“Well, we went to this great art museum. You can’t believe it’s in Milwaukee—it’s amazing. Before we left, we popped outside for a view over Lake Michigan, which is gorgeous. Anyway, when we were outside, he... he ran away from a bee. Like a girl.”
“Abee?” Mary blinked wide and threw her head forward, making sure she’d heard that right. “Like a wasp?”
“No, it was a bumblebee.”
“Oh ick,” Harper said, pulling a face of secondhand embarrassment for Fletcher.
“Yeah. That’s what I said.” Dot started laughing, covering her eyes and shaking her head to get the image out of her mind.
Mary was doubled over laughing. “Is he allergic?” she asked.
“I don’t know, but that ick’s gonna stick,” Dot said.
Poor Fletcher. He had no idea he’d been icked.
“I need to get some exercise,” Dot said. She wanted to stretch her legs after the long weekend and to get the feel of the Milwaukee trip off her.
Though, if she were being honest with herself, what she was really hoping was that if she took the trail up to the covered bridge, she’d run into Danny Dawson.
Chapter 34
Dot was up and out early the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. This was For the Win’s big summer kickoff at the county farmer’s market to help register more Democrats and increase yard signage, post support on social media, and get out the vote.
It was still chilly that spring morning as Rose, Fletcher, and Dot all arrived at their booth before 8 a.m. They wore their FTW vests over long sleeve T-shirts. Dot snapped a photo for their story then texted it to her sister in Colorado.
“It’s cold here, too—we’re expecting a foot of snow this weekend. Late spring snow. So great!”
Her sister had a weird idea of what great weather was.
At their booth, Dot and her team worked together to hang up their banner and set out their supplies while chatting with their farmer’s market neighbors. One was a young mom who made the town’s favorite flavored popcorn, and the other was a farmer and his wife who sold pickles in lots of flavors like classic, spicy, cherry dill, and German mustard.
“Garlic parmesan or beer cheese popcorn?” the lady from Pop It Like It’s Hot offered the FTW team while tossing a handful of it into her mouth.
“Wow. How nice.” Dot didn’t want to be rude but it was a little early for that combo meal.
“Oh, I just ate but thank you. I’ll buy some to take home, that’s for sure.” She gave her a bright smile along with that little white lie.
Mimi from Flour Power came by with a box of hot coffee and some pastries that FTW would hand out to anyone who stopped by.
“Oh nice. You’re my new best friend, Mimi,” Fletcher flirted. He winked at her, and Mimi smiled shyly. Dot thought they’d make a cute couple. She had cooled on Fletcher since the bumblebee incident. Maybe Mimi would be good for him instead.
The sun started to warm up the temperature, and the early birds out walking their dogs and babies came through the middle of the pedestrianized street. Everyone had their groceries, with heads of light green lettuce, big bags of cucumbers, boxes of tomatoes, and bundles of radishes. There were strawberries, blueberries, and cherries, plus hunks of cheese—Colby, muenster, and Dot’s favorite, buttermilk blue. Big bouquets of fresh flowers spilled out of carts, and everyone carried a hot drink of some kind from one of the carts selling cappuccinos, matcha, chai lattes, and hot chocolate. A local musician tested his sound system, getting ready for a few hours of entertainment.
“A girl could get used to this, Rose,” Dot said, elbowing her friend.
“The farmer’s market is one of the reasons I’ve never left Cedar Falls. Been coming here since I was a little girl.”
Having Rose with them was key to getting people to stop by their booth. She knew so many people, and would ask about their children and grandchildren, which made them linger a little longer. After a while, Rose would ask them to make sure they were signed up with For the Win.
“Remember, democracy’s a participatory sport,” she’d say. “You have to suit up and play.” Her spunk was infectious and inspired Dot and Fletcher. By late morning, they had gone through their pastries and signed up dozens of people, many of them first-time voters.
“I’ll go get some more goodies from Mimi,” Fletcher said. “Think that’s okay? Or do you need me to stay?”
“Good idea,” Dot said. “Take your time. Rose and I can manage for a while.”
She watched him walk away. He was incredibly good looking. But the bee thing stung.
AROUND NOON, DOTkept an eye out for Mary and Harper, who had volunteered to pass out FTW flyers for the get-out-the-vote campaign. They were due to help at the booth for the last couple of hours the market was open. After, they planned to get lunch at Brew and Chew, a local brewery and sandwich joint that had live music every Saturday and Sunday. They could sit outside with Pippi on their laps or in her tote bag. Dot had a feeling they’d be spending a lot of time on that patio over the summer.