As I wandered deeper, a delicious fried scent filled my nostrils, making my stomach growl.
But that didn’t distract me from locating all the exits, and it didn’t temper the wave of shame that hit me when I registered what I was doing. My paranoia was dialed up tonight.
I wasn’t hopeful that I’d do a great job acting human like I had promised myself. My plan was to stay for an hour. I would give myself one hour to interact with other adult humans.
I was repeating the mantra when Callie bustled my way. Her tall, willowy frame was hidden under an enormous tent of a dress in a bold red print, and she was wearing her familiar perfume.
If it weren’t for Callie, I never would have moved to this town, so I was grateful for her. But while I adored her enthusiasm and support, I wasn’t so keen on being physically pushed into a large group of people.
Yet that’s exactly what happened.
“Everyone,” she called, grasping my arm and leading me to a massive oak table at the back. “This is my dear friend and kindergarten teacher extraordinaire, Celine LeBlanc.”
The table was loaded full, and every eye was on me. As I looked back at them, the desire to run straight to the emergency exit bubbled up inside me.
It didn’t subside when they took turns greeting me. All the smiles, handshakes, and questions were flattering, but also a bit alarming.
From what I’d experienced so far, Maplewood adopted aggressively. With food and hugs and lots of noise.
I insisted on sitting at the end of the long table. Because I wanted to observe and also because being locked in made me uncomfortable. Knowing my potential exit routes and having access if necessary allowed me to breathe easier.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” a woman with jeweled glasses said, holding out her hand. “I’m Nora Hatch. I own the apothecary, though I’m a pharmacist by trade.”
I returned the greeting, conjuring an image of the cute storefront with big windows in my mind.
“She’s so much more than that. You need any kind of natural remedy, Nora is your woman,” Ruby—whom I’d learned was Stella’s sister—added, raising her wineglass high. “She’s a witch.”
“I’m a person who believes in holistic health,” Nora said, her lips twitching a little. “If your kid has an ear infection, I’ll fill the script for antibiotics, and I’ll add some herbal tea to help him sleep.”
Callie grumbled, her face pinching. “Except none of your vitamins or tea blends have calmed my twins down.”
“That’s because I’m not legally allowed to dispense elephant tranquilizers. Sweetie.” Nora tutted into her martini glass.
I bit my tongue to keep from laughing, but Callie herself burst into laughter, with tears rolling down her face.
Amusement threaded through me as I watched her. Ifthere was one thing I loved about my principal, it was that she didn’t take herself too seriously.
“How do you like living on the Lawrence farm?” Ruby asked.
“It’s a lovely home,” I replied, leaving it at that.
“You won the lottery with that landlord,” she said, her eyes twinkling.
I frowned at her, not following.
“He’s one of the good ones,” an older lady wearing a sequined turban added. “If I were thirty years younger, I can’t say I wouldn’t be out chasing that man.”
“Mrs. Fitzgerald. You’re married,” Ruby chided.
“Eh.” She shrugged and stood. “I’m gonna get an order of onion rings.”
“So there’s no, um, Mrs. Lawrence?” I asked, my cheeks heating. I wasn’t asking for any particular reason, just curiosity. And because I wanted to be a good neighbor. Of course.
“Oh God no,” Callie said, straightening beside me.
“My future brother-in-law isverysingle.”Evie leaned over, giving me a wink.
Head lowering, I studied my glass of soda water to hide what I was sure were bright red cheeks.