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We didn't have that much to unpack, so it was easy to settle back into our normal routine. "I thought I'd invite Tom over tomorrow for lunch or dinner depending on his schedule. I want to fill him in on everything that's happened."
"That sounds good."
I really had been skeptical about getting back to our normal lives, but once we were back in Wilkins' Gap, we fell right back into our usual routines. I made myself a mug of tea and fixed a pot of coffee for Chance. I carried the mugs upstairs to the office where Chance was loading copies of our files and programs from various backups he'd made onto our new tablet computers.
"I know you're busy, but when you get to a good stopping point, I feel like we need to regroup on the museum and foundation plans."
"You're right, I think we can keep the cafe and guide business going without investing too much time on either of those right now, but the museum needs some major attention," he said. "Feel like heading into the space? I think being there will help us solidify some of our plans."
We packed up our computers, pads, and pens and headed into town. We filled a pad with ideas and questions and things we needed to investigate or consider.
"I have a brilliant idea," I said as we were pouring over our to-do list while eating dinner.
"I'm feeling like we could use a few more of those right now," he said. "What did you come up with?"
"Krista will be here in a few days. She can handle the apartment remodel. We can give her a not to exceed budget and let her handle the contractor. Since we're still figuring out a lot of the specifics about the foundation, she'll have some time."
"That's a good idea. With Rick handling the Cryptid Coffee Corner build out, you and I can concentrate on the museum project."
XXX
We'd been home a week, and life seemed to be getting back to normal. "Don't push too hard tonight," Chance said. "I know you think Tom and Krista would be good together, but they have to figure that out for themselves."
"I know," I said as I set the last plate on the table, "but it would be perfect if it works out."
When Tom arrived, Chance took him out back. He said he wanted to have Tom look at something on one of the ATVs, but I had a feeling he was going to warn Tom about my matchmaking plan.
Krista arrived while the guys were gone. "Come on in," I said. "How's the apartment remodel going?" I asked.
"Good," she said. "I hope you guys like it. It still feels wrong for me to choose what I want."
"I hope you live there for a long time," I said. "Well, as long as you want to." Krista was helping me carry the food to the table just as the guys walked back in. "Tom, this is my friend Krista," I said.
She set the bowl she was carrying down on the table and shook Tom's hand. "I've heard a lot about you," Krista said.
Tom gave me a look. "I'm sure Em has been completely honest, so that's OK."
"Wow," Krista said. "Looks and gullible. That's a heady combination."
We had a fun time at dinner. Krista and Tom seem to fall into an easy friendship. They seemed to enjoy teasing each other, which I figured was a good sign. Even if their relationship wasn't romantic, it would be nice if we could all be friends.
"Is Laurie excited about her new event planning business?" I asked, during desert.
"She seems to be," Tom said. "It'll be good for her to have something new to dig into. My folks are glad she's trying something. We're all glad she wants to stay in Wilkins' Gap, but it can be tough career wise."
After dinner and a rousing game of trivial pursuit, Chance and I walked them out. We stood on the front steps with Chance's arm around me, while we watched Tom walk Krista to her car.
"Are you happy with how things went tonight?" Chance asked.
"Looks like things are working out," I said. My life in Wilkins' Gap had returned to normal and I planned to enjoy every minute of it.