Page 22 of Cuddling Carly

She didn’t bother explaining that she’d been avoiding her phone as much as possible. Messages and calls from Wade, the mayor, and most people back in Valley Spring were silenced anyway. So, it wouldn’t hurt to glance at it from time to time.

“So, we didn’t know if you are interested or not,” Katie continued, “but Nancy—the lady who owns the store—is looking for new product testers. Her new diaper line just came in!”

Carly had read about the diapers designed and sold right there in Mountainville. “You mean the Mountainville Supreme?”

“The new and improved Mountainville Supreme!” Katie continued.

“It’s supposed to be even thicker and with extra crinkle,” Stella explained. “And she has free boxes for beta testers.”

Maybe this day was going to really be amazing, Carly thought. She didn’t have much money to buy Little gear, but if she could get some diapers for free all while helping out Miss Nancy, she was in.

“Let’s go!” she said.

It was a beautiful morning to walk through town—a little crisp and cool—but that was a welcome change. Valley Spring never had much by way of a fall. It wasn’t quite as hot as summer, but it certainly wasn’t as cool as Mountainville was.

“Will you be here on Halloween?” Katie asked.

Carly did the math in her head. “Yeah. I didn’t even think about that. Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. But so much has been going on that I’ve sort of lost track of time.”

“Friend,” Katie said, “I get the impression something bad has happened. I’m sorry. There’s no pressure, but if you want to talk about it, we’re here for you.”

“I was about to say that same thing,” Stella said. “You’re not alone now.”

Carly felt like she could cry. This town was wonderful. Just what she needed to mend her broken heart.

Wade was still a factor, but she was on the right track at least. That man would stay in her mind for a long, long time, she knew.

They reached the store and entered to find a huge selection of just about anything a Little could want—and then some.

There were toys, outfits, stuffies, diapers, and even adult-sized Little furniture. Carly spotted plenty of ribbons and bows to make someone look pretty and add the perfect accessories to their already cute outfits, too.

“I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s something from my dreams,” she whispered.

“Isn’t it great?” Katie asked.

A pretty, matronly woman with shoulder length dark hair came around from behind the counter and smiled sweetly. “Hello, cuties.” Setting her eyes on Carly, she continued, “And this must be Little Carly. I’ve heard all about you from Katie and Stella. Welcome to Mountainville, honey. I’m Nancy. Most of the Littles around here call me Auntie or Auntie Nancy. But you’re free to call me whatever you’d like.”

Carly was instantly at ease even though the whole experience was surreal.

“Hi, Auntie Nancy. It’s so nice to meet you.”

“Did the girls ask you to be a beta tester for the new line of diapers I designed?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Well, come right this way, then.”

The storekeeper led the way to a back room where shelves of neatly organized merchandise awaited its time in the main shop. On a table in the center of the room were several boxes. “Ladies, I am proud to present the Mountainville Supreme Two. Thicker. More absorbent. And more crinkle than ever before.”

The Littles clapped.

“Find your sizes, take as many as you want, and know you can always come back for more. I’ll go get some bags for you so they’re easier to carry,” Nancy told them.

“Thank you, ma’am. May I please pay you for these?” Carly asked.

“Aww, you’re sweet, honey. But you’re doing me a favor by testing them. All I ask is that you give me honest feedback. That will help me before I call the manufacturer and either give them the go-ahead to mass produce or we tweak a few things.”

This made Carly feel a little better about accepting the free diapers. The test was coming at a great time, too, with her funds running so low.