
Flora waved an impatient hand. “I know you don’t need income immediately…” How did she know that? “…but what do you intend to do with yourself for the next three months? Just sit in that cabin alone worrying about the future?”
The words hit a little too close to home. She set down her fork, appetite suddenly gone despite the perfect pancakes.
“I wasn’t—”
“Of course you were, dear.” Gladys’s tone was gentle but matter-of-fact. “It’s what we do when we’re alone with our thoughts.”
Flora turned to Houston. “You know the town archives are a disaster. Meredith tried to organize them before she retired, but she’s eighty-three and her knees gave out halfway through. You’ve been complaining about it for months.”
Houston gave the old woman a suspicious look. “I agree that the town archives could use help, but—”
“Chloe is a librarian,” Flora said triumphantly. “Aren’t you, dear?”
“I was a librarian,” she said slowly. “Although I worked in the public library, rather than the archives.”
“Close enough.” Flora leaned forward, black eyes sparkling. “You know how to organize things, don’t you? How to find connections between dusty old records?”
“Well, yes, but—”
Flora ignored the interruption, focusing on Houston. “You were just saying last week you needed someone with organizational skills and historical knowledge. Here she is. Problem solved.”
Houston looked at Chloe, then back at Flora. “I can’t just hire someone on the spot—”
“Why not? You’re the mayor.”
“That’s not how municipal hiring works—”
“The town council will approve it, won’t we, Gladys?” Flora crossed her arms and glared at the mayor. “I’m sure you don’t want to explain to the council why you’re letting our heritage turn to mold because you couldn’t be bothered to hire a qualified candidate.”
She listened to the exchange with growing mortification. “Really, it’s fine. I wasn’t looking for—”
Houston shook his head and gave her a rueful smile. “As much as I hate to admit it, Flora is right. We do need someone to tackle the archives.”
“I’m always right,” Flora said complacently, the fierce glare magically disappearing.
“The position comes with flexible hours,” he added. “You could work around your appointments. And there’s a small stipend associated with the position.”
Ginger touched her arm. “You don’t have to decide now, but please think about it. The archives are in the old town hall. It’s a beautiful building with lots of history.”
Perhaps even her great-grandmother’s history…
“I’ll think about it,” she heard herself say.
“Why don’t you come by the town hall this afternoon?” the mayor asked. “Say, one o’clock?”
“I can do that.”
“Excellent.” Houston stood, the chair groaning with relief. “Flora, this doesn’t mean I’m letting you railroad me into every one of your schemes.”
“Of course not, dear. Just the good ones.” The innocent smile was back, but Chloe suspected that the mayor trusted it even less than she did.
Ginger stood as well and gave Chloe’s hand a quick squeeze.
“It was really nice to meet you. I hope we can get to know each other.”
“I’d like that,” she said shyly.
The couple headed for a table by the window. Before they sat, Ginger stretched up on her toes to kiss Houston’s cheek, and the fierce minotaur’s face softened completely.
That, she thought with a pang, is what it’s supposed to look like.
“Right then.” Flora gave a satisfied nod. “That’s sorted. Now, when’s your appointment with Dr. Jackson?”
“How did you—” She stopped and sighed. “Never mind. Eleven o’clock.”
“Better eat fast then. You don’t want to be late.” Flora stood, smoothing down her tracksuit. “Gladys and I will be off. Things to do.”
“You mean meddling to do,” Gladys said, rolling her eyes.
“Potato, potahto.” Flora leaned down, her black eyes suddenly serious. “You did the right thing coming here. Fairhaven Falls takes care of its own. You’ll see.”
Her throat tightened. “Thank you.”
The old woman’s serious look vanished. “And just wait until you meet Victor.”
Before Chloe could ask what she meant, Gladys had tucked her arm in Flora’s and pulled her towards the door. She stared after them, unexpected tears filling her eyes. Everyone had been so kind—a little overwhelming, perhaps, but she had no doubts it was well meant.
Fairhaven Falls takes care of its own.
She picked up her fork and returned to her pancakes, warmth spreading through her chest. The baby kicked, as if in approval.
“You and me, little bean,” she whispered. “I think we’re going to be just fine.”