by Deb Kastner
“Oh, enough, Sunny Sunshine!” she called in the direction of the screeching, leaving Summer to wonder if her aunt affixed Sunny to the start of everyone’s name these days.
The shrieking continued, growing louder as they made their way back toward the living room. There, in the far corner beside the small stone fireplace, sat a large iron cage with a colorful blur of feathers which screamed its lungs out.
Iris rushed over and unlatched the cage, then drew out the little yellow and orange bird on a delicately poised finger. “Now that’s not how you make a good first impression. Is it, Sunny?”
The bird ruffled its feathers like a marigold flower, then shook itself out.
Iris laughed. “Much better. Now meet Summer.” She puckered her lips and blew a stream of air at the little bird, who made a happy bubble-like noise. Iris then offered the parrot to Summer who took a step back.
“I-I just . . . You didn’t say anything about a bird!”
“Oh, Sunny won’t be any bother. Besides, you’ll be grateful for the company once you’re settled in and looking for a bit of fun.”
“I tend to prefer the company of humans.”
“Sunny is the human-est bird you will ever meet. Aren’t you, my baby?” She placed the little sun conure on her shoulder, and he immediately burrowed below the neckline of her blouse and stuck his head back up through the hole, making Iris look like a strange two-headed monster. Summer had to admit that Sunny was cute. Maybe she and the bird could come to some kind of agreement during their months together.
Iris—bird in tow—showed Summer around the house, pointing out which plants needed to be watered when and taking extra care when it came to describing the needs of her little feathered friend.
“Is that it?” Summer asked when the two had settled onto the loveseat following the grand tour.
“Pretty much. What else do you need to know?”
“How to run the shop, for one. Also, what am I going to do with myself to keep busy during the nights?”
“I’ve written everything down in a big binder and left it for you near the cash register. Everything in the shop is clearly marked as well. You’ll use the key with the daisy head to open up. Hours are eight to three. And as for how you’ll keep busy . . .” Her eyes flashed as she bit back a Cheshire cat-size smile. “Life in a small town is never boring. You’ll see.”
“But, Aunt Iris, aren’t you worried I’ll mess things up?”
Iris waved a hand dismissively. “You’ll figure things out. Besides Julie will be there for the first couple of days to give you on the job training.”
Summer wasn’t sure whether her aunt was talking about running the shop or about life in general. Either way, Summer sure hoped she was right.
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More from Deb Kastner
Check out Deb Kastner's other books at https://www.debkastnerbooks.com
Acknowledgments
Much thanks to Melissa Storm for all her help and patience in making this book a reality.
About the Author
Publisher's Weekly Bestselling, award-winning author of over 30 novels and 1.7 million books in print, Deb Kastner lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband and a pack of miscreant mutts. She is blessed with three adult daughters and two grandchildren. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandchildren, but she also enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music (The Texas Tenors are her fav), singing in the church choir, and exploring the Rocky Mountains on horseback.