Spinning Forward. Terri DuLong

Was that annoyance I detected in his tone?

      “Guess not, but I could say the same of you.”

      He nodded. “Yeah, I’m guilty of being indecisive.”

      Walking past me, he inspected the back room. “This would be perfect for storing art supplies.”

      Heading toward the door, I paused and turned around. “Maybe. But it would also be ideal for storing knitting supplies.”

      “Knitting?” He said the word like he couldn’t comprehend the definition.

      “Yeah, like in knit one, purl two.”

      Noah threw his head back laughing. “I thought your joke of a tattoo parlor was humorous…but knitting?”

      “Something wrong with that?” I questioned and heard the edge to my tone.

      A sheepish look crossed his face. “Well, uh…no. But I’m having a hard time seeing this place filled with the sound of knitting needles clacking.”

      “And I fail to see that it’s any of your business,” I retorted, as I stormed out of the shop.

      Before I even realized what was happening, I found myself standing in the office of Pelican Realty. Twenty minutes later, I was sitting at Ruth’s desk, pen poised in my right hand, reading over the lease papers carefully. Adjusting my glasses, I wondered for the hundredth time if I was doing the right thing. Not only was I embarking on a new adventure, I could be risking my financial situation forever. I was terrified of taking such a major step, but the chronic fatigue and blisters on my feet told me I couldn’t be a waitress for the next ten years.

      “Anything wrong?” Ruth questioned. “You realize the lease will begin on January fifteenth. The contractors will be finished with the shop by then. You’re really lucky to be getting one of the first spaces that’ll be ready to open.”

      I nodded. “Everything seems to be in order,” I said, unable to control my spidery penmanship as I realized I hadn’t been this anxious when I signed my marriage license.

      Ruth smiled, took the papers, and went to the copy machine. She returned a moment later, passing the copies to me, along with a set of shiny gold keys.

      “Here you go. Feel free to visit your shop anytime between now and next month. There’re only minor things the contractors will be finishing.”

      I felt the coolness of metal in my palm and stood up to shake Ruth’s hand. “Thank you so much. You’ve been very patient with me while I tried to make up my mind.”

      “It was my pleasure and I wish you much success in your business. I plan to be one of your first customers. I’m already collecting fur from my Muffy. She has the most beautiful cat fur that I’ll love knitting into a sweater.”

      “You come by anytime,” I told her, walking to the door. “The coffee will always be on.”

      I walked out to Second Street and inhaled the crisp December air. Looking at the red velvet bows decorating Haven Isle, I realized that Christmas was only a week away and within a month, I’d be joining the ranks of other merchants lining the street.

      Clutching the keys in my hand, I stood in front of the library and looked across to my shop. My shop. Giggling, it occurred to me that I hadn’t even thought of a name for the business. I saw that the contractors were finished for the day and the door was closed. Crossing the street, I placed the key in the lock and stepped inside. Sunlight streamed through the long French doors, creating rays on the brick walls.

      “Didn’t I just see you in here an hour ago?”

      Once again, Noah Hale was leaning against the door frame. But this time it was my door frame. I also noticed arrogance in his tone.

      “Ah, yeah, you did,” I said, and then paused for effect. “And since I’m now the official lessee of this shop…you’d better get used to seeing a lot more of me here.”

      The look of surprise on Noah’s face was followed by an indignant stare. “Excuse me? I’m afraid you’re way off base. I have an appointment at nine tomorrow morning to sign the lease with the realtor in Gainesville.”

      “Really? Well, I’d suggest you contact that realtor and make him earn his money, because he neglected to let the realtor on the island know he had a potential lease. Not that it would have mattered anyway.” I removed the signed lease from my handbag, waved the pages in his face, and nudged him out the door in front of me. Checking the knob to make sure I’d locked it, I took a few steps, then turned around. “You know the old saying—he who hesitates, is lost. I’d say you lost this one.”

      Without looking back, I walked up Second Street to the B&B.

      Sitting in Alison’s apartment, a glass of champagne in front of both of us, I doubled over with laughter. “Can you believe it? That arrogant SOB. Telling me he was getting that shop. The look on his face was priceless.”

      Alison’s laughter matched mine. Shaking her head, she said, “I’m so proud of you, Syd. Joining the ranks of businesswomen. You’re on a journey to discover your feminine soul.”

      When the state trooper had shown up at my Lexington home to inform me of Stephen’s accident, I had become numb. And when the sheriff had confronted me with my eviction, I truly thought my life was over. I now realized that coming to Cedar Key had been the first step along a journey I’d never traveled. A journey that was both frightening and exhilarating at the same time. But I failed to see what my feminine soul might have to do with any of it. “All I know is I feel like I’m being pulled along to a whole new place in my life.”

      Ali smiled, clinking the rim of her glass to mine. “Exactly. It’ll all make sense to you eventually. Here’s to your reawakening and mega success in your new shop.”

      After taking a sip, she questioned, “Hey, have you thought of a name yet? And how about your hours? Will you still be working at Cook’s?”

      “I have a few ideas on a name, but nothing definite. I have to keep working for a while. It’ll help pay the lease. I doubt I’ll be super busy at first, so I’m thinking of only being open a few hours in the afternoon, after I finish my shift at Cook’s. Like from three till six and on Wednesdays and Thursdays, I could be open in the morning.

      “Whew, so Sunday will be your only day completely off work?”

      I massaged the back of my neck and nodded. “I don’t think I’ll have a choice.”

      “Oh, forgot to tell you…when I stopped by the post office earlier, Sam gave me three more boxes for you. I imagine it’s more fur to spin for customers.”

      I smiled. “Bless Lu. She’s really keeping me going.”

      Alison nibbled on a chip. “See, I told you. Just wait till word gets around this area. Why hell, they’ll be coming from Gainesville to our island for your spinning.”

      “I’m here,” I heard Twila Faye call as she came up the walkway. Loaded down with a basket, she placed it on the counter and came to hug me. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you.”

      “Thank you,” I said, wondering what Twila Faye was doing here. Alison had told me this would be just a little celebration for the two of us.

      “Hello,” Polly said, stepping into the kitchen, followed by Dora.

      Both women had bowls of dip to go with the chips.

      I accepted their hugs and good wishes, while I laughed and pointed a finger at Alison. “You lied to me.”

      “That’s what’s known as a white lie. I’ll open another bottle of champagne. I know we’re a little cramped here, but you gals pull up a chair.”

      When the glasses were filled, four women raised the amber bubbly toward me.

      “Here’s to my best friend. May she be as successful a businesswoman as