Abby hated being the center of attention, but right now she didn’t seem to mind, especially when it came from someone as openly friendly as Jess Collins.
“This place is amazing,” Abby remarked, still glowing in the warmth of the welcome. “Treasures is definitely a
good name for it. You’ve got everything in here.”
Jess beamed. “The family didn’t think I could make a go of it, but we brought them around, huh, Tom?” She looked up at Tom with affection written all over her face. “Tom made all of my shelves and tables, you know. He believed in this place before the rest of the family did. And I haven’t forgotten that.”
Something significant seemed to pass between the cousins but after a moment it was gone. “Come on, I’ll give you a tour. You should come back on the weekend. We’re having a beading workshop on Saturday morning. Within an hour you’ll have a gorgeous pair of earrings or even a necklace.”
“We’re headed to Portland on Saturday to shop for cupboards and a countertop,” Tom replied.
“Right,” Abby echoed. “Sorry. I really wish I could.” She was shocked to find that she meant the words. She’d never really been a joiner before. And she wasn’t staying in Jewell Cove, so it didn’t really make sense to foster any new friendships, did it?
Jess paused. “But Tom, Saturday is the picnic at Sarah’s. You promised.”
There was that look again. Abby’s gaze went back and forth between the two of them. Tom’s jaw tightened, Jess’s eyes narrowed.
“You can’t back out now,” she threatened. “You promised Mom.”
“No one will miss me.” He shrugged.
But Jess shook her head and put her hand on his arm, stopping him from turning away. “Everyone will miss you.” There was an accent on the word “everyone” that Abby didn’t miss. Jess smiled at Abby but there was worry in her dark eyes. “My brother is moving back to town, and we’re having a family picnic at my sister Sarah’s. She’s got fireworks and Tom’s already built a dance floor.”
“Jess,” Tom said, his voice thick with warning.
“It’s okay, Tom,” Abby said. “We can do it another day. I’m free whenever. You should spend time with your family.”
Tom’s gaze fell on her. “If we left for Portland a little earlier, we could be back in time for supper.” He glanced at Jess. “Would that make everyone happy?”
“As long as you show up. Abby, why don’t you come along, too? The more the merrier.”
“Oh, I couldn’t intrude on a family thing. Tom can just drop me off at the house when we’re done.”
“Don’t be silly. There’ll be a ton of food, and it’d give you a chance to meet a few more people. It must be lonely in that old house by yourself, especially on a Saturday night. Besides, it would be good for Tom to—”
“Jess,” Tom said sharply, surprising Abby. Jess’s lips closed in surprise and Abby got the sense that there was a whole other conversation going on beneath what was actually being said.
But then Tom’s hand touched the small of Abby’s back. “Why don’t you come,” he suggested, his voice rumbling in her ear. “I know I’m not the best company, but it’s better than spending a Saturday night by yourself, isn’t it? And like Jess said, you’ll get a chance to meet some people. For the most part…” He aimed a telling glare at Jess. “My family is quite nice.”
The warmth of his hand soaked through her light shirt and tingles seemed to run down to her toes. “If I do come, what should I bring?” she found herself asking. Lord, she really was weak where he was concerned, wasn’t she? One little touch and she was ready to do whatever he asked.
“Just yourself,” Jess insisted. “Trust me. There’ll be lots to eat. My sister always goes overboard with these things, thinking she’s feeding an army. We never complain because then we all get leftovers to last a week.”
It was the first time Abby had been invited anywhere since arriving in town. There were always a few people who would say hello at the café or in line at the grocery store, but this was the first real overture of friendship. If the rest of Tom’s family was as nice as Jess seemed to be, it would be an enjoyable evening. Why shouldn’t she go?
“I guess I could come along,” she replied, and Jess smiled.
“Great. Now shoo, Tom. I’m not paying you to stand around, am I?”
Tom raised one eyebrow at his cousin while she winked audaciously. Abby wondered if Jess was paying him anything at all.
“I’m going,” he muttered, but before he went outside again he spoke to Abby. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Now that the exterminator’s been by, I’ll start with tightening up the doors and windows. The roofers are coming next Monday to replace the roof.” He smiled down at her then looked at Jess. “See ya, slave driver.”
Jess linked her arm with Abby’s and drew her away. “Come on, let me show you around. Upstairs is my workshop, and that’s where I hold my classes. Down here is the main store, and I make most of the stuff myself. A few other local artisans sell on consignment, which helps me keep my stock up. And the quilts are done by a ladies’ group with the proceeds going to charity.”
The door to the shop closed and moments later Abby heard the dull drone of the saw. Jess was in the middle of showing her a display of felted hats when Abby had to ask.
“What were you going to say earlier? That it would be good for Tom to what?”