“All the good ones are taken,” Meghan said wistfully. She looked down at Caitlin’s left hand. “You’re not married?”
“Actually, I am. I lost my rings a couple of weeks ago when we went to the beach.”
The lie came out easily.
“Oh, no, I hope you have insurance,” Celia said.
“I believe it’s covered. At least, that’s what my husbandsaid.” Caitlin moved over to the metalwork display. Celia followed her. “Some of the bikers in this town make those.”
“It’s creative,” Caitlin replied. She was suddenly hit with an unsettling feeling in her stomach. Metal. Why did that word affect her?
“Are you all right?” Celia asked worriedly.
“I’m fine. I think I had too many pancakes this morning.”
“Ms. Betty makes the best breakfast. It’s easy to overindulge,” Celia said. “On Sunday mornings I usually go help her in the kitchen and that lady sure can feed an army.”
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s menu. Something fancy like oatmeal soufflé,” Caitlin said, feeling better as her attention shifted back to food. She pointed to the sun catcher in front. “I’d like to take that as well, but I’m afraid I’ll break it if I take it down myself.” It was set up high, which her little stature couldn’t reach without jumping and yanking it down.
“Yes, we little ladies need the extra boost of a step stool. I can have these wrapped and delivered to the bed and breakfast if you want.”
“If it’s not too much trouble—”
“Not at all, sweetie.” Meghan smiled as she rang up another customer.
Caitlin was enjoying her little chitchat with Celia while her sister was attending to other customers when the doorbell chimed again.
Celia, who was facing the door, gushed, “Oh, my God. It’s the Greek God. Pssst, Meghan.”
Caitlin turned, and as she suspected, it was Travis who walked in. Her man smiled at her, and she heard Celia whisper none too quietly, “I think my panties just dropped.”
Caitlin’s lips twitched as she tried not to burst out laughing.
Travis stopped in front of Caitlin, ducked his head and kissed her lightly, “You were taking too long. Making sure Ihave time to make provisions for shipping your purchases in case you decided to buy the entire store.”
“Smart-ass. Just for that, I’ll fill up the back of the Suburban with pottery.”
Travis winced. “Not the first time. Mom used to drive Dad crazy with her penchant for ceramic.”
“I’m done though, just need to pay up.”
Travis walked past her to the cash register, presumably to settle her purchases with Meghan. Caitlin noticed Celia was flushed red with embarrassment and mouthed “Sorry” to her. She just grinned at her.
Celia started to mock-fan herself with her hands and then pointing to Travis, she mouthed “Hot” and gave Caitlin a thumbs-up.
A warm feeling gripped her heart once more. At this moment, all her troubles melted away, and she was feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.
Tentsof various size and color were set up for the weekly epicurean market held at the main park in Iron Ridge. Food vendors, some from out of town, came to showcase their culinary expertise and specialty. The market was crowded. Again, it was a mix of hipsters and bikers. The out-of-towners were easy to spot in their shorts, sneakers, and baseball caps.
Caitlin sat on a wooden bench waiting for Travis to return with her order of carnitas in soft corn tortillas from the taco slinger situated in the center of the market. That particular vendor had the longest line, so she figured it must be good. Travis tried to steer her toward the North Carolina barbecue stall, but she had insisted on the taco. Shaking his head in resignation, he told her to find them a bench, and he’d fall in line for their food.
It was fun being a stranger in a small town where shecould people watch and while away the hours of the day with the sun warming her skin. She closed her eyes momentarily, soaking in the sounds of people’s chatter and children laughing, the light breeze that grazed her skin like a lover’s touch and finally, the aroma of hickory wood, scenting the air with the mouth-watering offerings of this food extravaganza.
“Afternoon, Mrs. Bennett.”
And just like that, the mood was gone.
She opened her eyes to stare up at Nicholas Crane, who was holding a hotdog in one hand, and a beer in the other. Ashe and another leather-clad biker were right behind him.
