Find Wonder in All Things - By Karen M. Cox Page 0,55
didn’t remember Susan ever coming to the Pendletons’ boat when they were growing up.
“Gary and I came to an art show where you were displaying your pottery last year in Tennessee.”
“Really?”
Susan nodded. “I didn’t make the connection then. I — ” She stopped again. “Well, I finally put it all together when Ginny and I were talking.”
“I wish I remembered meeting you. The Tennessee show was a madhouse.”
“There were at least a couple of thousand people there that day. I’m not surprised you don’t.”
“Well then, I guess it’s good to meet you again.”
“I bought one of your vases at that fair, and I just love it. Not only is your work beautiful, it’s durable too. You know, Midwestern girls like me appreciate that. We have that practical streak.”
Laurel blushed at the compliment. “You’re very kind.”
“Do you have any new designs this year? I might just need to get something for myself as well.”
“Oh, of course.” Laurel indicated her display, stepping back and gesturing with her hand. “Look all you like, and let me know if you have any questions.”
After a few minutes, Laurel ventured cautiously, “So, how do you like the lake area? Are you settling in?”
Susan looked her directly in the eye the way James used to. “We absolutely love it. After Gary retired from the Navy, we wanted a place to put down some roots. Kentucky is close to my parents” — She leaned over and whispered in a knowing tone — “but not too close if you know what I mean.”
So she was blunt like James too. Laurel smiled. “I think I might.”
“And Gary doesn’t have any family still living, so anywhere quiet was fine with him. Now, if only we could get my brother somewhere on this side of the country, I’d be happy as a clam.”
Susan turned and called to the man who was with her. “Gary! Come meet Ginny Pendleton’s sister.”
A man who was maybe ten years older than Susan strode up to the booth. He was rugged in appearance, not especially handsome, but he had a smile that was warm and friendly. His graying hair was cropped close to his head, apparently a holdover from his years in the military, and his sky-blue eyes were striking in his weathered face. He held out his hand and gave Laurel a hearty handshake.
“Hello!” he boomed. “Gary Murtowski.”
“Laurel Elliot.”
“Ah yes, the famous Laurel Elliot. Your sister sings your praises, and my wife loves your work.”
“Thank you.”
“You from around here?”
“No, Gary,” Susan cut in, “Remember? She lives in our neck of the woods in a cabin above Uppercross Hollow.”
“That’s right, that’s right. You’re a neighbor. I have to say, I really like the neighbors around our new place. Nice people.” He winked at her. “Present company, included. My brother-in-law, James, said he knew you, but he neglected to say how pretty you are.”
“Gary, you’re an awful flirt! You’re embarrassing her.”
“Aw, surely not,” he insisted.
Laurel laughed through her blushes. “Don’t be too hard on him, Susan. It’s not hard to make me self-conscious — really no challenge at all.”
Spring returned then, handing Laurel her soda and her change. The Murtowskis introduced themselves and began a conversation with Spring about her college plans. Normally, Spring was tight-lipped with adults, but Susan and Gary’s engaging personalities made it easy to speak with them, regardless of the age gap.
Susan turned to her husband. “Best drag out your wallet and pay for my purchases, Gary. I’m sure Laurel has other buyers that need her attention.” She nodded toward a clique that was making its way up the row.
“Oh, no please,” Laurel replied. “Consider them a welcome gift.”
“Nonsense,” said Gary. “We insist. We remember the struggling artist scenario. James lived it for a couple of years, didn’t he, my dear?”
Susan nodded. “I worried about him constantly. Still do, but that’s what big sisters are for. You know how that goes, being a big sister yourself.”
Laurel put her arm around Spring’s shoulders. “Yes, I can relate.” She turned to her money box. “Here, let me get you a receipt.”
As she wrote out the slip, Susan invited her to have lunch one day next week. They set a date, and in a whirl, the Murtowskis were gone.
Laurel sat down with a thud, her face flushed and her heart beating rapidly.
“You okay?” Spring asked.
“Just hot.” Laurel reached over, grabbed her soda off the table, and took several swigs.
After that, the sisters sat under the tent, fanning themselves with programs and listening to the murmur of conversations