Chapter 34
“It’s a food festival and we get to support Chris. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday,” Pearl said. “Besides, you’re never too old for anything.”
“Except maybe sucking your thumb,” I offered, checking my rearview mirror and seeing Chris Evans right behind me driving his brand-new mobile bakery truck. Gilbert was bringing up the rear in his Corvette with Patsy as his copilot.
“Or coloring on your walls,” Bruno piped in and made me laugh.
“I still do that one.” I smiled, catching his eye in the mirror.
“Just don’t tell my little boy. We caught him last week scribbling on the bathroom wall with a red Sharpie. Looked like a crime scene.” Bruno tsked. “Toddlers are a handful.”
My smile wobbled then slipped away. I wished I knew what he was talking about. Sure, I had a toddler, but I had no idea if she was a handful or not. With only three weeks until Cy had to be in Tennessee, I hoped I would be finding out real soon.
Axil pointed to the left. “There’s a car coming up hot behind you.”
I checked the fast lane and noticed a sporty car zooming up beside me. Not sure why I needed him pointing that out, considering we were in the right lane, but Mr. Copilot was taking his job seriously and who was I to question him.
“Did I hear someone say this place used to be a ghost town?” I asked.
“It made national news about six years ago when a construction company came in and brought the entire town back to life,” Jackée said.
“It’s the biggest revitalization project in the state’s history,” Bruno added. “I like that they named the town Somewhere. The woman overseeing the project said it’s so folks will always have somewhere to go.”
“I like that too.” I slowed down and took a right. “So, what’s the plan? Chris is going to set up his truck and we help him?”
“Jackée is going to help Chris, but we can be on hand if he needs anything,” Bruno said. “Mainly, we’re showing him our support, so plan on relaxing and enjoying the festival.”
“I told Chris I’d help too. I’m a great salesperson,” Pearl commented. She was a bossy little thing and there was no telling what would come out of her mouth.
“I think we can handle it, Pearl,” Jackée said. “He’s been giving me extra bread and treats for Omar and Najee. Those two are bottomless pits. Chris won’t take any money, so I’d really like to help to pay him back.”
“It won’t hurt to have extra help,” Pearl kept on. I had a feeling she’d end up in that food truck by the end of the day anyway. She tended to get her way with us, mainly just to hush her up about it.
Passing a water tower with a fancy logo and the town name, Somewhere, written on it, I joined the line of cars rolling into town. “Ain’t this place so quaint.”
“It looks like a new old town,” Mei said, her face glued to the window as we passed by the Grocery Depot, then a community center that looked like it had once been an old-time saloon.
“For some reason I thought it was going to look like one of those ghost towns in an old Western. You know, decrepit and spooky.”
“I saw an interview with Avalee Murray,” Pearl said. “She led the redevelopment project and their goal was to keep the integrity of the town while restoring it.”
“Well, I think they nailed it,” Jackée commented.
We all mumbled our agreement. It definitely had the charm of a small Southern town, much like Beaufort or Summerville.
I located a parking spot and we all exited the Caddy. “Where will Chris set up?”
“Main Street is closed for table vendors and the trucks will be parked over by the Farmer’s Market area.
” Bruno pointed out toward the right. “Behind the deli and library. I heard they have an award-winning barbeque truck that’s here permanently.
” The breeze picked up, as if on cue, carrying hints of woodsmoke and spices.
We made our way over there to make sure Chris didn’t need a hand with anything. The black truck with cedar accents and gold scripted lettering that spelled out Loafing Around was easy to spot among the pastel and brightly colored trucks.
“His is the nicest,” Pearl commented, sounding like a proud grandmother.
Pearl seemed a bit unsteady today, leaning heavily on her cane, so I grabbed her a foldout chair. After getting her set up in the shade with a bottle of water, I helped to load beautifully wrapped breads and pastries on a portable rack.
“Move the rack closer to the order window, will ya.” Pearl pointed her cane toward the right of the window. “That’ll make it easier for customers to buy more.”
“Good thinking,” Chris said cheerfully.
“Looks like you have it under control. Just shoot us a text if you need anything,” Patsy said. She turned and began strolling away in her peachy-pink caftan, bracelets jingling, and we followed like obedient ducklings. “Let’s start over by the old saloon and work our way up Main Street.”
The first vendor, a woman with a kind smile, handed each of us a canvas bag. Her name tag said Nita. “Hey y’all. Welcome to Somewhere Food Festival. There’s an itinerary in your bag for the day and some goodies.”
We took our bags, thanking her, and started toward the next vendor. Not long into our exploration, everyone began going their own way until just Mei and I were walking together.
We’d only made it halfway up Main Street when I felt my bag being tugged out of my hand. “Hey!” I turned in time to see a dog make off with it. “That dog swiped my bag,” I complained to Mei, who found it funny.
A minute later, a young boy with wild blond hair came over with that dog trailing behind him. “Here’s your bag back.” He thrust the bag toward me. “Preacher only stole the pecan brittle.”
My eyes narrowed. “Preacher?”
“That’s his name.”
“Oh. Well, you got yourself a thieving dog.”
The dog happily snacked on his stolen treat, no cares to give about getting caught for his crimes.
“He’s the mayor.”
“Preacher is the mayor?” Mei questioned, reaching down to pat the brown-and-black-spotted dog.
“Not officially, but yeah.” He shrugged, like it made perfect sense. “I’m Koda. We’re both the grand marshals of the festival.” He tapped the large button fastened on his shirt.
“Well, I’m honored to meet you both.” I surveyed the busy street. “Maybe you could direct us where to find ice cream.”
Koda spun around and pointed at an old, galvanized grain bin that had been remodeled into a small shop. “Sweet Silo is where the ice cream’s at. My favorite is the red velvet ice cream. You gotta try it.”
I angled away from Preacher, catching him going for my bag again. “Oh yeah? I love red velvet. Thanks for the recommendation.”
“No problem. Have a good one.” Koda patted his leg and the thieving mayor named Preacher followed him until they disappeared into the crowd.
“That was . . . entertaining.” Mei giggled.
I shook my head and laughed too.
We stepped up to the order window at the ice cream shop. “I’ll take a scoop of red velvet, please.”
“And I’ll take a scoop of peach,” Mei added.
Someone sighed heavily behind us. “Y’all done and messed up.”
We whirled around and had to crane our necks back to see the guy’s face. Tall, blond, and close to our age.
“We messed up?” Mei said, playing with the necklace around her neck. “Please do enlighten us.” The flirt in her tone wasn’t lost on me.
His blue eyes twinkled as his lips lifted in a friendly smile. “Somewhere is known for its pecans.” He directed our attention toward the pecan grove on the other side of the road. “The butter pecan ice cream is the best. It has a ribbon of caramel too. Are either of you allergic to nuts?”
We shook our heads.
He sidestepped us. “Dana, can I get two samples of butter pecan for these two ladies?”
“Sure thing, Bash.” The girl dug two generous spoonfuls out and handed them to us.
A bit salty and nutty and a whole lot delicious, he wasn’t kidding about it being the best. “Wow, this is the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted. Is it too late to change my order?”
“No problem,” the young girl said, happily accommodating. She handed us ice cream cones piled high with butter pecan.
“I’m Bash, by the way,” the handsome host told us as he accepted his ice cream cone.
We introduced ourselves, then I shared the funny run-in with the grand marshals.
“Koda is my little brother.” Now that Bash mentioned it, I could see the resemblance.
Bash also shared that he helped renovate this town. I found it quite interesting but even more interesting was that Mei and Bash seemed to have really hit it off. Not wanting to be the third wheel, I slipped away.
Enjoying another lick of ice cream, I turned to walk over to the picnic tables and nearly plowed into someone. Protecting my ice cream, I looked up into a familiar face and glared.
“Now you’re spying on me all the way out here for my brother?”
Henry held his hands up, blocking that notion and my escape. “No. It’s not like that. Your life coach told me about the festival. It sounded fun.”
I didn’t know whether to believe Henry or not. Searching the crowd for Gilbert, I mumbled, “He’s so fired.”
“I just wanted to say hey. And to see how you’re doing.”
“I’m fine.” I thought about walking away full of attitude, but I couldn’t muster any. Truthfully, I was still hurt by what he did but I also missed him. What a conundrum . . . “I’m surprised you were able to leave your computer long enough for a food festival.”
Henry bumped his glasses up his nose and gazed around. “I really like to eat. Gilbert said your friend the baker has a truck here today. I’ve been dreaming about that bread you shared with me. I thought I’d buy some.”
“You know he’s got a shop Downtown where you can purchase bread anytime, right?”
“I do now, but I also needed a break.”
“Well, have fun with that.” I shouldered past him.
“Wait. Before you run away from me, I need to tell you something.”
I turned to face him. “So tell me.”
“I . . .” He checked over his shoulder, as if searching for someone.
“Spit it out already.”
“I told Cy and Lana about the festival and . . .”
My heart dropped. “They’re here?”