Chapter 22
22
C apri pushed open the heavy wooden door of Bluebird Bookstore, flanked by pots of colorful flowers. The little bell above tinkled softly, announcing her arrival. She stepped inside, taking a moment to breathe in the familiar scent of aged paper and brewing coffee, a comforting blend that always made her think of lazy Saturday afternoons.
The bookstore was a cozy haven, with warm wood tones dominating the interior. Shelves lined every wall, packed tightly with books of all sizes and genres, both new and used. Plants hung from the ceiling in woven baskets, their green tendrils cascading down and adding to the cozy, lived-in feel of the place.
In one corner, a large bay window with small, square panes let in the afternoon sunlight. A plump gray cat, its fur mottled with white patches, lounged lazily on the window seat, watching the world outside with half-closed eyes. Capri smiled at the cat, knowing Miss Agatha Christie was a fixture of the store as much as the books themselves.
The floorboards beneath her feet creaked as Capri wandered deeper into the store, her eyes scanning the shelves for the spines of Louis L’Amour novels.
She spotted Jason Griffith behind the counter, his head bent over a ledger. Jason was tall and lean, with a mop of curly hair that he constantly brushed back from his forehead. He looked up as she approached, his expression shifting from focused concentration to a friendly smile.
“Hey, Capri,” he greeted her, closing the ledger and standing up. “What brings you in today?”
“I'm looking for some Western novels for Dick,” Capri replied, returning his smile. “My stepdad’s a big fan, and his birthday is coming up.”
Jason nodded, stepping out from behind the counter. “Sure thing, we’ve got a good selection. Follow me.”
As they walked, the floorboards continued their symphony of creaks and groans, a charming reminder of the building’s age and history. They reached a section filled with Western novels, their covers depicting rugged cowboys and wide-open landscapes.
“How is Dick these days?” Jason asked.
Capri lowered her head slightly. “He’s having a tough time. The cancer is progressing. Unfortunately, days when he’s in bad pain are increasing.”
Jason’s expression turned sympathetic. “I’m sorry to hear that. If there’s anything me or my mom can do, please reach out.”
“Oma brought a pot of chicken soup and some homemade bread by yesterday. No one beats your mom’s cooking,” she told him.
She couldn’t help but reflect on how Charlie Grace had once been entwined with Jason's life. Despite being so unmatched, Charlie Grace had dated Jason for years. That is until Nick Thatcher arrived on the scene, stealing her heart.
Though it had been some time since the breakup, she hoped Jason’s heart had mended and that he had found some semblance of peace.
“Here we are,” Jason said, gesturing to the shelf. “Let me know if you need any help finding specific titles.”
“Thanks,” Capri said, already reaching for a book with a weathered cover.
She plucked four books from the shelf and followed Jason to the check-out counter. “Have you done any birdwatching lately?”
Jason’s eyes lit up. “Oh, yes! Just yesterday, I went to the cemetery with Momma and spotted a gray-crowned rosy-finch. Sightings of the delicate pink-and-brown songbird are rare. I was thrilled and captured several shots.” As evidence, he pulled out his phone and showed her picture after picture. “See this one? It had a particularly beautiful song.” He closed his phone. “Despite their tiny size, these birds are fearless,” he told her.
Capri nodded with exaggerated enthusiasm. How in the world had her good friend dated this guy for so long and not gone batty listening to all his bird trivia? That, and the fact he still lived with his mother. There had been no contest when Nick showed up.
She smiled, too kind to let him know her private thoughts.
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the door opening, followed by the cheerful jingle of the bell. Capri turned and spotted a striking young woman stepping inside. Her short, stylish haircut—a stunning mix of reddish-brown with blonde highlights—caught the light. Her makeup was immaculate, emphasizing her large, expressive eyes and a confident smile. She wore tight jeans and a form-fitting top that showed off her assets.
As the attractive woman approached the counter, Capri noticed the sway in her step and the confidence in her posture.
“Hey, there,” the girl began, her drawl unmistakable. “Could y’all tell me how to get to the veterinary clinic?”
Capri’s curiosity piqued. “Oh, do you have a sick animal?” she asked, her voice laced with genuine sympathy.
The young woman shook her head, her smile unwavering. “No, I’m here to see Whit Calloway.”
Capri frowned slightly. “How do you know Whit?”
The girl’s smile revealed a row of perfect white teeth. “Let me introduce myself. My name is Candy Faye Hutchison. I’m Whit’s girlfriend.”
Capri’s heart skipped a beat. Whit’s girlfriend?
She quickly masked her surprise with a polite smile. “Of course,” she replied, her mind racing with questions. “The clinic is just a few blocks down the road. Turn left at the end of the street, and you’ll see it on your right. It’s a big building with a green sign.”
“Thank y’all so much,” Candy Faye said, her gratitude evident. “I appreciate it.”
Capri watched Candy Faye exit the store, her mind buzzing with the new revelation. Whit had a girlfriend? And she was in town? Oh, this could be bad.
She glanced at the clock, knowing that the news would travel fast. By dinnertime, everyone in Thunder Mountain would be talking about the unexpected arrival.
She quickly sent a text to Reva, Charlie Grace, and Lila. “ Urgent—meet me at the Rustic Pine. ASAP! Details to follow.”
As Capri paid for the books, her thoughts were a whirlwind of concern for her friend. It had taken a lot of prodding to get Lila out of her comfort zone and open to a new life chapter. Based on the look in her friend’s eyes every time Whit’s name was mentioned, it was apparent Lila had finally turned the page. He was fast becoming more than just her boss.
But now, the dynamics in her budding relationship were about to shift. She hoped Lila would be ready for what was coming. She hated to think of her friend being hurt again.