~*~
The pharmacy open house was in full swing. Displays were moved again, this time to make room for the band of pickers and fiddlers, who currently rocked out “The Battle of New Orleans” as patrons circulated. Tables of food and drink were set up near the front counter, heavily weighed down with fresh watermelon, pimento cheese sandwiches, sausage balls, pinwheels, and other classic Southern party food. Wearing a swingy, A-line sundress in a bold cherry print, Riley was enjoying every minute.
The place was hopping. Part of that was due strictly to word-of-mouth and part to the front page article run in this morning’s newspaper. And part, her cynical side reminded her, was probably due to the free food. But the important thing was that people were here. Patrons she knew had moved over to Walgreens were back in her store. That didn’t guarantee they’d be moving their business back, but it was a good start. And absolutely everyone loved the Artisan Market. Zach Warren was snapping photos to document the event, and Norah’s intern, Cecily Dixon was chatting folks up, getting quotes for the town blog.
Ginny Honeycutt bounced up, a broad grin stretching across her cheeks. “Hi, Ms. Riley!”
“Hey there, sweetie. Where’s your sister?”
Tara brought up the rear, balancing two paper plates. “We just wanted to thank you again for recommending that tea tree oil. It worked wonders.”
The little girl beamed. “No more creepy feet!” And she bounced off again to join some friends.
Tara shook her head. “Someday we’ll learn about appropriate things to say in public.”
Riley laughed. “Honey, if you could hear some of the things people tell me in here. That was nothing. How’s your booth doing?”
“Already half sold out of stock. I can’t believe my jewelry’s been so popular!”
Riley tapped at the earrings she wore and grinned. “I can.”
“The market was a great idea.”
“I’m just the idea woman. Liam’s the one who made it happen.”
“Well, thanks to you both. I’d best go keep track to make sure Austin doesn’t eat you out of house and home.”
As Tara headed off, the band transitioned into a waltz. Across the room, Howard Tolleson began to circle his wife, Winnie, his cane hooked on the crook of his arm, his wrinkled cheek pressed to the top of her cloud of snowy hair.
With a happy sigh, Autumn linked her arm through Riley’s. “They are the cutest thing ever.”
“True thing.” The sight of them made her heart go gooey.
“I want that someday.”
“Don’t we all?” With a smile, Riley saw Matthew pull her mother into a dance, too.
“Well, these days, you’re closer to it than I am. Where is your other half, anyway?”
“I don’t know. Actually, now that I think about it, I haven’t seen him in a while.” Riley craned her neck, scanning the crowd for Liam. At his height, he was generally easy to spot, but she didn’t see him anywhere. “I don’t see Judd or Mitch either. Maybe somebody should go check upstairs to see if they snuck away for a six pack.”
Autumn tugged at her elb
ow. “I don’t think he snuck away for a six pack.”
Riley followed her gaze to the front door, where Liam stood decked out in his dress blues. “Oh my.”
Tall, straight, and gorgeously built, he commandeered the attention of everyone in the room as he made his way through, shaking hands, answering questions. And that smile…
Autumn tapped Riley’s chin. “Pick your jaw up, honey, you’re drooling.”
“Well, my God, he’s totally worth it.” He looked even better than she remembered from the one time she’d actually seen him in dress blues.
“Can’t argue that.”
He finally reached them, grinning from ear to ear.
“To what do I owe the glorious eye candy?” Riley asked.