The Guestbook

by Andrea Hurst

  Bundled and cozy, she plopped into a chair in the parlor and began to sip her tea. Another whole day lay ahead and she had no idea how to fill it. It was as if she’d been transported to some other world and now her life had come to a complete halt. Outside the window, a moist fog rose off the trees, and the dampness seeped through the windows. Maybe she would just sit here all day. She had walked out of her old life, but the future was another matter. It terrified her.

  Tears threatened. Uninvited, Brad’s voice crept into her head, taunting her: “And just how are you going to support yourself? You’ve never worked a day since you were married. Who’s going to take care of you now?”

  “No more,” she said, standing abruptly. “I’m tired of tears and I don’t have to listen to this anymore.”

  She reorganized the kitchen in earnest. After moving, sorting and labeling the entire kitchen, she finally collapsed into a chair. The sun was coming up, and a rose hue colored the sky and tinted the moist grass in the yard. A magical scene of color and light danced over the fields as far as she could see. She half expected fairies to come out and play. A sense of rightness filled her. She could almost hear her grandmother’s voice. “All is well, my Lily.”

  The sky was alternating colors from deep slate to blinding silver. A lone hawk caught the currents and glided on the breeze. She should count her blessings: her mother was becoming her friend, her neighbors were like family, and Brad lived two states away.

  A soft knock at the back door and a “Yoo-hoo” announced Mary’s arrival. She entered the kitchen in her sweats and no jacket. She was obviously acclimated.

  “I brought you some hot quiche and biscuits.” She popped the lid on the Tupperware. The herby egg mixture, mingled with the yeasty bread, lured Lily to the table. Mary placed everything on the table next to a pot of soft butter.

  “Thanks, Mary, I’m not used to someone cooking for me.”

  Mary broke open a biscuit and smothered it in butter. “A good home-cooked meal will fix up anything that ails you. Go on, dig in.”

  The fragrant meal was definitely comfort food. She was not alone, not really, Lily reminded herself. Mary was here, Betty and Shirley were right next-door, and that kind Mr. McPherson and his cute dog seemed to keep an eye out for her. And there were sweet Jason and Ian…

  “Glad to see you eat. Now, I’ll just get about my business of cleaning up around here. Ok, Lil?”

  No one had called her Lil since her grandma, and that young boy with his father. She kind of liked it. John had told her Ian should be arriving today, she had no problem remembering that.

  Mary rose and began cleaning up the dishes, singing as she worked. “Don’t mind me, I’ll take care of things around here. Why don’t you bundle up and head into town, cause some trouble!”

  “Mary, I can’t remember the last time I caused that kind of trouble.”

  “Well, it’s about time then, I’d say.”

  “Good idea. While I’m out, I can pick up some groceries too.” A trip to town would allow Lily to talk to Jude about baking for her café. A good long walk might be therapeutic too.

  She took a shower and bundled up in a sweater and jeans. She pulled on a coat, lopped her purse over her shoulder, and headed for town to pick up a few more ingredients. Raindrops glistened on pine boughs, and the air was clear as a diamond. All this rain certainly had its purpose, to replenish the dormant growth. It might work on her soul as well.

  ✦✦✦✦

  By the time she returned home, the sun was just a memory and Mary was gone. The dampness penetrated the locked doors and windows and took up residence inside Lily’s bones. She definitely had not acclimated to the island weather yet. When the heck was spring around here? The fire was dimming in the wood burner and needed refreshing. Carefully, she added a few logs from the pile she had carried in and prodded them into place with the steel poker. Who would ever have thought, even six months ago, that she would be dressed in old jeans and flannel, building her own fires to stay warm? The propane heat was so expensive, she was glad she had an alternative. A sense of contentment crept up unexpectedly.

  She called Jude and set up a meeting with her for four o’clock today, after the lunch rush. All she had to do now was get everything baked to perfection. The scent of her home-baked scones wafted into the parlor and drew her back to the kitchen. The complementary aroma of fresh-ground coffee mingled in the air, causing her to lick her lips in anticipation. On the counter, the softening cream cheese, tangy zest, and nutmeg were ready for her to mix into the icing for the orange scones. She emptied them into a bowl and worked all the ingredients together with a spatula, then slid her finger along the edge of the bowl and popped a glob of icing into her mouth.

  “Yumm!”

  Using the crocheted potholders, she slid the scones out of the oven and onto the cooling rack. After generously frosting each of them, she poured a large mug of Seattle coffee and sat down in the kitchen nook. This would hopefully be the first batch to sell and begin her prosperous business venture.

  ✦✦✦✦

  Lily entered the Island Café just after lunch, arms filled with plastic containers. She was greeted by Jude’s perpetual smile. “Lily, come in. What have you got for me here?” Jude lifted a plastic lid and took a whiff. “Amazing, can’t wait to try them.”

  Lily laid the trays on the counter and carefully removed all of the lids. “Three varieties for you to choose from, and they’ll still be fresh for tomorrow’s breakfast.”

  Jude pulled out a plate and fork to taste them. “Can I get you something to drink? A mocha or cappuccino?

  “Thanks, make it a mocha. It’s that kind of day.”

  Jude pressed the brew button and started steaming the milk, then handed Lily a foamy delight. “Extra chocolate, extra hot, just the way you like it. And it’s on the house, no arguments from you, my friend.”

  The woman’s kindness touched her deeply. Except for Roma in LA, it had been a long time since she’d had a friend or anyone who really seemed to care about her. “Thanks, Jude,” she managed to get out between sips, her lips covered in mocha-colored foam. “I have some other recipe ideas for the café bakery, too. I also wanted to run by you an idea I have to do a mail order business at home. Are you sure this is a good time?”

  Jude put her arm around Lily’s shoulders and gave her a squishy hug. “It’s always a good time for you to come by. Let’s go over to the table by the window and have a look.”

  Lily pulled out a sample of each of the warm scones and put them on a plate. Using the knife she’d brought, she cut a bite-sized piece out of each and made a sample plate for Jude.

  Jude popped the frosted orange scone into her mouth. “A bite of heaven! More please.”

  Lily lifted the plate up for Jude to choose between the cinnamon and the lemon thyme.

  “The lemon thyme is divine.” Jude took a sip of water and popped the fragrant cinnamon scone into her mouth. This time she only moaned. “How many did you bring? I want them all.”

  “A dozen of each, but I can always bring more. Just let me know.”

  Jude carried the Tupperware filled with scones to the kitchen and came back with her checkbook. “I can sell these for $3.00 a piece, with a great markup. How does that work for you?”

  “Perfect,” Lily said. She watched Jude write a check for her first sale for the soon-to-be Grandma Maggie’s Baking Company. She looked at the check. “There’s a bit extra here?”

  Jude smiled. “For delivery costs.”

  “You’re always so kind to me Jude, so—”

  “Lily, it’s easy to be kind to you. Now tell me what it is you really want to talk about. You look like you’re holding back a storm.”

  Lily began to sob, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I just don’t know what to do. First I get anonymous threats in the mail, then there’s Brad’s constant pressure.”

  Jude frowned. “What do you mean threats?”

  Lily shook her head. “It’s
probably nothing, some prank.”

  “What did it say?”

  “Well,” Lily said, “something about the house not belonging to me and not to get comfortable.”

  Jude’s face turned pale. “No name?”

  “Nothing,” Lily said. “I hardly thought about it until now because I was too preoccupied with Brad cancelling the credit cards and freezing our joint checking account. I had to fly down to L.A. and meet with an attorney.”

  Jude reached across the table and took Lily’s hands. “You should have told me sooner. As for that no-good, soon-to-be-ex-husband of yours, just let me get my hands on him.”

  Lily laughed out loud. “I’d like to see that!”

  “Believe me, I’ll be right there at your side helping you. He will not win. Now, let’s see those other recipe ideas you were talking about and get to work making you a bakeress extraordinaire!”

  ✦✦✦✦

  The afternoon meeting at the café was coming along very nicely. Jude had ordered enough baked goods to keep Lily in the kitchen for many hours, not to mention help her pay some bills.

  Lily sipped the last of her very tasty mocha. “I had the McPhersons over for dinner a few weeks ago.”

  Jude’s eyes twinkled. “How did that go?”

  “They’re a wonderful family.” Lily thought about the warm meal and even warmer company.

  Jude winked at her. “That Ian’s pretty nice himself.”

  “I’m not interested in dating right now.”

  “Wow, Lily, who said anything about dating? Not me.”

  The front door chimed and Lily looked up. For a moment, she thought the tall redheaded woman had a glow around her. She blinked and looked again. It was gone now. Must have been the sunlight hitting that radiant hair, only there was no sunlight today.

  The lithe woman wandered over to the bar. Jude rose to greet her. Was there anyone Jude did not know?

  The woman’s presence was startling. The model-thin body sculpted into old jeans and wrapped with a colorful coat looked like she belonged in a magazine. A deep purple scarf was wrapped around her elegant neck and glowed as if it were specked with moonlight.

  Caught staring, Lily lowered her eyes and studied her coffee cup. The two women were heading in her direction.

  “Lily,” Jude said, “I’d like you to meet a fellow entrepreneur here in town, Kyla.”

  Kyla took Lily’s outreached hand and stared into her eyes. “You’re Lily.”

  Lily wasn’t sure if it was a question or a statement.

  Jude went on, “Kyla owns Tea & Comfort in the cottage shop down the block. You must get over there and try some of her homemade brews and scented candles.”

  Tea and herbal products sounded intriguing, but Lily wondered where the comfort part of the name came in. No sooner had that thought crossed her mind than Kyla spoke the answer to her unvoiced question.

  “My homegrown remedies, teas, and scents bring well-being to many of my customers.”

  “Not to mention the ambiance and those delicious licorice tea cakes,” Jude piped in.

  “I would love to come by sometime,” Lily said.

  Kyla’s emerald eyes twinkled, “Do come. I can brew up some transition tea for you.” With that, Kyla turned and headed for a table alone in the corner.

  For a moment, Lily felt disoriented, and her appetite seemed to have vanished. Maybe she would pay this woman a visit sometime soon…or maybe not.

  Jude rose to clear off the dishes and headed toward the kitchen. “I gotta get back to work before the dinner crowd comes in. Have a good day.”

  And with that, Lily’s first successful sale was concluded.

  Chapter Twelve

  Jude watched Lily walk out the café door. She was a bit worried about that girl and had a pretty good idea who’d sent the note. Lily’s father. Rumor had it the last ten years her dear old dad had been in and out of rehab and in jail for a bungled check fraud scam. The last thing Lily needed right now was for Jerold Parkins to waltz back into her life and demand his rights to the house. That girl had been through enough.

  Jude went behind the bar and looked up Mike’s number, the attorney in town. The phone rang once before the gruff voice answered. He was all bark and no bite. That is, unless you crossed him.

  “Hi, hope I’m not bothering you. It’s Jude. Can I interest you in coming down for a free bacon burger and a beer?” She knew he could never turn down that offer. “No, nothing is wrong,” she answered. “I just have some questions.”

  Jude ordered the burger and pulled out a bottle of Pale Ale and a chilled glass. True to his word, Mike popped in the door a minute later wearing his favorite Mariners baseball hat.

  “Right on time,” Jude said, motioning for him to follow her to a quiet booth in the corner. She set the bottle down on the table and slid into the seat opposite him.

  “So what’s up that requires my immediate presence?” he asked.

  His eyes looked concerned. He was the real deal when it came to a friend. “It’s not about me.”

  “Okay,” he said. “So who?”

  Jude sighed. “I think Jerold Perkins is back in town and looking to cause trouble.”

  Mike scrunched his face, narrowing his eyes. “I’d heard he was calling lawyers around the island looking for representation for something. He knew better than to call me. After what he did to Maggie, I would have kicked his butt.”

  “And he deserves it, if anyone does.”

  Karen brought over the oversized bacon burger, oozing out the sides with cheese, and placed it before Mike. “Enjoy.”

  He took a giant bite and rinsed it down with a gulp of ale. Between bites he asked, “So what makes you think he’s back?”

  “Lily, Maggie’s granddaughter, stopped by this morning and told me she received an anonymous note telling her not to get too comfortable in her house because it didn’t belong to her. Who else would do something like that?”

  “You’re probably right,” Mike said. “Jerold was most likely shopping for a lawyer to help break the will.”

  “Damn him, can he get away with that?”

  “Probably not, but that won’t stop him from trying. I’ll put some feelers out and see what I can do.”

  Jude got up and hugged Mike. “I can’t thank you enough. Free lunches for a week.”

  Mike waved her way. “Not necessary. I’m happy to do it.”

  “Well at least have another Pale Ale and dessert, on me.”

  Mike smiled and took another large bite from the burger.

  Jude walked back to check what the customers at the bar wanted for lunch. As she worked, her mind drifted back to Lily. Mike would do all he could, she was sure of that. Just how far would Jerold go? She better call John McPherson, Lily’s neighbor, and tell him to keep an out for anyone suspicious hanging around. She liked Lily and wanted to see her succeed. Maggie would have been so proud to see her granddaughter here, baking in her kitchen. Jude secretly hoped Lily would stay and reopen the inn. She fit right in here on Madrona Island.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Lily leaned out the parlor window and watched Jason running in the field between their houses with Gretel. A flicker of joy caught her off guard. She had promised Jason a special snack and something for the dog, too. He’d probably like some of those chocolate chip cookies she’d baked this morning, and so would John. The pumpkin dog treats she’d experimented with could be tried out on Gretel. She could fix up a basket…why not? The memory of Ian’s sapphire eyes almost had her abandoning her plans. She should not encourage that attraction. But they were neighbors; she should be friendly. She selected a straw basket and lined it with a checkered linen napkin. The cookies were still warm, and the chocolate chunks still glistened under the light.

  Parka on, she started across the slushy field toward John’s house. Jason must have gone inside, but she could see Gretel stop, lift her head and sniff the air, then race like the wind to greet her. Lily bent and stroked the shiny
black fur, fending off the wet kisses and trying to keep her balance.

  “Down, girl,” Ian said with a clap of his hands, “let the poor lady stand up.”

  Lily looked up to see Ian’s tall, lanky frame shadowing her. Grasping the basket, she stood. “It’s okay, she’s a real sweetheart.”

  “That she is,” he said, patting the dog’s head affectionately. “Can I give you a hand with that basket?”

  She hesitated. “Sure. These are for Jason and your Grandpa John. A little snack for Gretel, too.”

  Ian lifted the napkin and inhaled. “And for me too, I hope.”

  His lopsided grin unnerved her. “Of course, sure, for you too.”

  “Jason’s inside, would you like to come in?”

  “That would be nice.”

  Ian held the door open for her and she hurried through, followed by Gretel. “We have a visitor,” he announced. “And she’s bearing gifts.”

  Jason was at his father’s side in a flash, his hand in the basket, snatching a cookie. “Cookies,” he mumbled, mouth full, “and they’re still hot!”

  Ian grabbed some napkins, placing them on the table. “Should I get the milk? Make coffee?”

  Everyone looked at Lily. “Well, I guess I could stay awhile.”

  John rose from his easy chair. “It’s settled then,” he said, offering Lily a chair at the dining room table. “We can use some good company around here, especially such a lovely lady.”

  John laid out some napkins and poured everyone a large glass of milk.

  “These are great,” Jason said, wiping the oozing chocolate off his chin with his shirt sleeve.

  “Use a napkin,” Ian said.

  “Thanks, next time I’ll bring some of my scones for you all to try.”

  John took a big drink of milk and picked up another cookie. “So, Lily, how are you getting along over there in that big house?”