Molly nodded.
Desdemona’s gaze slid back to Elisa. “My guess is, at the base of all your difficulties, we’ll find a man that’s done you wrong. You and this baby.”
“I—I had a problem when I first got to town,” Elisa said. “Tucker took us in while I dealt with it. He’s a good man.”
“I have no doubt about that. Been hearin’ nothin’ but good about those handsome Wylder brothers. Haven’t been lucky enough to more than eyeball any of them yet, though.” She grinned at Molly, then nodded toward Daisy. “My guess is this little one’s daddy didn’t treat you quite as well.”
Elisa froze. Grandma Nita had frowned on publicly airing dirty laundry and taught her that a person kept her worries to herself. With Daisy sitting here all ears, this conversation wasn’t going to happen.
Before she could decide what to say, Molly came to her rescue.
“Mrs. Hamilton, why don’t you have a cookie?” Molly held out the tray.
“Don’t mind if I do.” Desdemona, at five-six and running right around a hundred-seventy or so pounds, helped herself to one. “But I have to warn you. This won’t keep me from pryin’. And the name’s Desdemona Rosebud, not Mrs. Hamilton. Never did stand on formality.” She licked a crumb from her lip. “Delicious. You should sell these, Molly. You’d make a fortune.”
“Actually, I bought them this morning from Tansy over at her Sweet Dreams bakery.”
“Heard she’d opened a new shop and that Kitty finally retired. End of one era and the beginning of another.” She shook her head. “I’ll have to stop by there on my way home. She bakes like this, she’ll do fine.” Desdemona Rosebud concentrated on the cookie for a few seconds. “Didn’t mean to eavesdrop earlier.” Her nose wrinkled. “Oh hell, yes I did. I’m guessin’ you saw the doc.”
“The doc?”
“Yancy Hawkins.”
“Actually, I was delivered, quite literally, to his doorstep by ambulance.”
Desdemona’s plucked and penciled brows arched. “Really?”
“The woman passed out at Tuck’s feet in Frank’s old place.” Lettie delivered the news in her dry manner. “Had the boy flustered.”
Elisa blushed. “He was wonderful. The doctor, I mean. Well, Tuck was pretty great, too, but Doctor Hawkins wouldn’t even let me pay him.”
“Yancy’s one of the good guys.”
Desdemona’s eyes turned just dreamy enough that Elisa wondered if he and this woman had some history. Maybe a few embers still glowed from whatever fire once existed between them.
Then Desdemona turned serious. “Your mama plannin’ on helpin’ you once you get to Charleston?”
“She won’t be there.” Elisa hesitated, then decided what the heck. Trying to hold back against this steamroller was useless. “And because she won’t be home, I can go there.”
“I see.” Desdemona popped the last bite of cookie into her mouth, then slowly sipped her tea.
Elisa could practically smell the smoke as the other woman’s mind revved into high gear. She liked Desdemona, but the woman had something up her sleeve and it was making Elisa nervous.
“I’d like to show you something. You have a little time?”
She grimaced. “I have nothing but time.”
“Finish your tea and have a cookie while you’re at it.” She shoved one at Elisa and handed one to Daisy. “You, too, sweetheart.”
“Thank you.” Daisy beamed a smile at her.
“Good manners. I like that. Yes, I do.”
Said the spider to the fly, Elisa thought.
* * *
As though she didn’t have a care in the world, Desdemona Rosebud sauntered down Main Street beside Elisa. Daisy danced beside them, twirling and singing “Itsy Bitsy Spider”. Elisa found it more than a little ironic, considering her earlier thought.
“We’re only walking to the corner. Well, not quite that far.”
Elisa frowned.
“Have you noticed the bower there?” Desdemona asked.
“How could anyone miss it? It looks like the entrance to a fairy land.”
Desdemona smiled. “I like to think so, too, but I’m afraid I’ve neglected it. It needs sprucing up. I’ll get Teddy or someone to do that. Maybe Cole can help.”
“With the bower?”
“No, Teddy, my handyman, will take care of that. I’ll need Cole’s help with the building, though. He’s married to Jenni Beth, the owner of Magnolia Brides, and runs the most amazing architectural salvage business in Savannah. The man can find anything.” Desdemona glanced at Elisa and noticed her furrowed forehead. “Ahh, you haven’t noticed the small building at the end of the path.”
“I haven’t, no, but then, I’ve not exactly been out and around. My car was sick.”
“The Wylders get it runnin’ for you?”
“Yes, they did.”
“The building’s pretty well hidden right now.” They stopped at the overgrown bower, and Desdemona pushed aside the leafy vines. “Go ahead. It’s okay. I own the place.”
“You own this?”
“Look, Mommy. A pretty house.” Daisy ran toward the porch.
“Wait, sweetie.” Puzzled, Elisa stared at the magical little building. With elaborate Victorian gingerbread trim along the gables and over the doors and windows, it looked like a dollhouse. She turned to her new friend. “What is it?”
“It’s not so much what it is as what it could be. What I’d like it to be. I’m hoping to turn it into a bookstore. A cozy, get-away-from-reality bookstore. Misty Bottoms could use one.”
“A bookstore.” Elisa sighed. “I wanted to be a writer, wanted to create stories that would wrap around people and take them away from their own worries, even if only for a little while. I especially wanted to write romances with their happily-ever-afters.” She shook her head. “I tried, but the truth? I suck at it. I also sucked at creating my own happily-ever-after. My strength lies in enjoying stories others create—and sharing them. The librarian job I had in my hometown fit me to a T.”
Desdemona wrapped an arm around Elisa’s waist. “It does take two for that fairy-tale ending, you know.”
“You’re right. It does. However, the heroine needs to pick the right hero. I fell down on the job when it came to that.”
“Maybe you just needed some practice.” Desdemona chuckled. “Myself? I’ve been busy practicing, although I’ve loved every man I’ve been with. I think Reginald was my last trip down the aisle, though. How about you? You love this guy you were married to?”
Elisa stumbled, blamed it on the uneven sidewalk. “Do I love Luke or did I love Luke?”
“Either. Your choice.” Desdemona Rosebud shrugged carelessly, but Elisa read an intensity in the woman’s gaze that belied her nonchalance.
Casting a sidelong glance at her daughter, Elisa said, “I’m not sure this is a good time—”
“You’re absolutely right, and I’m a nosy old busybody.”
“An old busybody? Oh, you’re so far from that!”
“I notice you didn’t denounce the nosy part.” Desdemona’s eyes sparkled good-naturedly.
“No, I didn’t.” Elisa grinned. “Like good old George, I cannot tell a lie.”
When they laughed, Daisy skipped back to them and caught her mother’s hand. “What’s funny, Mommy?”
Elisa chucked her under the chin. “We’re talking about people and what makes them fun to be with.”
“Like Tut?”
“Yes,” Elisa answered. “Like Tut.”
“Tut?” Desdemona Rosebud’s elegant brows arched.
“That’s Daisy’s take on Tucker.” Elisa stopped in the middle of the winding brick walk and took in the little building. The place needed some work, but it had incredible bones. At a quick guesstimate, she figured there’d be eight- or nine-hundred
square feet inside to devote to the magic of books.
Oh, the possibilities. “Can’t you picture a couple of colorful Adirondack chairs on the upstairs deck? Flowers spilling over the railings from wooden planters. Maybe some ferns and an old-fashioned rosebush street-level.” She placed a hand on her cheek. “And wind chimes. Hummingbird feeders. The landscaping and the front porch would welcome customers and draw them in.”
Desdemona smiled. “You, dear, are exactly what the doctor ordered.”
Elisa made a noncommittal sound.
“If you could choose any color for this building, what would it be?”
“I don’t even need to think about that. I’d paint it pale, pale pink with white trim. A light green door. But—” Elisa held up a finger. “If you want a bookstore that guys will be willing to step into, I’d lean toward the deep green or garnet red of an Irish pub, again with white trim.”
“Hmmm.” Desdemona tipped her head and studied the building. “Either would be a winner, but I’m trusting Southern men are sure enough of their masculinity that a pink building won’t stop them from running in to pick up the newest CJ Box or Robert Crais book.”
“The pink would be delicate and so beautiful.” Elisa nodded. “The building is practically crying for it.”
“Have time to run to Beck’s hardware store to pick out the right shade?”
“Me?”
“The two of us. Actually, the three of us.” She tipped her head toward Daisy, who was now clambering up the steps and onto the small porch. “I think we’ll be able to agree on one. There’s a snag, though.”
“What’s that?”
“I need someone to help me set it up, to do the ordering, to run the business for me. Know anyone who needs a job and might be willing to take it on?”
Elisa felt herself pale. Stress and delight battled inside her. Had Desdemona Rosebud just offered her a chance to stay in Misty Bottoms? To stand on her own rather than be indebted to her mother?
“Mommy, Mommy, come look.” Daisy pressed her nose against the big front window.
“One minute, honey.” She turned to Desdemona. “I want to be sure I’m understanding you. Are you asking me to help with the store?”
“No. I’m asking you to run it. I’d like you to manage it for me.”
“But you don’t know me.”
“You’re wrong. When you walked into Molly’s, I knew everything I needed to know about you within minutes. I like you.” She enfolded Elisa in a big hug, the scent of her woodsy fragrance wrapping itself around them. “And I know both what it is to need a hand up and what it’s like to be alone.” She pulled back and wiped at a tear. “Damn Reginald for dying on me. I miss the old fart.”
“I’m sorry, and I know how inadequate those words are.”
“Not when they’re heartfelt.” The older woman took a steadying breath. “Want to go inside and take a quick peek?”
“Just try to keep me out.” Elisa grinned.
The inside was every bit as wonderful as the outside. Nearly the entire front wall was taken up by the door and one very large, multipaned window which brought the outside in and streaked the hardwood floors with sunlight.
Desdemona swiped a cowboy-booted foot over the dark cherry. “The floor needs cleaned and polished, but it’s in good shape under all the dust. Shame on me for letting this place sit empty so long. When I left for Colorado, it wasn’t a top priority.”
Elisa wandered to an old stone fireplace. “Does this work?”
“Sure does. I’ll have a sweeper come clean it out, though, and make sure some little birdie hasn’t built herself a nest in it.”
“A birdie?” Daisy’s eyes grew wide and she crouched to look up inside it.
“See anything?” Elisa asked.
Daisy shook her head.
“Good.” Desdemona nodded, setting her massive turquoise chandelier earrings swinging. “I thought we could line this back wall and the left wall with bookshelves, fit a couple of smaller ones beside the fireplace.”
“Maybe a pair of chairs here in front of the window,” Elisa added. “Give customers a place to relax. A side table with a cute lamp, a vase of flowers, and the newest bestsellers on it. Make it feel like a well-loved sitting room. Again, welcome those guests in and hold them hostage.”
“Mm-hmm. Exactly what I want.” Desdemona’s eyes took on a sharper look. “What about you?”
“Me?”
“I want you, too.”
Chapter 13
Fifteen minutes later, Elisa neared the parking lot outside Elliot’s Lumber Yard in her old Ford Escort. Ahead of her, Desdemona drove a snazzy new Land Rover.
Elisa used the short drive to settle her nerves and decide what portion of the flutters in her stomach were caused by excitement and what percentage were the result of anxiety bordering on terror.
When she’d woken this morning, who’d have guessed that before lunch rolled around an opportunity like this would practically fall into her lap? Still, she hesitated. The offer didn’t come without consequences—good and bad. It was a huge decision, one that affected not only her but her daughter.
Her mind was a jumble. She loved, loved, loved books of all kinds, and Desdemona was offering her the opportunity to be a matchmaker of sorts, giving her a chance to pair people with books they’d love.
The biggest bonus? She could be independent again. She wouldn’t have to depend on her mother—or Tucker. When he’d told her last night it was time for her to leave, she’d been devastated. But he was right. It was time. She’d said so herself earlier.
And now that they’d crossed that line, it would only be harder to stay—and harder to leave.
Desdemona had offered her a graceful exit, a way to provide for herself and Daisy by doing what she loved. Try as she might, she couldn’t remember any of the cons, and literally pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.
Daisy talked nonstop the entire way. Thankfully, she hadn’t needed more than a few mm-hmms and head nods which gave Elisa thinking time. When they reached the lumberyard, she lifted her still-jabbering daughter out of the car and waved to her new friend. Her future employer?
Halfway across the lot, Desdemona asked, “Made up your mind yet?” She followed the question with a horse-laugh. “Sorry. I promised you time to decide, but you’ve probably guessed by now that patience isn’t my strong suit.”
Elisa squirmed. “My mind is racing with the possibilities of your offer. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a dream come true.”
Daisy stooped and picked up a handful of gravel.
“Put that down, baby. It’s dirty.”
“Okay.” Daisy slowly opened her hand and let the pebbles trickle through her unclenched fist.
“I’m dying to do this, Desdemona, but there’s a lot to consider.”
“Such as?”
“I don’t know anyone here.”
“Sure you do.” She started ticking off names on her fingers. “You know Molly and the three Wylder boys. Doc Hawkins and his receptionist. Tansy and Gracie Bella, and you’ll meet Beck, Tansy’s good-looking guy, when we go inside. Oh, and me. That’s a darned good start. Misty Bottomers are friendly. Within a couple of weeks, you’ll feel like you were born here.”
Surprisingly, Elisa didn’t doubt that for a second. “I’ll give you that point. A bigger hurdle is a place to live. I’ll be brutally honest. I lost my job back home because of budget cuts, and it came with no warning. One morning I went to work as usual, and an hour later I didn’t have a job.”
Desdemona made to say something, but Elisa raised a hand. “Wait. As a single mother, I haven’t been able to save much.” She tipped her hand back and forth. “There are a few complications that made it even tougher, things I don’t want to go into right now. I’m not feeling sorry for myself, just telling it like
it is.” She paused. “There’s something about you that makes me so comfortable.”
“I’m glad, because I feel the same way. That’s one of the reasons I might be able to help.”
“By offering me a job. I understand and appreciate that. I’m not sure, though, as much as I want it, that I can afford to take the job.” She shook her head. “And how sad is that?”
“Move in with me.”
“Excuse me?”
“Move in with me. I’ve got a big old house with way more room than I need. It’s totally over the top for one person, but it’s been mine forever. I was born there, and I’ve kept it through all three husbands. The house gives me a sense of security, knowing I have a place to come home to. You and Daisy would have an upstairs suite to yourself, so you’d be able to get away when I drive you crazy.”
“I can’t do that,” Elisa said.
“Why not?”
“Why can’t I impose on you?”
Desdemona frowned. “Impose? Correct me if I’m wrong, but unless I’ve taken a turn into la-la land, this was my idea. Believe me, I wouldn’t have made the offer if I didn’t want you. As for that little one? It would be a true joy to have a young child in the house. Bring some life to it.”
“Oh, she’d do that, believe me.”
“Tell you what. I still see doubt in your eyes. How about, for now, we go pick out that paint? Exterior and interior. I’ll have Beck set me up with someone to do the actual painting.”
Elisa started to argue that she wasn’t the one who should choose the color.
“The place needs tending to, regardless of who I hire to run it. You can at least get me on the right road by helping with the color scheme, can’t you?” Pulling a lace-edged, perfumed hanky from her purse, she dabbed at her face, then fanned herself. “Let’s head inside. The calendar might say October and the town might be crazy with pumpkins, but I’ve been in Colorado’s mountains too long. I’ve got to reset my internal thermostat to match the Low Country’s climate. I’m starting to sparkle.”
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