41. Hannah
CHAPTER 41
HANNAH
“ S o not only did I have my observation the Monday that we came back from Thanksgiving break, but right as Principal Hale was finishing my observation, one of my juniors asked if I thought Jay Gatsby’s parties would have gone viral on TikTok. Then when I said maybe, he added that Gatsby needed to get over Daisy because he could have had and I quote ‘mad bitches with all his money’,” Caroline says, using her fingers for air quotes while Margaret and I giggle. “I mean, I swear this kid has barely said anything all year and then decides to say that!”
“Hey, at least your observations are done though! I always dread them until they’re over. And let’s be honest, there’s an eighty percent chance Principal Hale didn’t even realize what was going on,” I admit with a laugh, taking another sip of my margarita.
“Yeah, you’re right. Honestly, I just feel like we’re crawling toward Christmas break. That freak snowstorm we had this weekend combined with the excitement about the state championship has completely ruined any momentum going into these next few weeks,” Caroline says, and we clink our glasses in agreement.
“Anyway, enough about school,” I declare, turning toward Margaret. “I want to hear all about your pop-up in Deer Valley. How’s it going?”
Margaret’s eyes light up in excitement before answering, “Oh my gosh, it’s been incredible. I’ve sold out of treats before ten every day this week. And I found two people from town to help me work the counter so now I have some flexibility in my schedule.”
“Margaret, that’s incredible!” Caroline says, and I nod in agreement.
“Yeah, I mean I’m not the least bit surprised, but that’s great news. I just know that when you get your storefront open you’re gonna have more business than you know what to do with,” I tell her, bumping her shoulder with mine as I refill my margarita.
“You’re the sweetest,” she says, smiling at me. “But I’ve got to say I underestimated just how much town gossip I’d overhear while I’m making coffee. Did you know there’s a woman living with the mayor?”
“What?” Caroline asks, looking shocked. “Brian’s never dated anybody.”
“No, they’re not dating. She got stranded when she totaled her car during the snowstorm, and Huey found her. Apparently, Helen had just quit to move back home, and the new girl’s helping with the Christmas events. They gave her a room at the inn, but there was some issue, and now she’s living with Brian.”
“Watch out, Miss Mabel, we have a new town busybody,” I tease and Caroline chimes in, “Yeah, next thing we know, you’ll be sending in our secrets to the STS.”
We all chuckle at that, before I tell her, “On a serious note, I thought my grandfather was going to hurt himself on those desserts from Thanksgiving last week. He told me that everyone in the nursing home is willing to fight over your sweets.”
Margaret smiles before responding, “They’re just so sweet. I’ll have to remember to take them a few surprises once I’m closer to opening downtown.”
“They’d love that,” I encourage her, and Caroline nods in agreement.
“You know, I just really love this town,” Margaret says happily, grabbing her glass. “Moving here was the best thing I could have done.”
“Yeah, I’ve got to admit we’re not too sad about it either,” I tease.