Golden Box Book Publishing One Picture: Thousands of Words | Page 30

Linarial pulled back. “But what about your family? You’d leave
all of them?”
“I’m not leaving them. It’s time to expand our horizons. I think
we’ve both outgrown this place. Once we’re married, you won’t have
to work at the nursery or anywhere.”
“I don’t know what to say . . . I need time to think.”
“You have plenty of time to think. Let’s get out of here and get
something to eat.
Lanarial followed Reed to a small Italian restaurant just outside
Mount Gilead State Park. All the way there she thought about the
message she heard at the lake. It scared her yet intrigued her. I’ve got
to return to the lake—and soon.
The normal workday at the nursery had Linarial jumpy as a cat
and anxious to go back to Mirror Lake. She had tomorrow off, and
also, had a date with Reed, but she knew in her mind she’d come up
with a good excuse to get out of it. Aunt Mavis has been looking a bit
weary these days. Maybe I do need to stay home with her? She texted
Reed while she was on break, letting him know her plans. She didn’t
wait for his reply as her name was being paged to come to the front
store area and assist with a customer.
***
The Friday morning sun peeked through the wooden shutters of
her bedroom. Linarial glanced at the clock to see it was 8 am.
“Damn! I never sleep this late!” The smell of fresh coffee wafted
from the kitchen. She threw on her robe and followed the scent. Aunt
Mavis was sitting at the table. “Come join me my dear. Pour a cup
and grab a fresh apple muffin.”
Linarial gave her aunt a hug. “I just love you. Don’t know what
I’d do without you.”