Chapter 33
“ T his was the most interesting presentation,” the woman said. “I’m going straight to my attic when I get home and pulling out my great-grandmother’s old machine. I can’t wait to find out more about it!”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Anita replied, shaking the hand of the last person waiting in line to speak with her.
“I’ll watch the newspaper for your opening date,” the woman added. “I plan to be the first person in line.” She gave their clasped hands a warm squeeze before disappearing into the library.
Anita turned to Gordon. “Wow,” she said. “I didn’t expect people to line up to chat with me after my little talk.”
“Your speech was absolutely riveting,” Gordon said. “Well organized, interesting, and beautifully delivered. You, my dear,” looking her straight in the eyes, “are a natural.”
She flushed with pleasure. “I don’t know about that.”
Sunday approached them from the side. “What a complete success! People are going to leave here and tell everyone they know about this exhibit. We’ll be busier than we ever imagined. Talk about the perfect way to launch our new exhibition space in the library!”
“I’m glad you’re pleased,” Anita said. “Old sewing machines—who knew? I’ve been pushing to finish the renovations to Candy Alley so I could get out of your hair. I thought you’d want to install a more interesting exhibit.”
“Based on today,” Sunday said, “the library will be happy to offer you an extension.”
Anita placed her hand on her forehead. “I never would’ve imagined such a successful outcome twenty-four hours ago.”
“I did,” Gordon said simply.
“I’m glad Laura saved that extra dozen cookies for you,” Sunday said. “There’s not a single one left on the table.”
“Can we help put away the chairs and fold the table?” Gordon offered.
“Absolutely not,” Sunday said firmly. “Our student staff will do that. Follow me to get your coats and your box of cookies.” She led them toward the break room. “What are the two of you doing to celebrate your success?”
“We’ve got dinner reservations at seven at The Mill,” Gordon said.
“Very nice,” Sunday replied and went to fetch their coats.
“It’s only three o’clock,” Anita said to Gordon. “I’d like to drop these cookies at the bridal shop. My crew will be eager to hear how everything went.”
Sunday handed them their coats.
Anita drew her in for a hug. “Thank you so much, Sunday. I’ll never forget this day.”
Sunday gave her a squeeze in return. “Have a lovely Valentine’s dinner,” she said.
“One more thing,” Anita said. “Have you heard anything more about your wedding dress?”
“Yes!” Sunday snapped her fingers. “I meant to tell you and forgot. I got an email yesterday that it’ll be delivered tomorrow. It got delayed in Chicago, but it finally started moving again. Will that be soon enough for alterations?”
“Of course,” Anita said. “I’ll be in the shop the entire day. Bring it over to try on, if you’d like.”
“I’m having it delivered here to the library,” Sunday replied. “I didn’t want it sitting by my front door. If it arrives before you close, I’ll call to see if you have time.”
“I’llmaketime for you,” Anita said. “And tell that young man of yours the flowers he sent you are beautiful.”
They hugged again, and Anita and Gordon were on their way.
Anita locked the door of Archer’s Bridal and turned the sign from‘Open’to‘Closed.’
“I loved seeing how excited your seamstresses were for you,” Gordon said. “Your crew feels more like a group of sisters or cousins than employees.”
“We’ve been together so long that we feel like family,” Anita agreed.
She looked at her watch, then tilted her eyes up to meet his.
“Do you mind if we pop over to the museum? They completed refinishing the floors yesterday, but I was so busy practicing my talk that I didn’t get over there.
I know we can’t walk around in there yet, but I’d love to open the door and peek inside. ”
“Sure,” Gordon said. “I’d like to see them too. We’ve got plenty of time before our dinner reservation—and, frankly, neither of us needs to change clothes. Unless you want to, of course,” he added quickly.
She patted his arm. “I was thinking the same thing.”
“It’s still wickedly cold,” he said. “Let’s drive over.”
They got into his car and drove to the other side of the square. The new lock opened without effort, and a wall of warm air enveloped them. Dusk was falling. Even in the scant light from the open door and the window, the rich warmth of the original wooden floors glowed.
Anita gasped. “They look even more beautiful than I imagined. We’ll have to come back tomorrow to see them in full daylight.”
Gordon pulled his keychain from his pocket and switched on the small flashlight attached to it.
“How resourceful you are,” Anita said, smiling.
Gordon grinned. “Any appraiser worth his or her salt carries a flashlight.” He trained the beam slowly across the gleaming floor. “They did a beautiful job.” As he swept the light toward the back wall, an irregular, oblong shape reflected in the beam.
“What’s that?” Anita asked, her voice rising in alarm.
Gordon circled the dark patch with the light. He glanced at her, then slipped off his shoes.
“That’s water, isn’t it?” Her panic flared.
Gordon walked carefully across the floor to the spot. He bent to touch it, already knowing what he would find. He turned back to her and nodded.
Anita kicked off her shoes on the sidewalk and hurried to join him.
Gordon traced the wall with the flashlight beam to a spot on the ceiling that was saturated with water.
Anita and Gordon looked at each other.
“A broken pipe,” she said, gripping his arm. “A pipe in the new upstairs bathroom must’ve frozen in this cold snap and then thawed when they cranked up the temperature to cure the floors.”
“I’m afraid so,” Gordon said.
Anita groaned. “We just completed so many things.” She gestured around her. “Now we’ll have to rip out walls and pipes, rebuild the bathroom, redo the ceiling, and refinish the floor.” Her words came fast as she pointed out the affected areas.
“Call Sam and Jeff,” Gordon said. “I’ll go around the back to shut off the water.”
“Do you even know where it is?” she asked.
He was already outside, slipping on his shoes. “I’ll find it. Don’t worry.”
Sam and Jeff arrived fifteen minutes later.
“Tell Joan and Judy I’m sorry to ruin your Valentine’s Day plans,” Anita said as they came inside.
Sam turned on his flashlight and headed to the second floor without comment. The stern expression on his face spoke volumes.
“This never should’ve happened,” Jeff muttered. “The flooring contractor was supposed to leave the water running at a trickle before they left.”
Sam trotted down the stairs to rejoin them. “This is my fault. I should’ve turned the water on myself. I didn’t want to walk on the floors before they’re fully cured.”
“Don’t blame yourself. The flooring contractor knew what to do. How bad is it?” Jeff asked.
“A pipe burst in the bathroom wall upstairs,” Sam said.
“But there isn’t much damage up there. I think most of the water ran down the wall.
There must’ve been a low spot on the first floor where you found the puddle.
Either the break just happened, or …” he pointed to the basement door, “you’ve got a basement full of water. I’m going to find out.”
Jeff clicked on his flashlight and followed Sam. Gordon and Anita hovered outside the doorway.
Sam hadn’t taken more than three steps down the stairs when he called up to them. “Yep. The basement is flooded. You could go swimming down here.”
He and Jeff returned, their expressions grim.
“I’ll have the basement pumped tomorrow,” Sam said.
“I know you planned to remove the wood planks on the basement walls in the future, but they’re waterlogged.
Mold will be a problem, so we’ll rip them out now.
We’ll repair the bathroom, and some of the drywall on the first-floor ceiling will need to come down.
The wet spot on the floor may need attention, too.
We’ll dry it now and be back at first light to get started. ”
“I guess it could’ve been worse,” Anita said, trying—but failing—to sound upbeat. “What do they say? Every dark cloud has a silver lining? I suppose us not having to redoeverythingis mine.”
“We’ll come see you tomorrow after we know more,” Sam said.
“Looks like you two had plans tonight,” Jeff said, taking in their dressy attire. “There’s nothing more you can do here. We’ll dry the floor and lock up.”
Anita and Gordon stepped out onto the sidewalk. She checked her watch.
“We’ve missed our reservation,” she said. “I’m sorry, Gordon.”
“Don’t be,” he replied. “This couldn’t be helped. If you’ve got eggs, cheese, and a few vegetables, I’ll make omelets.”
Anita rested her forehead against his shoulder. “Breakfast for supper?” she asked. “My absolute favorite.” She tilted her head back to look up at him. “You, Gordon Mortimer, are the most remarkable man I’ve ever met.”