“The bowling alley flooded.”
Theo’s eyes moved up to Jordan.
“And not just a little,” he told her.
“Oh, no …”
“The lanes were full,” Indigo reported, her eyes big. “There was water everywhere.”
“A pipe burst. There’s a lot of damage.”
“That’s awful,” Theo said, shaking her head.
“I’m sad about the bowling alley,” Indigo said, “but you know what would be fun?” Both Jordan and Theo watched her. “What if all that water froze and made an ice rink? Then maybe I could learn how to play real hockey instead of just watching it on TV.”
6. ALL TIED UP
Theo concentrated on the silky stream of cranberry colored ribbon she had woven between her fingers. She’d been taught how to tie a bow in this very room nearly twenty years ago and had since lost count how many of those bows she’d made and attached to the hand tied wreaths that hung all over the gift shop’s walls. She’d had a ten-year hiatus, so when her hands began to cramp, she was careful not to complain about it.
“I’m happy to see you haven’t lost your touch.” Odette reached out and brushed her fingertips across the fullness of the bow. “That’s simply beautiful.”
Odette Reilly was closing in on sixty but looked closer to forty. Her raven hair had gone silver in the front. This had happened naturally, but it looked as if she’d spent a fortune to have it done at the Snowshoe Hair. She wore it in a chunky bob that brushed the tops of her shoulders, and although it was December, her soft skin still held color in it from warmer months. When she smiled, her dark blue eyes sparkled, and Theo was sure that Odette was one of the most genuine people she’d ever met.
“Was that my granddaughter I saw outside with the goats?”
Theo blinked but didn’t break eye contact with Odette.
“Cute kid? Blonde with a rainbow cat hat on her head?”
“That’s the one.”
“Then yes, it’s your granddaughter you saw.”
“Doesn’t she have dance lessons on Saturday morning?”
“She used to. She doesn’t anymore.”
“Hand me that gold ribbon, will you, Odie?” Mamie asked. “Everyone bitches about working with the metallic stuff. I’d rather just make those bows myself so I don’t have to listen to all the whining.”
Odette gave Theo a small smile, then reached over to grab two large spools of ribbon. “These are just the silver,” she said, moving to another cupboard. “I’ve got copper and gold, too.”
“Hand it all over.” Mamie held out her hands. “If I was looking for a job, I probably wouldn’t put it on my resume, but the truth is, I make a kick ass bow. Let’s not let that dubious talent go to waste.”
“Do you have more wire?” Theo turned to Odette. “Mamie’s making bows, I’ll tie wreaths so she has something to put them on.”
“Oh, you Murphys,” Odette said clapping her hands. “Powerhouses, that’s what you are. Thank goodness you’re in my workshop. Wire, coming up.”
“Cleopatra filled me in on Indigo’s therapy session,” Mamie commented.
Theo felt a pit hollow out in her belly. “It was a little rough this week.”
“The child may never want to go back to the hotel. I think Patty’s starting to realize that.”
“I wish I could make it easier for her.”
Mamie turned and stared at her youngest daughter. “Easier than raising her child for her?”
Theo reached for a pine bough and put it in place. Odette was quiet when she handed Theo another spool of wire, and Theo took it from her, cutting a length of it before securing the bough.
“I’ll do whatever I can to make sure Indie’s okay. Whatever is in her best interest, that’s what I want.”
“That’s why you’re her guardian,” Mamie told her. “That’s what’s in her best interest. Now hand me that pair of pliers, will you, Odie? I don’t like these. The handles are too small.”
Odette did as she was asked, and the three of them went back to their work. Apparently Mamie had shared what had been on her mind, which meant the conversation was over.
For the next hour, Mamie crafted beautiful bows out of long strips of shiny ribbon while Theo gathered a collection of fragrant pine boughs and bound a number of wreaths. Odette buzzed around like a hummingbird on caffeine, unboxing holiday scented candles, glass picture frames, mugs, and culinary gifts like packaged pasta, beef jerky, popcorn, flavored honeys and nut butters. Theo was listening to the sound of Odette’s pricing gun when Delaney walked into the room.
“Okay, boss. Put me to work.”
Theo looked up and gave her friend a smile. The cramping in her fingers had gotten worse, so she finished tying the wreath she’d been working on and slid off her stool.
“You can take my place if you want.”
“You’re not done are you?” Mamie sounded almost accusatory.
“Not even close,” Theo assured her. “I just need a short break. I have many more wreaths to make before the day is through.” She opened and closed her hands and looked at the pile she’d managed to build up.
