The Shop on Main(18)

“She did, and I’m so proud of her. Her parents were so controlling, too, and she just always was the wanting-to-please daughter.” Jenny wiped off the counter and hung up a dish towel while they continued their conversation.

“Like when she wanted to go away to Tulane for college, but they insisted on the community college. Or do you remember when she wanted to be a cheerleader in high school and her father insisted only fast girls were cheerleaders. So she dropped out of tryouts.”

“I do. She always let other people make her decisions. It drove me nuts. I love the new, improved Izzy and her independence. This shop, and making her own decisions has been so good for her. But, this whole losing the lease is just an unlucky break.” Jenny sighed.

“Maybe the new owner will still let her stay there and won’t up the rent.” Becky Lee didn’t sound very hopeful. “Well, I’ll let you go. Just wanted to check in.”

“Okay, night Bec.”

Jenny hung up the phone. Her dog, Choo Choo, looked up from where he was curled up in the corner. “You want to go out one more time?” The black lab mix stood up and stretched and walked over to the door. Jenny opened the door for him.

She mindlessly continued cleaning her kitchen. Guilt washed over when she realized she was glad to have Nathan gone for the night. She was tired of their endless arguments. Tired of the constant struggle. She’d tried everything possible to get him back on track with his life. She missed the fun-loving son he had been before Joseph’s illness and death. She sometimes felt like she’d lost both Joseph and Nathan, and couldn’t get used to how lonely she felt at times.

As much as she looked forward to the summer, she was afraid it was going to be a long one. She no longer had Joseph to sit outside with in the evenings and talk about their days. Nathan barely said two words to her at a time and she couldn’t remember the last time he’d hugged her. He used to be so affectionate, but now he was all walled up in his own little world.

Oh, Joseph.

What she wouldn’t give to be able to talk through things with her husband now. She had so many regrets about their relationship, things she wished she’d done differently. Maybe the harsh reality and loneliness of being a widow was her penance for all the mistakes she’d made and secrets she’d kept.

Her heart was heavy in her chest and she fought to blink back the tears that threatened to fall. She missed the life the three of them had once had. The family they’d been.

Choo Choo came back and barked once at the door, pulling her from her melancholy thoughts. Jenny let him back in. “All set for the night, Choo?” She reached down and petted the dog. He wagged his tail and started to walk off towards the stairs. She could swear sometimes that the dog understood everything she said. She gave one last look around the kitchen, flicked off the lights, and headed upstairs, grateful for Choo Choo’s companionship.





CHAPTER SIX





Owen wanted to close the deal with Mr. Potter to buy his building. It looked like all the paperwork would be finished within the week. Then he’d talk to Jake. Or Jake’s mother. They wouldn’t say no if it was a done deal. Probably. His brother sure was stubborn. Hopefully it would all fall into place. The lease for the shop in Potter’s building was a month-to-month lease, so that wouldn’t be a problem. Mr. Potter had said he’d notified the tenant that the building was up for sale. They were probably looking for a new space already.

It was all working out. The building had an apartment upstairs, and he figured that Jake and his mom would move back in there. That’s where they’d lived for years before they sold the building. His offer to Mr. Potter was a fair one, and he was glad when the man agreed to take it. No unpleasant surprises with this deal. It looked to be wrapping up fine, just like he liked.

He looked outside his window at the Sweet Tea. The sun was shining and calling him to come outside. He really had nothing to do on this deal until tomorrow, so he decided to walk down Main Street and go have lunch at another restaurant he’d seen called Best Friends Diner. He wanted to look over that restaurant, too. He needed to check out all the restaurants in the area. Research, of course. Magnolia Cafe had good food, really good, but it was simple, plain food. He already had the wheels turning on looking into getting a liquor license. He thought a nice wine list along with beer and mixed drinks would add a different offering from the usual diner fare when Jake and his mom reopened their restaurant. If they opened it. If they’d accept his offer.

He went downstairs and saw Rebecca cleaning the front room. She looked up and smiled when she saw him. “Going out for a bit?”