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said Nicole, reaching around Sarah to add her empty glass to a tray near the door. “Henri should be home in two or three days. At least I hope so!”
    â€œOur best wishes to his mother,” I added, as Nicole nodded and headed for the door.
    â€œHenri’s not here?” asked Sarah.
    â€œHis mother had a stroke. He’s with her in Quebec. Nicole was a little panicked about the crowds she’ll need to bake for this week. I’m glad you thought to ask her about that note. I’d already forgotten about it.”
    â€œI was just reminded,” said Sarah, trying to stay steady on her feet in the crowd.
    â€œLook who’s over at the bar.”
    I craned my head to see, but Sarah was taller than me. “Who? Liam Neeson?”
    â€œYou wish! No—Rob Trask. He’s with Ob Winslow’s son, Josh, and Arvin Fraser.”
    â€œIs Mary with them?”
    â€œNo. But Jude Curran, that new hairdresser at Maine Waves, is. And a pretty young woman with long dark hair and tight jeans who looks Indian. Or Pakistani.”
    â€œNot that you noticed.”
    Sarah grinned. “Actually, I noticed because I heard one of the guys say ‘needlepoint.’ Of course, he could have been discussing his latest sewing project.”
    â€œLikely. Didn’t we tell Rob not to talk about it?”
    â€œWe did. But that was a couple of hours ago.”
    I shook my head. “Nothing we can do about it now. Rob said he was a sternman. He may work for Arvin. This place is too crowded,” I added as a tall man maneuvered his way between us. “There’s no room even to stand.”
    I drained my beer, and Sarah nodded and put her half-empty bottle on the tray. “Let’s get home.”
    I left her at the door to her store and apartment with a promise to see her in the morning, bearing strawberry-rhubarb pie, and headed back up the hill alone.
    The night was black, the town lit only by the full moon and the stars. Haven Harbor had installed a dozen streetlamps down on Main Street, but as soon as I’d left the commercial area I could have used a flashlight. I usually carried one in my pocket or bag, but tonight I’d only planned to be out for half an hour or so. I’d stuck my keys and a few dollars in my pocket and left everything else at home.
    My porch light was welcoming. So was Juno, who rubbed herself on my legs as soon as I got inside.
    I’d never had a pet. But since Gram’s wedding I’d understood why she’d adopted one. Having a cat meant you didn’t come home to an empty house, even if you lived alone.
    Juno would be moving to the rectory with Gram. Maybe I should think about getting a cat or dog of my own.
    In the meantime, Juno reminded me of my responsibilities. She led me to the kitchen and let me know she could use fresh water and a few treats. I obliged. Gram was going to have to put her on a diet when she got home, but I couldn’t resist Juno’s purrs.
    The dishes piled in the sink could wait until morning. I decided I could use a drink and a treat, too. I got a beer from the refrigerator, cut a piece of the strawberry-rhubarb pie, and sat down at the kitchen table.
    Juno jumped onto my lap and checked out what I was eating. I scratched behind her ears and then put her down. “Juno, it’s just you and me again. But this is my dinner, not yours. Happy Fourth of July.”
    She purred in acknowledgment.
    Despite the mixed memories, it had been a good evening. The food and company had been fine, and the fireworks dramatic. And now Mainely Needlepoint had a new job. I’d have to start working on that in the morning.
    Why hadn’t Rob Trask been with Mary tonight? If he’d been my fiancé I don’t think I would have been pleased at his leaving me on July Fourth to go drinking with his buddies.
    But who was I to judge? I didn’t have anyone to snuggle with tonight except Juno.

Chapter 4

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