Read Online A Broom With a View by Rebecca Patrick-Howard - Free Book Online Page A

arrived that morning, was not only town mayor but also served as the president of the Morel County Historical Society, Vice President of the Women’s Club, Treasurer of the Ladies Gardening Club, and chair of the annual Morel County Chestnut Tree Festival–held the first weekend of August.
    After her brief introduction and generic “welcome to the community” speech, both said while they stood in the cold on the sidewalk and Liza struggled with the lock, Effie’d wasted no time in getting to the real point of her visit. There was no beating around the bush with this one and she’d let Liza know right away that she was not only invited to join the groups, but expected to.
    “Rosebud was a dear, dear friend to me,” Effie had proclaimed dramatically as she’d followed Liza all through the downstairs, trailing her as she turned on lights, lit candles, and set the music.
    “She belonged to every organization and club we have here in Morel and she was beloved by everyone,” she’d continued as she’d helped Liza slide the new clean sheet over the massage table. “You could always count on Rosebud to jump right in there and help out in whatever was needed. We’ve sorely missed her presence. Sorely .”
    This last part was said with emphasis and directed at Liza. She knew what Effie was saying to her: She was saying that her Nana Bud had done more than her fair share of the work and they were all likely worn out from picking up the slack her departure had caused.
    “Well, I would like to get involved,” Liza admitted.
    Effie pursed her lips and preened a little, the smug look of a woman who already knew she’d won.
    “I wanted to say, too, that you’ve done a wonderful job with this place,” she said, finally managing to take a breath and look around. “I need to come in and get some work done on my back.”
    “Just give me a call and I will work you in.”
    “I’d also like to say that we’re all very impressed with the fact that you hired local workers to get her up to shape.”
    Liza nodded. “Well, I wanted to try to keep it local if I could. Do my part, you know, for the local economy.”
    Effie laughed. “Oh, yes, that. Well, we’re all impressed that you didn’t just, you know.”
    Effie threw her hand up in the air and waved it around, making a little “whooshing” sound as she did so.
    Liza was amazed. Did everyone in town know what she was? How? At least she wouldn’t have to go around revealing it. One less thing to do.
    “So, may we expect you Monday evening?” And just like that, Effie was back on topic.
    The town’s most powerful woman barely reached Liza’s shoulders, had a bluish tint to her gray hair, and wore dangling little rhinestone-laced turkeys at her ears. And she was awfully persuasive.
    “I really just got moved in and haven’t had the chance to meet anyone yet,” Liza said, “or even get settled. This is really just a ‘soft opening’ here at the business. I’m still trying to feel my way around. So I’m not sure if I could give you as much time and energy as you need.”
    “Oh, phooey,” Effie scoffed, shaking her head so that the turkeys danced back and forth.
    It was then that Liza realized Effie’s cardigan and slacks continued the turkey theme. For some reason, that mesmerized her and momentarily got her off track.
    “You’re still a child,” Effie insisted as she leaned towards Liza and grabbed her by the shoulder. Her hand was bony but incredibly stronger than Liza would’ve thought. She had what felt like a vulture’s clutch on her and Liza wasn’t sure whether she should laugh or try to throw her off. “You’ve got tons of energy compared to us old folks! You’re still on your first legs.”
    “Not anymore,” Liza laughed. “I learned that yesterday. Ten years ago I could have ran up and down Main Street all day in the heels I wore. After an hour here I thought I was going to die from the pain. I’m not the spring chicken I used to