CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE - MELODY
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
MELODY
When Melody opened the back door to the thrift store three days later, she paused and gaped at the large pile of donations. She wasn’t sure if it was from one person or if the entire town had decided to do their spring cleaning all at once and drop their possessions behind Jo’s store. Her store.
Melody didn’t move for a moment. Did Jo get this many donations all the time? No wonder the store was so popular here among the locals. All the reason to keep it running as a thrift shop. She’d spoken to Abigail Winslow about her terms earlier today. There must be someone on the isle who would want to run this place.
Bending, Melody picked up several boxes and carried them inside. She repeated the process until everything was toppled over in her back room, ready for her to go through, clean, and tag.
A silky piece of lavender fabric stuck out from the middle of the pile. There were simple clear-colored rhinestones attached to the hem that made Melody’s heart quicken. She’d been keeping her eye out for the perfect dress for Liz, just knowing that it would magically show up. Maybe it was silly of her to think that Jo was arranging for used items to be dropped off to Hidden Treasures that were just Liz’s size and in like-new condition.
Melody didn’t breathe as she reached toward the silk piece.
“Need help?” someone asked from behind her.
Melody nearly jumped out of her skin, whirling to face Christopher. “How did you get in here?”
“You left the front door open. I just walked in. I thought you heard me enter.”
Melody shook her head as she drew a hand to her chest. “No.”
“Sorry to startle you. I was just stopping in on my way to the post office. I’m shipping some things out for my mom.” He grimaced. “She’s gotten into online shopping. I’m returning a few hundred-dollars’ worth of stuff she doesn’t need. Like a lava lamp. She has no idea what a lava lamp even is.”
Melody smiled. “Well, if she really wants one, I have one here that she can have.”
Christopher chuckled. “Probably a lot cheaper too. Do you need help with this stuff?”
Melody sighed. “No. I just pulled it in from out back. I’ll go through this stuff little by little. The sign out back—or the one that was out back—doesn’t seem to deter folks from donating.” She gestured to a box of flashlights that had been dropped off. “Got any use for these?”
He leaned against the counter that ran along the wall. “We could use them at prom. Instead of looking for dark spots to make out with our dates, we’ll be the ones shining flashlights on those dark spots and telling the kids to break it up.”
Melody gave him a small laugh.
“You think I’m kidding? These kids are way more advanced than we were at their age. They know things that I’m still not quite sure I know about even now.”
This made Melody laugh. It also made her wonder more about Christopher’s love life. “Liz said you’re a hot commodity around the isle.”
“A hot commodity?” he repeated, lifting his brows.
“Handsome, single guy. With a job. Those are all very important to thirty-somethings.”
“Well, you’re a beautiful, single woman. With a job. Two jobs actually. At least at the moment. Are you a hot commodity in Charlotte?”
Melody shrugged. “I don’t have a whole lot of time for dating. At least I haven’t in a while. I can’t say I miss it. It’s not all that fun in my opinion.”
“Then you’re not doing it right. Or the shmucks who’ve been taking you out haven’t been doing it right.” His gaze hung on hers for a moment. If she were staying any length of time, she might wish Christopher would show her how dating was done right.
Melody looked down at the pile of clothes in front of her. “I was actually about to look at one of these donated items that caught my eye.” She pulled the clothing that sat on top of the silky lavender fabric and set it in a second pile. Then she lifted a long gown with simple rhinestone accents that decorated the chest. “It’s breathtaking,” she finally said.
“Yes, it is. It would look amazing on you.”
Melody lifted her gaze, flattered by the compliment. “It’s not for me. It’s for Liz.” She checked the size on the tag. “It’s a perfect fit for her.” Thank you very much, Jo.
“I still can’t believe you got her to come with us,” Christopher said.
“It wasn’t me. It was your friend Matt. I can’t believe it either. It’ll be good for us though. A full-circle moment.”
“Those are the best.” He dipped and pulled a He-Man figurine from the pile, seeming to inspect it thoughtfully as he continued talking. “You going with me to chaperone prom feels like one of those moments. I had such a thing for you back in the day. I wanted to ask you out, but I didn’t want to be rejected. ”
Melody’s cheeks flushed hot. “I had no idea.”
“That’s why I couldn’t say yes to Alyssa. I didn’t want to hurt her, but I only had eyes for you.”
Melody wasn’t sure how to respond, bewildered that she had totally missed his affection during their teenage years. She had never given Christopher any thought back then because she’d known how much Alyssa liked him. You don’t go after your sister’s crush. It ultimately never would have worked between Alyssa and Christopher though. Alyssa was destined for Hollywood and Christopher was committed to Trove Isle.
“I’ve made things weird, haven’t I?”
“Only a little,” she teased. “I honestly didn’t know. You hid it well.”
“Yeah? Am I hiding it now too?”
She shook her head as she laughed quietly. “Not so much.” Her heart fluttered around in her chest. Needing to redirect the conversation, she gestured toward the figurine in Christopher’s hand. “I think the castle got donated too. I carried it inside.”
“Are you trying to sell me Castle Grayskull? Jo would be proud of you for that.” He set the He-Man doll back in the pile. “Some kid will happily take it off your hands. As for me, I need to get to the post office before it closes. And hope my mom doesn’t decide to order more stuff she doesn’t need while I’m away.” He shook his head. “I don’t think she’ll be able to live alone much longer. She likes her independence, but I’m thinking I’ll be moving in with her soon. I’ll keep my own place, of course.” There was something delicate in his eyes. A pain he couldn’t hide.
“So we’ll be neighbors again,” Melody said.
“At least until the end of the summer.” He looked at her for a moment. “You’re staying until then, right?”
“That’s the plan, at least. I think it’ll probably take a while to sell this place.” That wasn’t the only reason she wanted more time in Trove Isle. She was working on rebuilding relationships. And perhaps creating a new one with Christopher. Was that foolish? Ultimately, she wasn’t planning to move back. Anything she started with Christopher was destined for heartbreak. Right?
The bell above the front entrance jingled as someone else stepped inside the store.
Christopher glanced in that direction. “Looks like you’ve got a customer. See you later, Mel.”
“Bye.” She watched him walk out the door. Then she carried the lavender dress toward the front counter and carefully folded it, placing it next to her purse. She couldn’t wait to take it to Liz and see what she thought. Melody took a seat on the stool behind her counter and watched the woman who’d stepped into the store. The woman was probably in her mid-to-late fifties. She was tall and blond, towering over the racks of clothes as she aimlessly weaved through. “Do you need help finding something?” Melody finally asked.
The woman beelined in Mel’s direction. “I heard this store is for sale.”
Melody sat up straighter. “Oh. Yes, it is. It was my great-aunt’s thrift store. I’m looking for a buyer to keep the store operating as is. Are you interested?”
The woman really didn’t look like she belonged among the used items. She was well-dressed in clothing that was likely all brand-new. “This storefront would be perfect for my boutique,” she said.
Melody shook her head. Maybe the woman hadn’t heard her correctly. “I’m seeking a buyer who agrees to run this building as Hidden Treasures Thrift Store.”
The woman’s lips pinched tightly. “Is that even legal? Once someone purchases a storefront, they’re free to do with it as they please. It’s their property.”
“I guess legally that’s true.” Melody shifted uncomfortably on her stool. This woman obviously wasn’t a good prospect for taking over Jo’s store. She didn’t even look like she belonged here standing in front of the glass case. “I guess the agreement would be in good faith.”
The woman set her purse on the counter. “I will pay over your asking price. It’s not about money for me. This piece of real estate is gold. I can make you an offer you can’t refuse.”
The arrogance of this woman!Melody had no intention of selling Jo’s beloved store to the likes of this lady. Taking a calming breath, Melody smiled back at the potential buyer. “I’m sorry, but if you don’t intend to run this store as is, I’m afraid I am refusing.”
The woman leaned closer. “Thirty thousand over asking.”
Melody felt like the breath had been knocked out of her. Surely she had heard that wrong. “What? You don’t even know what my asking price is.”
“Of course I do. The store is for sale. It’s public knowledge and I do my homework. So?”
The offer was a lot of money. Melody wouldn’t have to worry about covering her expenses for a long time. That kind of money was a down-payment on a house.
“You heard me.” As if it was already a done deal, the woman extended her hand to shake.
Melody stared at the woman’s hand. “I . . . I’m not sure what to say.” She swallowed past a suddenly tight throat. She needed a glass of water. She needed time to process. “Can I . . . can I think about it?”
On a huff, the woman withdrew her hand. “Fine. You have until the end of the week. Then my offer drops to ten K over asking price. No one else is going to give you that. Note to the wise, take the offer and run, honey.”
Run.All the thoughts racing through Melody’s brain skidded to a sudden stop. She was done running though. Wasn’t she?
* * *
At four o’clock, Melody turned the sign in the front window to CLOSED and stepped out of the store, carrying a bag and the lavender dress for Liz. She glanced down Seagull Street toward the pink polka dot awning, hoping Liz was still working The Bitery. She couldn’t wait to give her the dress. She also needed to tell her about the offer on the store. It really was an offer she’d be hard-pressed to turn down.
“Melody!” Liz was grinning ear to ear as soon as Melody pushed through the front entrance of The Bitery. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Melody approached the counter, wondering at her friend’s good mood. “What’s going on?”
“I sold two photographs.” She gestured toward the wall where her work was displayed and for sale. “And one of the buyers asked if I could be a photographer for their upcoming anniversary party. And I said yes!” Liz was practically jumping up and down behind the counter. “I can drive now, so there’s nothing holding me back. Except the fact that I’m using my parents’ car and when they return, I won’t have consistent access.”
“You definitely need a car of your own,” Melody agreed. “But we can totally figure that out. You’re doing amazing, Liz. I’m so happy for you.”
“I couldn’t have done this without you,” Liz gushed. “If there wasn’t a counter between us, I’d hug you so hard. I’m just so . . .”
“Happy?” Melody supplied.
“Yes. That’s the perfect word for how I’m feeling.” Liz laughed giddily. “This is going to go down as one of the best days ever for me. Nothing can ruin it.”
Melody’s stomach tied itself into knots. Her news about the potential sale of the store might ruin it. Maybe she should save that tidbit for another day. “Well, here’s some more good news for you.” She lay the bag on the counter.
“What’s that?” Liz asked, her gaze flicking between the bag and Melody.
“A present. Kind of. Look and see.”
Liz pulled the bag toward her and peeked inside, her breath audibly catching. She reached inside the plastic covering and pulled the dress out, holding it up against her body. “It’s . . . wow. This was donated?”
“Mm-hmm. It’s perfect, right?” Melody asked, unable to contain her own enthusiasm.
Liz looked up with tears glimmering in her eyes. “It couldn’t be more perfect. Thank you.”
Melody shrugged. “I didn’t really do anything except pull it from a donation pile.”
“Who would get rid of this beautiful dress?” Liz wondered out loud, smoothing her hand over the fabric.
“I don’t know, and it doesn’t matter. It’s yours now.”
Liz folded the dress back up and placed it inside the bag again. Then she placed the bag below the counter. “Best day ever,” she beamed.
Yeah, the information about the store could wait. Melody wanted to think that Liz would be happy for her, but something told her it was more complicated than that.
To: Bri Johnson
From: Liz Dawson
Subject: Tonight’s the night
Bri,
I have my dress on and it’s a perfect fit. I feel like Cinderella, which probably sounds stupid, but I do. I’m all dressed up—I barely recognize myself—and just like Cinderella, I feel like there’s this ticking time bomb over my head, ready to implode this whole happily ever after. I know that’s my anxiety talking, and that’s probably not the case. I know that in my head, at least. I’m not sure my heart will ever fully realize that though. I think a heart is like an elephant. It remembers and doesn’t forget. Anyway, I’m wearing a beautiful dress, my hair is curled, and I have the charm bracelet dangling on my wrist. This is a momentous occasion for me. I’m going to try to enjoy it—one breath at a time.
xx,
Liz