Darla took out three clipboards and passed them to the person sitting to her right. “Sounds perfect. I’m passing out sign-up sheets for the next three events. I’ve added a May Flowers Festival as well as a June wedding event where we’re bringing in some highly qualified wedding planners, florists, and caterers for your enjoyment. This event will be at the community center, and all the bed-and-breakfast owners are giving away a free weekend stay to bring in visitors.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Amy literally purred. “I know I’ll be spending all day at the event.”
I stared at my friend. “You already have your entire wedding planned. And the ceremony will be over by then anyway. You’re getting married the end of the month.”
“Don’t say that, you’ll jinx it.” Amy didn’t meet my gaze. “Plans change. Look at your aunt and Harrold. They were going to do a big wedding in the city and instead visited an Elvis impersonator. Besides, I don’t think Justin has picked out a honeymoon destination yet. If he’s not committed to something by then, I’m dragging him in that gym with me and making him sign up for something with the travel agent from Bakerstown.”
“Not the most cooperative way to start a marriage, but you do you.” I understood where my friend was coming from and I was pretty sure she wouldn’t actually do it. Or at least I hoped. It has been a long engagement.
Darla glanced around the room, watching to see who was signing up on what clipboard. “If there aren’t any questions, I’ll send out emails to the new committees and I’ll see all of you at the St. Patrick’s Day Street Fair.”
“Sounds fun.” The artist who’d shushed me gave Darla a big grin and started to stand.
“Jill, did you want to close the meeting?” Darla glanced at me because I ran the meetings for the City Council, but I waved her off. It was time to get back to my real job, running Coffee, Books, and More, the only coffee shop–bookstore in the area. Darla picked up the wooden gavel we used to start and end the meetings and cracked it on the podium. “Then we’re adjourned.”
As we moved table and chairs to get my dining room back in order, Evie Marshall, our newest barista and my new renter for the apartment above the shop came in the front door. Her green eyes scanned the room as she walked around the scattered tables. She carried Homer, her tan Pom. He and Emma, my golden retriever, had met a few weekends ago at a barbecue at my house. They’d become fast friends.
“Sorry to bring him in this way, Jill.” Evie stopped by where I’d been arranging a table. “I forgot to grab my keys when I went out and the back door locked on me.”
Homer reached his neck so he could sniff me. I swear, the dog could smell a cookie crumb or treat from a mile away. I rubbed between his ears and focused on Evie. She had her hair in tiny braids, each one with at least one colored bead weaved in. She looked great in sweats and no makeup. I should have hated her for that alone, but she was an amazing barista and had a wide knowledge of books too. And she was nice. “No worries. Evie, have you met our newest business owner here in South Cove? This is Meredith Cole.”
“So nice to meet you.” Meredith reached out to pet Homer, but a small growl emitted from the dog’s throat. “Sorry, I should have asked first.”
“He’s usually great with strangers. Maybe he’s just had too much change lately.” Evie pulled him closer to her chest and put her hand over his nose to keep him from actually biting the newcomer.
“Totally my bad. I was raised with dogs. I should know better.” Meredith flashed Evie a smile, then turned to me. “I was just making sure you were coming tonight. Neal and I are buying the wine this afternoon, so I wanted to get a solid head count. You and your guy, Greg, right?”
I nodded. As long as there wasn’t a crazy problem that kept him at the station, we’d be there. “I’m coming. And Greg’s onboard. Unless something happens.”
“Remind me. He’s a firefighter?”
Amy snorted. “Nope. Greg’s our local police detective. He should be police chief, but Mayor Baylor keeps shooting down the title change. He’s afraid Greg’s going to challenge him for his mayoral spot.”