side of the store there were dozens of branded items. Everything from shirts and koozies to jackets and snow globes. Even handmade scarves, and Christmas ornaments and cards by local artisans.
She picked up one of the ornaments. Fairly priced too.
She didn’t have time for all of this right now, though. Vanessa walked over to the cash register.
“What can I do for you?” the young lady asked.
“Hi.” She glanced at the girl’s name tag. “Misty. I’m supposed to pick up an envelope that Lilene left here for me. My name is—”
“Vanessa Larkin?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve got it right here.” The girl lifted the tray in the cash register and withdrew a card.
Vanessa accepted it and flipped it over in her hand to be sure this was indeed addressed to her. “So it is. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Can I pack you up a muffin or tea to go?”
“Umm. No. Thank you, that’s very sweet of you. I think I’m good.” A quick finger wave and Vanessa was back out in the town car. “Whew.”
She handed the directions to the driver, then pulled out one of the samples that Bettie had given to her. “You have to try this.”
He took the cake and hesitated before he put it into his mouth. “Is this fruitcake?”
She patted him on the shoulder from the backseat. “I know. I had the same reaction. Go ahead. Don’t be a wimp.”
He broke the small piece into two and lifted a half piece of cake to his mouth. She was pretty sure he was holding his breath. But once he began to chew, his eyes got wide. “That’s not fruitcake. No way,” the driver said.
“I know. It’s great. Right?”
“It tastes like more.” He popped the rest of the piece into his mouth without hesitation.
“You’re welcome.” She slid her finger beneath the back flap of the bright envelope and took out the card as he pulled away from the curb.
The card had a pretty straw basket filled with flowers and baked goods on the front. WELCOME TO FRASER HILLS was artfully inked around the artwork. Inside it read, Please let us know if we can make your stay more comfortable. You can reach one of us at Porter’s any day of the week. It was signed by Dave, Jenny, Bettie, and Misty. Below that, Welcome Vanessa, My office is upstairs, first door on the right. Next to yours. See you soon, Lilene.
She tucked the card into her purse, patting it. Her mom would have done something like that.
The driver pulled in front of a tired-looking old warehouse on the outskirts of town. “This is the address,” he announced. “You sure this is right?”
“Oh? Well, I’m not quite sure. I’ve never seen it before.”
The hulk of a man twisted in his seat. “Want me to go check it out for you first?”
“No. I’ll go.” She opened the car door. “Could you wait a minute, though? I’ll need help with my luggage.” She stepped out onto the dirt and gravel parking area.
She looked at the number on the building. It was the right address. She held the key in her hand. Hoping for the best, she walked to the door, which thankfully looked new.
If the apartment was too bad, she’d find a house somewhere nearby to rent instead. That would be a waste of good money, though. She wouldn’t be here that long. Just a matter of weeks, and the chance of a lifetime. Keep your eye on the prize. What was a few weeks in less than desirable conditions when her dream home would be in reach when she got back to Chicago?
Gravel crunched under the tires of a tan compact car as it sped through the lot and slid to a stop by the town car. A slight woman hopped out, wearing an oversize forest-green sweater with a cornucopia appliquéd across the front.
“Welcome!” The woman raced to her side. “You must be Ms. Larkin. It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Lilene. Oh, I see you got the card.”
“Lilene? Yes. Nice to meet you. Yes. I got it. That was so thoughtful. Thank you.”
“We wanted you to feel welcome.” She grabbed the key from Vanessa’s hands. “Glad I caught ya. This key can be a little tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing.” She pushed it into the keyhole, then tippy-toed as she lifted the handle, and then twisted the doorknob. Lilene gave the door a little kick with her black all-weather boot and the door swung open. “If you don’t do that