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Chapter Seven

Thursday at the end of her shift, Shaye got a text from Paisley.

Just confirming Saturday. It’s our day of service. Rumor has it we’ll be doing gardening around town. Dena and I would love you on our team. We meet in The Wreath at 8. See you then?

Shaye wasn’t sure what all was involved with a day of service, but she was happy to hang out with her friends and help. There was just one problem.

I have to be at work at eleven, but I could join you until ten thirty.

Paisley sent back a smile emoji. Perfect. Can’t wait.

Me, too. Looking forward to it. See you then.

She wheeled the cart back to the store and got it ready for the next day, then clocked out. As she started for home, she thought longingly about swinging by to see Lawson. Maybe they could hang out while he took his afternoon break or something.

He hadn’t been over in the past couple of nights. Adien and her husband had decided they needed some new baby furniture, and it had been delivered earlier in the week. The task of putting it all together was daunting, so Lawson was helping his brother-in-law.

While Shaye was still enjoying working on the car, she was willing to admit it wasn’t as much fun without Lawson at her side. But he’d already asked her out for Saturday night, so she knew she would see him then.

But rather than bother him at work, she walked back to the beautiful Victorian house she’d grown to love. Her room was incredible—quiet and beautiful, with so many wonderful architectural touches. Now that she wasn’t seeing Lawson every evening, she’d taken to having a bath when she finished with the car. The tub was a luxury she was definitely going to miss.

Kathy met her at the front door.

“It’s gone,” she said, a catch in her voice. “I’m being so silly, but there was something about watching them tow it away.”

“The car?” Shaye asked, not sure what her landlord was talking about.

“Yes.” Kathy sighed as she led the way to the kitchen. “Billy called this morning and said he had a cancellation and did I want them to bring it in early. You’d already told me it was ready to go, so I said yes. Now she’s gone.”

Shaye hid a smile. “She’s getting painted. When she comes back, she’s going to be so beautiful, you won’t be able to speak. Trust me, it’s worth it to have her all pretty again. Your car deserves a new paint job.”

“You’re right, of course. I want her all glowy for the parade. But it was so hard to see them take her away. She’s been with me for so long, and in some ways, having her close makes me feel Douglas isn’t that far away.”

Shaye’s humor faded as she felt a stab of envy. She wanted that, she thought. A love that lasted years and warmed the heart even when the two parties were separated by space and time.

“You’re very lucky,” she said softly. “To have had Douglas in your life.”

Kathy sniffed. “I am. All right. This is silly. It’s just a car, and she’ll back soon enough. I don’t know why it hit me so much.” She brought a tray of brownies to the island. “I made these this morning. I add chocolate chips because you can never have too much chocolate.”

“You’re spoiling me,” Shaye said, reaching for one of the brownies. “Everything you make is so delicious.”

Kathy smiled at her. “It’s nice to have someone to bake for. I’m taking advantage of having you around.”

“Feel free.”

Kathy poured them each a glass of milk, then sat with Shaye at the big island.

“Saturday is our summer day of service. Do you know about this?”

Shaye had just taken a bite of the brownie and tried to not moan at the moist deliciousness. “Paisley told me about it a week or so ago, then texted me about it today. I’m meeting her and Dena Saturday morning.”

“I’m glad you’ll be going out with your friends,” Kathy told her. “I would invite you to hang out with mine, but we’re all too old for you.”

“I don’t believe that.”

“You’re sweet. Thank you.” Kathy nibbled on her brownie. “Last year we painted several house porches and repaired front steps. This year we’re sprucing up front yards. It’s nice to help our neighbors who don’t have the means to do that sort of thing.” She smiled. “Someone always donates the needed supplies for our days of service. Our very own Secret Santa.”

“The town seems to take care of its own.”