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MY ALARM WENT OFF at 7:00 the next morning. Exactly twelve hours before recital time, and sadly, only five hours after, I went to bed. I sat up and pushed my hair out of my face. Henry looked at me as much to say, “Go back to sleep!” He, too, had only gotten into bed five hours before.
After getting out of bed, I went to take a shower. I took a longer shower than usual. I just felt very overwhelmed by the day ahead, and the hot, steamy water running down my back was total bliss and a great way to stall facing today.
I had been excited for today and the opening recital of the Chamber Music Festival for so long. Now, words can’t express how much I am dreading it. I just need to get through today, one way or another.
I just went ahead and got dressed in jeans and a black sweater. I was planning to swing by my cottage and pick up my dress, shoes, and such for tonight. When I “moved” in with Julie, I didn’t think I would still be here today. I thought it would just be an overnight thing.
I went into the living room and found Julie dressed similarly, only with a dark green sweater.
“I already took Henry out. I took the day off from work to help you out today. If nothing else, I can make frequent chai and latte runs! I, personally, did not get enough sleep last night!” Julie sighed.
“Thank goodness for melatonin!” I put my computer in my bag and collected the miscellaneous other papers that I would need for tonight. Julie and I both got our coats on.
“Let’s take Henry to my mother’s. She won’t be getting to the recital hall until much later tonight. Henry will enjoy the day with Delilah!” I put on Henry’s harness and leash. He was excited about going somewhere. I think he was really missing the backyard at my cottage.
“I know it makes for an awkward route, but why don’t we park my car at the store, then we can run errands? That way, we will both have cars if we need them.” Julie suggested as we left her condo.
“Works for me!” Henry and I got into my gray Prius. I buckled Henry into his seatbelt in the back seat, and we headed to Fairview Music.
It was only a few blocks to get to the store, as Julie’s condo was also downtown. She pulled into the parking lot, parked, then got into my car with me.
“I could really use some caffeine. Really.” Julie emphasized as she buckled her seat belt in the passenger seat next to me.
“I can do that!” I laughed and headed for The Caffeine Machine. It didn’t take us long to get there. Everything in downtown Fairview is close and within walking distance. It is just my cottage that is outside of town and not within walking distance.
“Do you want to go in, and I’ll wait with Henry?” Julie offered.
“Sure. Your usual?” I asked Julie as I fished my wallet out of my bag.
“Yes please, and a mushroom and green pepper breakfast burrito, please. I’m thinking this may be my one chance to eat today!” Julie explained.
“I think you may be right! Biscuits and gravy to go!’ I laughed again, and with my wallet in hand, I headed into The Caffeine Machine to get our food and drinks. Paige was at the counter.
“Good morning, Lisa.” Paige smiled. “So today is the big day?”
“Yes. Opening recital tonight. My friend Julie and I are very much in need of sustenance and caffeine!” I set my wallet on the counter.
“I guess my mother-in-law is attending tonight with your mother.” Paige said after we had ordered, and the machine was processing my debit card.
“Really? Small world! Who is your mother-in-law?” I was busy gathering napkins and plastic forks from the little baskets on the counter.
“Margie Hillerman. I guess she and your mom are good friends.” Paige set our drinks on the counter in a small cardboard tray, so I could carry them to the car.
“They are! No idea that she was your mother-in-law. I will look forward to seeing her tonight!” I smiled at Paige as she handed me a white paper bag with our food.
“Take care!” Paige smiled and wiped down the counter as I backed out of the door, since my hands were very full.
“Here you go.” I handed Julie the food and drinks, so I could get in the car and get my seat belt on. Julie took the drinks out of the little cardboard tray and put them into the drink holders in my car. Just as I was starting the engine, my phone rang. It was Detective Winn.
“Hello.” I answered with some hesitancy, as I always got nervous when he was calling.
“Hello, Lisa. Just calling to let you know there has been no activity reported, and we will be at your concert tonight.” Detective Winn proudly declared. The fact that we still had three unsolved murders was not taking his attitude down.
“Oh good. I have a few quick errands to still run, then I will be at the store the rest of the day.” I turned onto the county highway, going toward my cottage.
“There is an officer out there already in an unmarked car. I will keep in touch with both him and you throughout the day.” Detective Winn’s calm was rubbing off on me.
“Okay. Thank you so much, Detective Winn.” We had almost arrived at my cottage. It would be good to be home. Even for a few minutes.
“You are welcome. See you tonight.” Detective Winn hung up. I pulled into my driveway.
“I’ll wait in the car. I want to eat my burrito.” Julie was already unwrapping the tin foil off her very savory smelling breakfast.
“I’ll be quick!” Hurrying in, I grabbed my dress, which was still in the garment bag provided by the dress shop where I had purchased it. Collecting everything, I tossed my shoes, curling iron, and other items that I needed to look polished and professional into a backpack. I wished I could just stay in my little house and lock the doors and forget all that was happening. But Julie was in my car, waiting, eating. I had to go. I picked up the dress bag and the backpack of shoes, and headed out of the house and back out to the car.
“Where to now?” Julie was busy wiping burrito sauce off her hands and chin. Henry was looking quite put off, as she evidently didn’t share any with him.
“Mother’s. We will drop off Henry, then head to the store.” I backed out of the driveway and went back toward town.
Mother’s neighborhood looked quiet when I pulled into her housing development. Julie had texted her we were on our way to drop Henry off. Mom and Delilah came out of the house when she saw us pull in.
“Good morning, girls! And Henry!” Mom sang out.
“Morning Mom.” I got out of the car and walked around to the passenger side to unbuckle Henry.
“Can you come for a few minutes? I want to show you my dress for tonight.” Mom beamed.
“Sure, is that ok, Julie? I would like to eat my biscuits and gravy.” I set Henry down on the grass.
“It’s your day, Lisa. If you’re good, I’m good.” Julie got out of the car, and followed Mom, Delilah, Henry, and me into the house. I led the procession baring my environmentally friendly, faux Styrofoam container, which was full of yummy-smelling biscuits and gravy.
“So, what is on your agenda for the rest of the day?” Mom asked as I sat down at her kitchen table.
“After we leave here, we are planning to spend the rest of the day at the store. Just so many little things that need to be taken care of before tonight.” I took a large bite of biscuit. Even though it had gotten a little cold, it was still heavenly. All flaky and wonderful!
“Thank you for taking Henry, Patsy. Having in my condo all day was making me nervous.” Julie told Mom, warming her hands on her latte cup.
“No problem at all. Henry and Delilah are like children. They entertain each other, so I don’t have to entertain Delilah. Really makes it easier for me. Delilah can be somewhat demanding.” Mom poured boiling water from her copper teapot into a hardy white mug with a tea bag in it. Delilah had clearly heard what Mom had said and was glaring at her accordingly. Hot tea was not something that should be shared with one’s canine companion. Delilah knew full well that Mom was also standing by her treat jar.
“I think the dogs would like a snack.” I suggested, speaking up for Delilah. Henry was looking rather despondent as well.
“Of course.” Mom wound her tea bag string around her spoon and let all the tea from the tea bag drip back into her cup. She set the spoon on her saucer and reached for the treat jar. Both dogs happily came running for goodies.
“What time do you want me there tonight?” Mom asked, after giving the dogs their treats. Both dogs remained at her feet licking their chops and hoping for more.
“How about 5:00?” I looked at my watch. It was already 10:30. Only eight and a half hours to go! Quickly glanced at my phone, which was sitting on the table beside my chai, to make sure there had been no other calls from Detective Winn.
“Sure. However, or whenever, I can help.” Mom sipped her tea. She winced and turned to the sink to add some cold water to her cup.
“How are ticket sales?” Julie asked. She took the lid off her latte cup and tipped her head all the way back to get every last drop.
“We are sold out!” I announced, with a combination of both pride and terror.
“All of my First Friday Tea ladies are coming.” Mom told me.
“Gina Miller had mentioned she was coming.” I got up to throw my food container away. Then I remembered what Paige, at The Caffeine Machine, had said. “Have you met Hannah’s new server? Paige something. I don’t know her last name. She said that Margie Hillerman is her mother-in-law.”
“Yes. Paige Taylor. They are a nice young family. Margie is so happy they have moved to Fairview.” Mom sipped her now temperature appropriate tea.
“Where did they come from?” Julie asked.
“I think Chicago.” Mom answered Julie. “Anyway, Margie is really looking forward to the concert tonight. She used to be a concert violinist.”