Page 3 of Yours, Always
“I haven’t been around here enough to say, but we’re definitely getting to the witching season.” Devlin pointed to the Halloween decor she’d already started setting up in her shop.
“That’s true.” Prudence loved the various jack-o-lanterns, witches with their cauldrons and spooky ghosts that had started popping up over the last week or so.
“I know it’s still well over a month until Halloween, but this is my favorite season, and I can’t help but get the pumpkins and witches out once the air starts to get chilly.” Devlin’s face broke out into a big smile as she surveyed her shop with pride, then pointed to the intricate chalkboard menu. “The weather really does seem to get people in the mood for the fall drink flavors. They might not get a coffee all year, but as soon as the words ‘pumpkin spice’ show up they’re in here so fast. In fact, to celebrate my second Fall Festival, I’ve come up with some new flavors. Do you want to try a Caramel CinnaBun Latte or a Maple Hot Apple Cider?”
Prudence clapped her hands with excitement. “Oooh! Caramel CinnaBun Latte? I’ll have that, please.”
“Did you want anything else, Annabelle?” Devlin asked.
“I’ll take another black house blend, please,” Annabelle requested as Devlin cleared the table. “Have I ever mentioned how much I love that you decided to open your shop in Amber Falls, Devlin?”
“Almost every time you come in!”
“Well, I’ll say it again.” Annabelle laughed. “I can’t tell you enough. Oh, hey are we going to have a Verity Awards watch party Sunday night?”
“I like the awards shows well enough, but I’ve never been to a watch party. Although I do like that movie Greyson Atwood was in, I hope he wins.”
Annabelle looked thoughtful. “You know Greyson hasn’t been home since the first Ben Stone movie came out.”
Devlin glanced between the two of them, confused.
“Greyson is from Amber Falls,” Prudence explained. “We’ve been friends since kindergarten.”
Devlin’s eyes widened. “I had no clue! I love the Ben Stone movies. You guys have never mentioned him. You’d think the ‘Welcome to Amber Falls’ sign would have ‘Home of Greyson Atwood’ on it.”
Annabelle’s eyes twinkled with mirth. “That’s exactly what Greyson said, except being the famous Hollywood actor he is, he refused to accept anything other than top billing. He insisted to the city council that his name go above the city’s name. They refused, so he said he didn’t want his name on there at all.”
Prudence chuckled at the memory of that day and the city council meeting. Greyson had only been in town to help his newly retired parents pack for their move to Boca, and the city council had taken that opportunity to suggest the sign change. Annabelle had called Greyson a diva, then endearingly started calling him by other action stars’ names from that day forward, although they knew at the heart of it all Greyson just wanted to be able to come home without any notoriety.
Annabelle continued, “He’d had one movie come out at the time and thought he was big stuff. Of course, since then his star has risen quickly, and other people have petitioned the city council to get his name on the signs, but so far they’ve refused to hear any other proposals.”
“Maybe they’ll hear a proposal whenever Greyson finally comes home,” Prudence wondered. “Gabe might be able to help with that.”
“Why Gabe?” Devlin questioned.
“They’re brothers,” Annabelle said.
Devlin held up her hand. “Wait a sec! Gabe is Greyson Atwood’s brother? I assumed his last name was Finnegan.”
Prudence nodded. “He doesn’t want anything to do with the spotlight,” she confided. “Although, I’ve been told he’s name-dropped Greyson’s name occasionally. Finnegan is their mother’s maiden name, which he thought was more fitting than Atwood to name his bar.”
Devlin’s gaze shuttered as Prudence talked about Gabe, and she shifted on her feet. The short silence was broken by the antique hanging doorbell as it made a cheerful chime, announcing the arrival of new customers. Their attention was drawn to the door as two young men came in. “Hold that thought. I’ll be back in a bit with your coffees.” Devlin stood and turned, her long green skirt twirling, as she greeted the new customers on her way to the counter.
Prudence was not sure if she’d imagined the tension in Devlin when they’d talked about Gabe. She shook her head, sure that she’d find out eventually from either Gabe or Devlin if there was any animosity and the reason for it.
“What project is the master interior designer working on today, Pru?” Annabelle asked, motioning to the portfolio Prudence had leaned against the wall behind them.
“This one’s pretty easy, just a bathroom remodel.” She brought her work to the table, flipping open her tile samples. “They’re going for classic marble.”
“You can’t go wrong with that.” Annabelle leaned back in her chair. She squinted her eyes as she took in Prudence’s appearance. “Man, it looks like you ran a marathon. All hot and bothered from seeing the firemen?”
Prudence blushed. “You’re starting to sound like your mother.” Annabelle was obviously offended by this statement. “But no. I ran the last block here because I knew you were on a tight deadline today and didn’t want to miss our coffee date.”
Annabelle’s features softened, a smile crossing her face.That’s a rare occurrence as of late.
“That’s the Pru I know, always considerate of other people’s time.”
“We should probably invite The Moms if we’re going to have a watch party.” Devlin brought over two coffees, referencing Prudence and Annabelle’s moms.