Page 75 of Secrets Hidden In The Glass

Chapter Fifteen

Callie pulled up in front of Everything Antiques, dreading the idea of getting out of the truck. She kept her hands on the wheel and foot on the brake, contemplating the idea of ditching the last stop of her shopping trip and just heading home. She looked out at the whitecaps on the dull gray water, then at the glowing green forty-one by the dashboard clock—the current temperature in Sanderson. “Wrong attitude,” she reminded herself and shut off the engine, knowing she had a job to do. Now that she officially had free rein over this weekend’s wedding décor and less than three full days to accomplish her tasks, there was no time to waste trying to dodge the wretched weather.

She opened her door to the howling wind and burrowed her face farther into her jacket as she headed for the clapboard building, crossing her fingers that she was going to have more luck at this shop than she had at the two previous places. Stepping into the blessed warmth, she breathed in the scent of old furnishings and books, her gaze wandering from the gorgeous old corner cabinet to the stacks of china plates on the shelves. Ratty baby dolls were piled on a child-sized rocker and toy trains sat on a windowsill—a treasure trove of odds and ends everywhere she looked. She spotted mismatched wineglasses on a shelf tucked by the back exit and more on a bookshelf not far from where she currently stood. She’d been hoping for more of a streamlined theme, but eclectic had its own charm.

“Hello, dear.” An ancient gray-haired woman with a slight hunchback hobbled her way from the back of the store.

Callie smiled, instantly charmed. “Hello.”

“I’m Bess. Let me welcome you to Everything Antiques.”

“Thank you. You have so many lovely things.”

“History has a way of coming back around. What was old and tired to one is new and treasured by someone else.”

Callie nodded, loving Bess’s sentiment. “How true.”

“Is there anything special I can help you find?”

“I see some wineglasses I know I’d like to take with me.” She pointed to the shelves where the items were located. “But otherwise, I’m not sure that I’ll know what I’m searching for until it catches my eye.”

Bess smiled as she nodded. “Take your time and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”

“I will. Thank you.” Callie winced, holding her breath as she watched Bess limping to the back of the store, averting disaster several times over as her orthopedic shoes just missed catching the edges of the uneven floorboards. She relaxed when the elderly woman settled on a padded bench behind the counter and picked up the novel she’d been reading. “Centerpieces and accents,” Callie mumbled to herself and officially began her hunt, stopping when she spotted an old, dust-covered drawer leaning against the wall. “Excuse me, Bess. Is this for sale?” She held up the dark-colored wood so Bess would stay seated.

“There’s not much in here that isn’t.”

“Wonderful.” She could see the pinecones, acorns, and assortment of colorful leaves she would fill it with sitting on the appetizer table. Candlelight and Mother Nature always complemented each other well. Walking toward the back corner, she nearly gasped her delight when the small candelabra caught her attention. It was in need of a good polishing, but the silver would be stunning with flowers surrounding it. Her excitement grew as she envisioned the Inn’s dining room transformed. Creamy white tablecloths, multicolored blooms, pumpkins, and hand-painted glasses with small touches of the island’s historical charm thrown in. Fall-themed rustic elegance. Setting the item on the counter, she went back and grabbed every wineglass she could find, bringing them over until she had the correct number she needed.

Bess started toward the register. “It looks like you’ve found quite an assortment.”

“Yes. I think I’ve finished for today.”

“I’ll get these items wrapped up.” Bess began her work, rolling each glass in packing paper and setting them in a box, moving surprisingly quickly.

“I can help you if you’d like,” Callie offered.

“Not at all, honey. When you’ve been at this as long as I have, you develop a system. This won’t take but a minute and we’ll get you on your way.”

“All right.” Callie glanced around the store one last time, making sure she hadn’t missed anything, then absently scanned the trinkets in the display case below the register—rings, watches, and various other jewelry items—as she started a new to-do list in her head: stop off for fish at the docks. Then she wanted to get home and get her new items cleaned up and polished. Painting the glass was going to take a while but… Her gaze halted on the golden disk in the back of the display case and she clutched the side of the counter, feeling the blood draining from her face as she stared at the ornate S scrolled into gold. “Oh, my God,” she shuddered out.

“I’m sorry, dear?”

She swallowed, listening to the frantic beating of her heart echoing in her head. “That,” was the best she could do as she gently tapped the glass.

“Did something catch your eye?”

She nodded. “Yes, the locket in back. Can I see it, please?”

“Of course.” Bess slid open the panel and reached for the locket. “It’s lovely but a little banged up, I’m afraid.”

“That’s okay.” Callie took the piece with trembling fingers, leaning against the counter for support. She’d touched this before—felt the cool gold in her hands. “When did—How long have you had this piece?”

“Years, dear. So long it’s hard to remember not having it.”

She tore her gaze away from the jewelry to focus on Bess. “It’s an antique?”

“It doesn’t strike me as one.” Bess took the piece back, shaking her head as she examined it more closely. “No, honey, it’s not all that old. Thirty or forty years at the most.”