Read The Key in the Attic for Free Online Page B

Huggins is the only one on the square willing to sell, and that’s only because of his wife. And Burly Boy isn’t interested in anything that’s not right in the middle of town.”
    “But the zoning laws should be able to keep them out,” Annie said, finding it harder and harder to be upset with the always-reasonable Ian.
    “Not if the council finds that it’s in the city’s best interest to waive certain provisions,” Ian explained. “The planning and zoning committee is looking into rezoning. If they make a recommendation to the council to rezone the property, there will have to be a public hearing. I’m sure there will be a lot of opposition, so—as I said—this is far from being a done deal. Really , Annie, I tried. I don’t like it any better than you do.”
    Great. Now she was starting to feel sorry for him. Her expression softened. “I know you don’t. And I’m sorry I snapped at you. I just hate to see anything happen to Stony Point. It’s—well, it just means a lot to me.”
    He winked at her. “Come on, ladies. Since we can’t get a Double Chili-Cheese Burly Boy Bonus Burger with Burly Fries here in town, I’ll treat you both to a sandwich at The Cup & Saucer.”
    Annie and Alice smiled at each other, and then Alice took Ian’s arm.
    “You’ve got a date.”
    Ian held his other arm out invitingly. “Annie?”
    Refusing to acknowledge Alice’s insinuating smirk, Annie accepted. Arm in arm, the three of them walked over to The Cup & Saucer.
    ****
    With all the members of the Hook and Needle Club gone, Mary Beth took a moment to tidy up the shop. How could she stay down when so many people obviously cared about her and were praying for her?
    She had just straightened out the display of hand-dyed embroidery floss when the phone rang.
    “A Stitch in Time. This is Mary Beth. How can I help you?”
    “Auntie Beth?”
    Mary Beth smiled to hear Amy’s voice over the telephone. “Well hello, sweetie. How are you?”
    “I’m fine, but I wanted to find out how you are.”
    “I’m doing all right.” Mary Beth sank down into one of the shop’s comfy chairs. “How’s your mom? Have you heard from her lately?”
    “Oh, you know how it is.” Amy’s voice took on the indifferent tone that she usually used when she talked about her mother, Melanie. “She’s in Milan or something. I don’t know.”
    “I’m sure she’ll give you a call when she gets back.”
    “Yeah, I guess.”
    Poor Amy. As much as she tried, Mary Beth could never seem to make up for Melanie’s maternal shortcomings.
    “I wish you two were closer, honey. I know your mother would like that.”
    Amy sighed. “I’ll give her a call as soon as I find out where she is—if she’s not too busy to talk, OK?”
    “That’d be great.”
    “Anyway, I didn’t call to talk about her. I called to talk about you. I’ve been worried about you.”
    “Me? Why would you worry about me?”
    “I don’t know. You’ve seemed … distracted the last couple of times I’ve talked to you. Is everything all right?”
    “Nothing you need to worry about. Really. It’s just that Mr. Huggins may be selling this building, and that means I’m going to have to make some changes.”
    “Oh Auntie Beth, no. Does that mean you have to move the shop? Can’t you just keep renting from the new owner?”
    “It’s not as easy as that,” Mary Beth admitted. “The buyer they’re considering wants to tear down my place and the theater next door to put in a fast-food restaurant.”
    “That’s just not right. Can’t you buy the building?”
    Mary Beth laughed. It was easier than crying. “You know I don’t have that kind of money, sweetie.”
    “Maybe I could—”
    “No, you’re not going to do anything silly. I know how hard you’ve worked for what you have, and I know things haven’t been easy for you lately either. I’ll be fine. Really. Things will work out.”
    Amy was silent for a long moment. “But you love the shop. And