by J. D. Shaw
“The mayor’s wife said that?”
“The queen bee said that.” Kathy folded her hands together on the table. “A fitting title since she’s always buzzing around other people’s business these days.”
“I’ve never had many encounters with her.” Vivienne offered. “She’s always in such a hurry whenever we meet.”
“Count your blessings!” Kathy interrupted. “She and that women’s small business group can shove their plans where the sun doesn’t shine.”
“Whoa!” Vivienne leaned forward toward her friend. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“That’s because you’re not operating as a business yet.” Kathy explained as Clara walked two mugs of coffee over to the table and set them down along with some napkins and some flatware. Stephanie followed suit and slid a much smaller slice of pecan pie in front of Kathy before returning to finish cleaning up the coffee mess.
“I will be in three days.” She glanced around for some wood to knock on but found nothing except polished chrome and vinyl. “Barring any unpleasant surprises, that is.”
“You want an unpleasant surprise?” Kathy asked. “Try the Cayuga Cove Women of Small Business Association on for size.” She took a big sip of coffee. “They have come up with a proposal to refresh main street stores and shops with a classic look of yesteryear. New sidewalks and awnings, fancy street lamps and scalloped facades. Each business will be limited to a simple wooden sign hanging over each entrance with two simple spot lights for nighttime illumination.”
“I read something about that in one of their flyers that came in the mail the other day.” Vivienne recalled. “Didn’t the newspaper have an article explaining how the state funding fell through recently?”
“It did.” Kathy continued. “I was all for making Main Street look more appealing to shoppers, but I can’t afford to front the cost of all those cosmetic changes to my store. Those simple wooden signs start at seven hundred dollars and go up from there depending on the color and style of the fonts.”
“I don’t understand where the problem is.” Vivienne speared the pecan pie with her fork and took a small bite. “Without state funding, it will be tabled until who knows when. Problem solved.”
Kathy wielded her fork like a knight with a sword. “Here’s the real kicker.” She stabbed a tiny piece of her pecan pie. “This was Mona’s pet project and as the director of the association she refused to let it go. So right after that little roadblock, she and a few of her devoted followers started digging through the town records and now they’re planning on reviving the Historic Commission to force the changes she wants through antiquated town codes.”
Vivienne swallowed another sweet bite of pie and washed it down with her coffee. “Can they really do that? Strong-arm the merchants?”
“I don’t know for sure, but her group is planning a meeting soon.” Kathy shook her head. “It sounds like Mona Clarke is getting ready to force our hands to make the town look the way she envisions it.”
“Having each of the business owners on Main Street write the checks.” Vivienne finished the thought. “I certainly won’t be in any sort of financial position to do that for the first year.”
“You might not have a choice.” Kathy added as Clara appeared with a coffee carafe. “Not if you want to continue to do business on Main Street.”
“Are you two talking about Mona Clarke?” Clara asked.
“Yes.” Kathy nodded. “Be glad you’re not on Main Street.”
“But I am only one street away.” Clara added as she refilled Kathy’s mug. “Something tells me Queen Mona isn’t going to stop with just one street.”
“We’re assuming that all this is legal.” Vivienne handed her mug to Clara to refill. “It could take years for anything to get implemented.”
Clara pointed out the window to the twenty foot tall metal sign that was shaped like a coffee mug. Framed by a red outline of neon tubing, it had been a beacon for the late night bar crowd for years. “Jake, God rest his soul, was so proud of that design. It would break my heart to get rid of it.” Her eyes clouded up for a few seconds as she thought about her late husband who had passed more than a decade ago, leaving her as sole owner of the business he had loved so much.
“Jake’s sign is a part of our history here.” Vivienne agreed. “I’d even go so far to say that it should be protected with historical status.”
“It’s not like I’m one of those blasted chains out on the interstate.” Clara topped off Vivienne’s coffee. “I’m making just enough to keep afloat and pay my bills. Heaven knows how much a lawyer would cost.”
“Which I’m sure is what Mona and the others on the commission are probably counting on. Hoping we all tuck tails between our legs and skulk off.” Kathy savored another bite of pie, enjoying every second of the decadent treat she rarely allowed herself.
“That woman has got some nerve.” Clara added with a scowl. “Do you know that she actually bought one of my pecan pies here a few weeks ago and was going to enter it in a baking contest at the State Fair?”
“How did you find out?” Kathy was intrigued.
“I was there myself to enter the very same pie.” Clara smiled. “So when I ran into her at the check in line, she was mortified. Next thing I knew she was saying how she had a terrible migraine and she slipped away with that pie stashed under her arm before she could enter it.”
“Are you sure it was one of yours?” Vivienne asked.
“She didn’t even have enough sense to take the little heart made out of pecans from the middle of the pie.” Clara shook her head. It was her own little trademark that everyone in town knew identified her famous pecan from others. “I never did like her much. After that incident, she’s never set foot in here again.”
Vivienne stomach turned a few knots. She wasn’t sure if it was the sugar rush or the topic of conversation. “All these local politics just makes my head spin.”
“Just don’t sell her any of your baked goods during fair season.” Clara smiled.
The tinkle of the door bell startled the three women as a tall man in a deputy’s uniform ducked inside the doorway. “Good afternoon, ladies.” His voice was low and smooth, with an accent you couldn’t quite place. “I hear this diner has the best coffee around.”
Clara winked at them both and straightened the lace collar on her uniform. “You’ve heard right, Mister…”
“I’m Joshua Arkins, the sheriff’s new deputy.”
Vivienne swallowed hard and began to choke on a piece of pecan pie. Her face turned bright red as she tried to contain the loud hacking.
Kathy handed her the coffee mug. “Drink some of this.”
Vivienne took it from her and downed the hot liquid. It did the trick and sent the stubborn pecans down her throat where they belonged. “Thank you.” She squeaked out.
Joshua and Clara stared at Vivienne making sure she could breathe.
“Everything’s fine.” Kathy defused their concern. “Thank you.”
Joshua removed his brown deputy hat and allowed his thick black hair to gleam in the afternoon sunlight that was streaming through the window blinds of the diner. “Glad to hear it.”
Clara waved Stephanie over to the front. “Here at Clara’s we always have a complimentary cup of coffee for the sheriff and his deputies.”
Stephanie quickly filled a ceramic mug with some coffee.
Clara grimace in response. “Use one of the paper cups and be sure to put a cardboard sleeve on it.”
“Oh right.” Stephanie blushed and rushed to complete the order per Clara’s instructions.
“I could have it here I suppose.” Joshua smiled at Clara. “Sheriff Rigsbee wants me to get to know the town better.”
“Why, of course!” Clara smiled warmly and directed him to one of the little stools that lined the counter. “Would you like to see a menu?”
“No thanks, I don’t want to spoil my appetite for dinner. I’ve been setup on a bli
nd date tonight.” Joshua sat down on the stool, where his long legs barely folded under the counter.
“Just kill me now.” Vivienne whispered to Kathy.
“What are you talking about?” Kathy whispered back. “He’s adorable.”
“I’m the blind date tonight.” She tried to lower herself in the booth.
“Get out.” Kathy tapped her hands with excitement.
“Nora.” She explained.
“Damn.” Kathy admired Joshua’s body a few more times and then pouted. “This may be the only time I wished your mother was my own.”
“Stephanie, can we have our check please?” Kathy snapped her fingers.
“What are you doing?” Vivienne’s eyes widened.
Kathy winked at her. “I have a business to run and you need time to get ready for your date with mister tall, dark, and handsome.”
“You sound just like her.” Vivienne muttered under her breath.
“Hey, if you don’t want to go out with him I’m more than happy to act as the proxy.” She grabbed the check as Stephanie dropped it off. “This is on me.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll do it.” Vivienne snuck a glance at him and for once wasn’t disappointed by her mother’s choice. He was a very handsome man and, based on how he was charming Miss Clara, had a good personality to match.
“Color me so surprised.” Kathy raised her finely shaped eyebrows and handed a ten dollar bill to Stephanie. “Keep the change, sweetie.”
“Thanks!” Stephanie gushed at the generous tip.
“Excuse me.” Kathy removed herself from the booth and walked slowly, her hips swaying side to side with great effect to show off her trim figure. As she passed Joshua, she pretended to drop her purse. “I’m such a butterfingers.” She tossed her hands up to her mouth and feigned embarrassment.
Joshua bent down to retrieve her purse which afforded all the women a great view of his rear. He filled his fitted brown pants out quite nicely, a testimony to the many hours of hard work spent at the gym.
Clara mouthed a silent ‘Oh my God!’ to Kathy in response.
“Here you go, Ma’am.” Joshua handed her purse back with a smile.
“Ma’am?” Kathy extended her hand with perfectly French-manicured nails to him in response. “I’m Kathy Saunders, owner of the Trade Winds Clothier on Main Street.”
“Joshua Arkins.” He took her hand in his where it disappeared into his enormous grip.
“Feel free to stop by when you’re out and about on patrol.” She cooed. “I like to know those brave souls who serve and protect the public.”
“I’ll do that.” He smiled at her, flashing white teeth that were straight and well cared for.
“Always nice to see you, Miss Clara.” Kathy waved goodbye and exited the diner with a little extra swish in her step.
“You too, Kathy.” She waved back as the door to the diner slammed closed, ringing the bell.
Vivienne chose that moment to try to make a quick exit from the diner. She smiled at Joshua and waved to Clara. “See you soon, Miss Clara.”
“Don’t be a stranger, Vivienne.” Clara smiled back.
“Vivienne?” Joshua looked at her in surprise. “You wouldn’t happen to be Vivienne Finch would you?”
Her cheeks flushed warm. “Uh, yes I am. I’m opening the new bakery on Main Street.”
“Your mother is a very nice lady.”
“Yes she is.” She was surprised how weak and hollow her voice sounded.
“Honestly, I was a little worried about this blind date tonight.” He took a little sip of coffee. “I’ve never had good luck with them before.”
“Oh?” She tried to force a smile but feared it came across as a pained grimace across blushed cheeks.
“Your mother suggested seven thirty to pick you up, is that still okay?” His steel blue eyes seemed to look right into her soul.
“Actually, eight would work better. I have something to take care of when I finish at the bakery tonight.” She made a mental note to stop at the Monarch Grocery and pick up a hair coloring kit on her way home.
“See you then.” Joshua nodded and turned his attention back to Clara. “You’re right. This coffee is the best I’ve had Miss Clara. Is it a dark roast?”
Vivienne stepped out the door and enjoyed the cool autumn breeze that blew across her face. She could actually feel her heart flutter a bit, which was a welcome change from the butterflies in her stomach.
Chapter 2
“Damn!” Vivienne mumbled as the bottle of auburn number three slipped from the grip of her gloved hand and splashed into her pedestal sink with a thud. A splatter of red, not unlike the color of blood, sprayed the shiny white bowl and proceeded to drizzle down in crooked rivulets toward the drain. Keeping one hand on her lathered hair, she reached for the bottle and set it back on the shelf above the spigot.
Why had she decided to color her hair tonight? She was usually better at warding off her mother’s barbs about her declining appearance. No, it wasn’t because of her. It must be the stress from opening a new business. No, she changed her mind again. Deep down it wasn’t all that bad. She had worked out a five year business plan, crunched the numbers, and conducted local research. All signs pointed to a recipe for success. The actual answer, she feared, was much worse. It was Joshua and those stunning steel-blue eyes. For the first time in many moons, she actually had a crush.
She set the egg timer for thirty minutes and proceeded to clean up the mess of red that had invaded her normally pristine white-tiled bathroom. Every so often, she would catch a glance into the mirror at her reflection and she wasn’t thrilled with what she saw.
There were times she could still see that awkward teenager girl who didn’t fit in with the popular crowd at the high school. She had to work at the local pizzeria carrying pitchers of beer and slices of supreme pizza while all the popular girls drove to the mall in Ithaca on Friday nights and bought the latest designer fashions and expensive makeup that the magazines raved as ‘must haves’.
Not that she regretted her formative years for a minute. Truth be told, they gave her a sense of how a small business should run. She would often stay late with the owners, watching as they balanced their books and took inventory of what to re-order for the next big weekend. There was no doubt that she was able to start her own business thanks to the long hours spent near those searing hot ovens.
As for the popular girls, a few of them probably found a husband with a good job and settled down to start a family. A handful most likely came to their senses and worked on degrees in college to create the life they dreamed of. But most probably had their youth slip away and had no choice but to work menial jobs at whatever corporate retail chain was hiring. She wondered if they ever had any regrets as the new generation of popular girls walked by the store windows with their noses in the air, mortified to be seen shopping in a discount chain. Father time was indeed cruel when he began to take back the fleeting gift of youth.
The timer buzzed her back to reality and Vivienne completed the coloring ritual by dunking her head under the faucet of warm water and letting the excess dye drain away. After she finished, she admired the new red color that reflected back from the mirror. Gone were the wisps of white that betrayed her illusion of youth. She was once more a confident woman in her mid thirties who wasn’t afraid to give her appearance a little spit and polish to look her best when needed.
A half hour later, she reverted back to that shy teenager when she used her fingers to part the blinds in the living room window. It was ten minutes after eight and there was still no sign of Joshua. She had called her mother earlier to confirm that she had given him her address and to fish for any more surprises that she should be aware of. Nora was famous for laying little traps for the men she set her daughter up with. There would be the little photo album filled with blank pages that she would produce from her purse, explaining how much she wished to fill with pictures of grandchildren.
Or the time the owne
r of Cameo Bridal had asked Vivienne to model a dress at a wedding show in Syracuse and her mother made sure the picture was front and center in the style section of the Cayuga Tribune. Nora was an old pro at making sure the men she sent out into the field of battle were properly trained to capture her daughter’s heart.
At twenty-five minutes past the hour, she could take no more and dialed Kathy’s number from her cell phone. It rang three times before she answered.
“I’m sincerely hoping this is just a random purse dial while on your hot date.” Kathy’s voice was stern.
“Guess again.” Vivienne peeked once more out the window at Sunset Terrace, which remained quiet and free of traffic. Normally, this was something she loved about renting the simple two-bedroom Cape Cod that she called home. Tonight, however, it really irked her.
“Oh, honey. What happened? You didn’t chicken out did you?”
“Trust me, I did not put myself through two hours of hair, makeup, and wardrobe changes to sit on the sofa and catch up on the television shows stored on the DVR.” She paced back and forth on the cream wall-to-wall carpet, somewhat unsteady in the heels she wore only to funerals, weddings, and the occasional holiday party.
There was an awkward silence between them before Kathy cleared her throat. “I’m sure you look fabulous.”
“Don’t sugar-coat it for me.” Vivienne demanded. “Am I being stood up?”
Another awkward silence passed. “He is a man of the law. Perhaps there was an accident out on the highway?”
“Or maybe he took one look at me at the diner and thought better of tonight’s date.”
“Vivienne, you know that’s not the case.” Kathy’s voice was emphatic enough to almost be believed.
She parted the blinds once more to peek out. “Well, he did bring up the date at the diner in front of Miss Clara and Stephanie…”
“And why would he do that if he was going to stand you up?” Kathy asked.
“I suppose you’re right. I can’t believe I’m this nervous about going out on one of my Mother’s blind dates. Usually, I’m cool as a cucumber.” Vivienne was surprised to hear a little laugh emerge from her mouth.
