Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 126823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 634(@200wpm)___ 507(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 126823 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 634(@200wpm)___ 507(@250wpm)___ 423(@300wpm)
Janine glanced across the room toward the table where Sean and Edward were seated. “Edward raved about the food here. He said we shouldn’t miss it. Stella told us the best dancing was at a place called the Grill, and when we asked Edward about it, he said not only was the dancing fun, but they served good food as well.”
Shabina was shocked to hear that Edward had recommended her café. He came there often to eat breakfast. Most of the locals did. But she hadn’t thought he would ever recommend the Sunrise Café to tourists.
“Stella said your café was the best as well,” Val agreed. “We thought it would be fun to spend a few days in Knightly and do many of the fun things Stella had in her brochures. We booked at the local hotel. We’re going to do a tour of the brewery. I’m not so much into beer, but Theresa really likes it.”
Janine glanced across the room toward the table where Sean and Edward were seated. Shabina was surprised to see she was looking at Edward with interest not Sean. Sean was undoubtedly handsome. His job as a Fish and Wildlife officer gave him status. Edward rarely spoke when Sean and Bale were around. He faded into the background. He had zero social skills; in fact, Shabina was certain he fought a stutter on occasion. He certainly wasn’t a ladies’ man, yet there was no doubt Janine had her eye on Edward.
“I hope you really enjoy yourselves. The brewery is fun to see, and I understand the beer is amazing. As for the Grill, my friends and I go there often to dance. It’s our favorite. If you have any questions about the menu, let me know or get Tyrone’s attention. He can help you too.”
The three women nodded, and Shabina moved away from their table, avoiding Sean’s and Edward’s gazes. The Myers family, Oscar, Leslie and their two teenage daughters, Pamela and Cindy, were seated two tables down from the three women from Washington. She paused to greet them.
“The girls and I are very excited,” Leslie said, handing Shabina a brochure that Stella customarily left in all the cabins at Sunrise Lake. “A pottery class. I’ve always wanted to take one and this is a beginning class.”
Shabina knew Tom and Judy Rosewood, an older couple, had a gift shop. They sold pottery, embroidered hats that were sought after and a few of Harlow’s sculptures. The couple were beloved in Knightly. Although in their seventies, they were extremely active. She knew they occasionally gave pottery classes.
“You’ll love Tom and Judy. Everyone does. And they’re very, very good at their craft. If you get the chance, pick up one of their embroidered baseball hats. They’re only sold here in Knightly, and everyone who sees them wants one. It’s a very exclusive item. They might not have any at the moment if you don’t see them,” she advised, handing back the brochure.
She chatted with them a few more minutes and was relieved to see Raine and Vienna come in. That gave her a good reason to excuse herself. She was able to seat her friends at one of the more secluded tables in the back. She took their orders and told Vaughn she was taking a break. If he needed her, just give a sign. Vaughn seemed happy that she was going to sit for a while with her friends.
“You didn’t sleep again,” Vienna greeted.
Shabina sent her a wan smile. “You should be more polite, seeing as you’re my friend. You’re supposed to boost my confidence.”
“I’m a nurse and your friend. It isn’t good for you not to sleep, Shabina.”
“I’ll get right on that.” She did her best not to sound sarcastic, but really? If she could sleep, she would have been sleeping. She was terrified to close her eyes. Nightmares were too close. Flashbacks were making it difficult to distinguish reality from illusion.
She ducked her head and shoved at an imaginary stray strand of hair. She had to put her hand down beneath the table because it was trembling.
“I’m sorry. I know you’re just trying to take care of me.” She was ashamed of herself for snapping at Vienna. She was in the pushing-her-friends-away stage. She knew that was what she was doing.
“I think you already know who the culprit is,” Raine said.
“Chelsey Sarten.” Shabina dropped her forehead into her palm. It hurt. She hadn’t expected the betrayal to hurt so much.
Raine nodded. “She comes back into the café using a key after hours. Does she have her own key?”
Shabina shook her head. “I have one, Vaughn, Tyrone and Patsy. Rainier has one. And there’s a spare set kept in a drawer in the kitchen.”
“In a drawer?” Raine echoed. “Does everyone who works here know about the spare set?”