“I’ll clean up our breakfast before I get started with the orders for next week. I’ll be in the office if you need me.”
Caroline nodded and drank the last dregs of her coffee. If she didn’t have Selena to take care of the computer and business end of the tearoom, it would most likely have closed. Handling reservations and cooking were about all the duties Caroline was equipped to handle. Still, Selena had left a good job in the city to come home and help, and although Caroline appreciated her daughter’s sacrifice, the time had come for her to find a man, fall in love, and start her own home and family.
“Thanks, sweetie. You know that computer drives me crazy.” Caroline headed into the kitchen to make fillings for the crusts she’d prepared the day before. Blueberry, pecan, and peach would be the fruit pies for the day along with chocolate and coconut as the cream pies. The freezer held peaches frozen from last year’s crop as well as blueberries fresh picked and frozen only weeks ago.
After assembling all the fruits and staples on the center island, Caroline lined up the crusts to receive their fillings. Lida Mae strolled in and removed her hat. Her face wore a grin that highlighted the white of her teeth.
She stored her purse in the pantry and tied on her apron. “Quite a night at City Hall from what I’ve heard and read. That Mrs. Simpson sure knows how to make a point.”
“Yes, she does, but we don’t even know for sure what the mayor has planned. We may be getting up in arms about nothing.” Even after saying it, Caroline didn’t believe it. She could see only one way for expansion and improvements, and it included the Miller cottage.
“Have you talked to Mr. McKenzie about it? Paper says he’s here as a consultant.”
“If Mayor Hansen invited him down to help with the project, he won’t listen to whatever we have to say about it.”
Lida Mae merely blew air in a puff between her lips as she pulled salad makings from the refrigerator.
“What does that mean?”
The cook shrugged her shoulders. “I’m just saying Mr. McKenzie might have some ideas you like. You and he were once good friends, if my memory serves me right.”
“We did, but a lot of water has flowed under that bridge.” Perhaps she should have let him explain last night, but she’d been too angry to listen to anyone. No time to worry about that now. Pies needed to be made.
Caroline sprinkled sugar and a dash of nutmeg over the peaches and stirred them together with a bit of cornstarch. Maybe she should seek out Hal later today and ask him. He probably had a good idea as to what Woody planned to do. Knowing Woody’s ideas ahead of time would help in making counter plans to present to the council. But what if he didn’t want to share? It wouldn’t hurt to ask, but she didn’t plan to get her hopes up.
Hal helped himself to the eggs and biscuits provided for hotel guests. He skipped the sausage, preferring bacon with his eggs, and added an extra biscuit with a bowl of cream gravy.
His visit with Libby Birdwell had gone well. After he had explained his predicament, she had been willing to help him. She planned to run interference for him today at the tearoom. If it all worked as hoped, Caroline would welcome him for lunch and listen to his side.
He opened the paper he’d picked up on the way into the dining area and spread it out on the table. The picture of Winnie at the council meeting stared up at him from the front page. He laughed aloud and shook his head. Winnie would love this, but Woody would be fit to be tied. Perhaps it’d be best to steer clear of him until later in the day.
He devoured his eggs and biscuits and decided on another cup of coffee. After disposing of his trash, Hal reached for the lever to dispense a fresh cup when someone called his name.
He turned to find Bailey McCullough from the Gazette standing by his table. He grinned and returned to his place. “Good morning. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Just a follow-up to last night’s story.” She sat down across from him and pulled out her pad.
“I see. Why didn’t Tate cover the meeting last night? I thought he always took care of things like that.”
“He usually does, but he decided to give me a chance to write about more than tea parties and luncheons.” She pointed to Winnie’s picture. “Of course he had no idea something like this would happen or he’d been there with bells on.”
“You can be sure of that. Now what can I do for you?”
“Oh, I have a number of things, but first I’ll start with why you’re back in town and how long you plan to stay.”
Hal cleared his throat to give himself time to come up with a satisfying answer that wouldn’t get him into trouble with Woody or Caroline. “My friend, Mayor Hansen, contacted me about some things he wanted to do here in town and wanted my expertise as an architect to help him.”
“So, did you have any idea what he wanted you to design?”
“No, I didn’t. I met with him when I first arrived, and he told me what he proposed and hinted at what he wanted me to do.”
“Since you’ve now heard from others, how do you feel about helping Mayor Hansen with his project?”
Hal narrowed his eyes and peered at the reporter. If he expressed his opinion now, he’d risk alienating Woody, who would then turn a deaf ear to all proposals. Better to be neutral until he could speak with Caroline.
“I can’t say at the moment because I want to investigate and hear all sides to this project . . . both for and against.”
Bailey’s smile turned into a smirk, and a twinkle gleamed in her eyes. “I see. That sounds like a smart idea. I’m sure Mrs. Short will let you know what she thinks about the project.”
“Since it’s her ancestors involved with the property around the courthouse and City Hall, yes, she will.”
“Umm . . . now for the other question. How long do you plan to be in Bloomfield? I understand your parents’ home is empty now. Will you be staying there?”
“That’s two questions, Miss McCullough, but I’ll answer them.” He tempered his answer with a smile. “I plan to be here as long as it takes for this city hall business to be cleared up, and perhaps longer. I plan to make repairs and updates to my house, so I’ll be staying there as soon as it’s aired out and cleaned up.”
Bailey laid down her pad and pen. “You know, I haven’t been back in Bloomfield all that long myself, but I’m finding a lot more people who once lived here are returning. Something about this town seems to draw us back.”
Hal shrugged. “It’s simple. Some of us prefer the small town life to that of the city, and some of us come back for the memories and good friends from the past.”
“I like that idea. Mind if I quote you?”
“I suppose it would be okay.” He glanced at his watch. “I hate to cut this short, but I have an appointment to speak to someone else, and I need to make arrangements for the house to be cleaned and ready for living.”
Bailey gathered up her belongings and stood. “Perfectly all right, Mr. McKenzie. I’ve enjoyed talking with you. Welcome back to Bloomfield.”
After her departure, Hal returned to his room to make a few phone calls—the first one to a friend to inquire about hiring someone to thoroughly clean his house, and the second to Libby Birdwell.
When she answered with a greeting to his name, he went straight to business. “Will you be at the tearoom for lunch today?”
Libby’s laugh rang out over the phone. “Of course. I said I would, and I will. I usually eat around eleven thirty, so if you’ll plan to be there by noon, I should have time to speak with Caroline by then unless they’re really busy today, which they may be after last night.”
“Thanks. Why don’t I drive by around noon and see how the crowd is? If it’s busy, I’ll wait a while longer to come in to eat.” If he could speak to Caroline without all the distractions of other diners, he’d more likely get her
to listen to him.”
“Sounds good to me. I may go earlier and catch her alone before the rush sets in. She has to listen to me and to you if she really wants help to stop this project of Woody’s.”
“Thank you again, Libby. I’m glad you decided to help me. By the way, someone will be coming by the house to clean her up later today, so don’t be surprised if you see activity there.”
After he ended the call, a visit with Woody came next. When Hal arrived at the office, Blanche told him the mayor was out on business, but she’d make an appointment so Hal could come back later in the day.
“No thanks, Blanche. I’ll speak with him by phone, and let you know if I need a set time.” He hesitated before plunging ahead. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. “How was Woody this morning in regard to what happened at last night’s council meeting?”
Blanche frowned and shook her head. “He was a bear this morning. Mumbling and grumbling about the stubborn people in this town who can’t stand progress. He gave me some information to put in a letter to the council members outlining the project and making sure they know exactly what is being considered so he can add it to the agenda at the next meeting.”
“I see.” It’d be a day or two before any members received those letters, so that gave him a little time to talk with Victoria Masters and George. He remembered the petition for the property’s declaration as a historical site.
“Um . . . Blanche, do you know anything about the request for the Founder’s Cottage and its property to be declared a historical site in Bloomfield?”
Her cheeks reddened, and she didn’t raise her head to look at him. “I saw the petition and all the signatures along with the request, but the actual application never came across my desk.”
So Woody had stalled it. That didn’t bode well for Caroline, and she had every reason to be furious with the mayor. “Thank you for telling me. Seems to me that we need to clear up a few issues before proceeding with any plans for the city hall or courthouse.”
“Please don’t let him know I said anything. He’d be madder than a stirred-up hornet’s nest if he knew, and he’d fire me.”
“I won’t say a word as to how I know he didn’t file the application. I’m going to mosey around town, and if I run into the mayor, I’ll ask him about setting aside some time for discussion about these new plans of his.”
He headed for the door with one glance back at Blanche. She’d been with Woody since the first days of his campaign. He may be angry, but he wasn’t about to let her go after all these years.
Chapter 6
At eleven o’clock, Caroline unlocked the door to the Pink Geranium and found Libby Birdwell waiting on the other side. “Mercy sakes, Libby, you’ve never been this early.”
She held the door open and waited for her friend to step through. Although younger than Caroline, Libby had been a good friend since their husbands’ deaths, and she had become a regular at the tearoom.
“I had to talk with you before the noon rush begins. Can we sit in a corner somewhere?”
“Seeing as how you’re the only patron at the moment, you can sit anywhere you want.”
Libby nodded and headed straight for the corner window near the kitchen. Not a strand of her salt-and-pepper hair dared to fall out of place, and her navy slacks fit her to perfection. She slipped off the matching jacket to reveal a bright red silk blouse. Caroline blinked then followed her friend and sat down.
“Now what is so important that you had to talk to me early? Does it have anything to do with the meeting last night?” She’d already regretted her brush-off of Hal that had been witnessed by everyone in close proximity, including Libby.
“Yes, it does. I spoke with Hal after the meeting. He and my brother were good friends in high school, and I have always thought he had a good head on his shoulders . . . well, except for when he up and married Velma Allbritton. Never did understand that. Anyway, we talked for a long time last night at my house.”
Caroline fidgeted with one of the pink linen napkins on the table. “And how does it concern me?” As if she didn’t know the only topic of interest would be what the mayor wanted to do.
Libby smiled up at the young woman who appeared at the table. “I’ll have unsweetened iced tea and the spinach salad with grilled chicken, and walnut-raspberry dressing on the side.” The girl turned to leave, and Libby reached across for Caroline’s hand.
“You need to listen to what Hal has to say. He really is on your side. He doesn’t want to see anything happen to that cottage and land any more than you do. He’s an architect and a good one, so let him come up with some ideas. He also wants to get your ideas and hear what you would propose instead of what Woody wants.”
So Hal did see things her way, or was he simply getting her to drop her guard? She wanted to trust him, but he’d betrayed Clint once before, and she didn’t plan to allow another betrayal. Still, she could listen to what he had to say. “If he comes in, perhaps I’ll talk with him, but he better have a good excuse and he better make it the truth. I’m not going to risk being burned again.”
Selena set a glass of tea on the table. “Mom, do you want me to get you anything?”
“No, sweetie, I’m fine. I’ll talk with Mrs. Birdwell until we get busy.”
Libby waited until Selena left before speaking again. “I don’t think you will be. I believe him.” She added sugar substitute to her tea and squeezed in a bit of lemon.
“I hope you’re right. You know, there’s a lot of land with that cottage, and the gardens are beautiful, thanks to our garden club. There ought to be some way to incorporate it all into a plan that will give City Hall some needed improvements as well as the courthouse.”
“Since Hal’s planning on fixing up his parents’ house and moving in, I would imagine that he wants what is best for Bloomfield as much as you do.”
Hal hadn’t really said how long he’d be in town. Of course the topic hadn’t really come up, thanks to Winnie’s interruptions, but he could have at least said he planned to stay a while. “You mentioned it last night, but he wouldn’t really have a reason to tell me. It’s not like we’re best of friends these days. He didn’t even come to Clint’s funeral.”
“I remember that, but then that was most likely Velma’s doing. I’m sorry she died, but at least he’s free to make his own decisions and do what he wants to do.” Libby clapped her hand over her mouth. “Oh, my, I shouldn’t have said that. My tongue gets ahead of my brain sometimes. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Libby. We all know the story. Best not let Winnie get wind of your feelings though. You know what she’d do with anything concerning Clint and me.”
A chuckle slipped from Libby as she accepted the salad set before her. “I can hear her now. She’s a dear and means well, and I love her, but sometimes I’d like to zip that mouth of hers.”
“Me too.” Caroline sighed and stood. “I’ll let you get on with your lunch. We’re getting busy now and Susie and Ashley will need help with the tables.”
“Sure thing, and if Hal comes in, promise you’ll be nice.”
“I will, and that is a promise.”
Libby bowed her head for a brief blessing before she speared a piece of chicken. Caroline sighed and pushed her chair back under the table. No wonder Libby stayed so slim. That salad would be all her lunch and she wouldn’t touch any of the desserts they had to offer. She’d probably go for a long walk with her dog later too. Clothes in a size six like Libby’s would never be in Caroline’s closet again. If only she didn’t like her own and Lida Mae’s cooking so much.
Caroline left Libby to her lunch and went about helping serve the customers. With three of the four upstairs rooms reserved for the weekend, the afternoon brimmed with activities such as airing out the rooms and getting them ready. Ashley would take care of making sure the rooms wer
e ready for guests on Friday. If not for Ashley Hanahan and Susie Murphy, the place would never be ready in time for the guests coming in Friday afternoon. In the meantime, Caroline enjoyed helping with the tables and talking to the customers.
Business slowed around one o’clock. Hal hadn’t shown up as yet, and Libby had stalled as long as she could without drawing attention. Winnie hadn’t even been in for lunch today, but she had two hours yet before closing at three.
Caroline handed Libby her change from her bill and grinned. “I’ve never seen you drag out one salad for so long. Too bad Hal didn’t show up.”
“He will, I’m—Oh, there he is now.”
Hal stood just inside the doorway. When his gaze landed on Caroline he headed toward her. “Libby, Caroline, nice to see you. Is there still time for lunch?”
Libby chuckled. “They’re open another two hours, so I believe Lida Mae can find something for you to eat.” She leaned over and whispered something to Hal about him not showing up.
No wonder Libby had stayed around so long. She planned to stay to see if Caroline kept her promise to talk with Hal. Now that he stood before her, second thoughts surfaced. No, she promised, and the least she could do was let him tell his side of the story.
Selena grabbed a menu. “Come on, Mr. McKenzie, I’ll show you to a table.”
He raised his eyebrows and glanced at Caroline. “Will we be able to talk a while?”
Caroline nodded, and Libby wore a smug smile. She waved her hand in good-bye and said, “You won’t be sorry.”
Thankfully, not many patrons remained, but they all gave Hal a once-over as he passed by them following Selena.
Caroline stared after him until he was seated. She would give him a chance to eat his meal before she went over to join him for dessert. By then, she might be ready to listen to whatever he had to say.
When Selena mentioned that Lida Mae’s chicken pot pie was on the menu for the day, Hal didn’t hesitate to order it. He’d had it before on his trips to Bloomfield, and it had become one of his favorites.
Best Laid Plans Page 4
