Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95712 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 479(@200wpm)___ 383(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Levi stared at me, his brows drawn together.
“Why are you frowning at me?”
“It’s just gossip, Em. Everyone will know that. And do you not like Logan?”
I sighed and started walking again. “I’m sorry. I just get so jumpy around that woman. She’s forever writing about my family, I swear. And as far as Logan goes, I don’t know her that well. I’m just leery around Janet.”
“It’ll be fine.”
Glancing at him, I said, “You’ve been gone a long time. You haven’t had to deal with the gossip, so it’s easy for you to say that. Lord knows what that woman’s going to write.”
“I think you’re worried for nothing. She wouldn’t write about me, not with the year I’ve had.”
I raised a brow. “You say that now.”
He rolled his eyes. “So, where’s the perfume store?”
The other reason I was in a foul mood: Levi wanted to see Lilibeth again. Pointing to the sign, I replied, “Right there. Wonderland Whimsy.”
We walked the few remaining yards to the store. I pushed open the door and smiled when I walked in. The place was adorable and full of Lilibeth’s personality, so it was easy for my mood to lift.
“Wow, the smell really hits ya,” Levi said as he shut the door behind me.
“Hi! Welcome to Wonderland Whimsy. Did you have an appointment for the perfumery?”
When I turned around, I drew in a sharp breath. “Moreen?”
My best friend from high school smiled back at me. “I didn’t even see that it was you, Emeline!”
Confused, I asked, “What are you doing here?”
Moreen walked around the counter and gave me a quick hug. “Lilibeth hired me to help out at the shop. It’s been a nice change, I’ve got to tell you that.”
Moreen had been working for her mother’s catering business, mainly as a waitress, but also helping with the cooking. She’d attended culinary school and hoped to open a bakery in town, but had yet to do so.
She looked past me and her eyes widened in surprise. “Levi?”
He reached out a hand. “Hey, Moreen, it’s good to see you.”
Absently taking his outstretched hand, she shook it. “Are you visiting?”
“No, I’ve moved back to River Falls with my son.”
A shocked expression transformed her face. “Moved back for good?”
Nodding, he replied, “Yep, for good.”
“I didn’t think Caroline wanted to live in River Falls.”
He gave her a soft smile. “We’re getting divorced.”
“Oh,” Moreen said. “Gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you got my family’s card and flowers.”
With a nod, he stated, “We did. It meant a lot to us, thank you.”
When her eyes snapped back to me, I said, “My mother talked Levi into volunteering during the camps, talking to the kids about his job being a vet and taking care of animals.”
“Did she? Wow, well, the kids will love that. I usually help Emeline out during the summer camps, but I’m going to be manning the shop here while Lilibeth also volunteers with classes for the kids.”
“When were you going to tell me about the job change?” I asked.
She laughed. “Lilibeth hired me just a few days ago. I planned on telling you when we had our weekly lunch.”
I knew Moreen had been terribly unhappy working for her mother, so I was glad to see she was able to find something else.
Moreen turned her attention back to Levi. “Let me offer you a tour.”
He grinned. “Thanks.”
Before she started the tour, she glanced at me and winked. I pushed her lightly and whispered, “Just go, will you!”
Moreen knew how I felt about Levi. How my heart was shattered when he told me he was marrying Caroline and having a baby with her. I assumed it was a simple crush, and not seeing him in so long had gotten me over said crush. Or at least, I thought it had. Seeing Levi again, it was clear those feelings were still there. And if anyone could see that without me saying a single word, it was my best friend.
“So, most of the storefront is the retail side of the business. We have a small section here for kids. The clothing is all made by someone right here in River Falls Valley. Lilibeth tries to obtain as many locally sourced goods as possible. You’ll see Alice in Wonderland items sprinkled throughout the store, which gives the place that whimsical feel.”
Levi reached down and picked up a teabag that had Alice in Wonderland on it. He turned it over in his hand, then set it back down before moving on. There were teapots, books, home good items, and more in the space. The store had a little bit of everything for everyone.
“Here are the candles that Lilibeth makes herself. She also has a room upstairs that you can rent out, and where you can make candles.”
“It smells so good in here,” I said as I picked up a candle for a whiff. “I can’t wait for the kids to get to do this.”