Cassie’s Cautious Optimism is Serving Up Warmth
I’m getting used to the idea of a partnership with Bitsy. I admit to experiencing a certain amount of nervousness — I know her well enough to be somewhat wary…

A serial about the people of Middle Valley in the tradition of daytime soap operas
I’m getting used to the idea of a partnership with Bitsy. I admit to experiencing a certain amount of nervousness — I know her well enough to be somewhat wary…
I need a rest. Time to think about everything that’s going on. Of course, I like action, I like lots of stuff going on around me. But maybe I need…
I’ve been working with Silas for only a short time. He’s been getting acclimated to Middle Valley and our small-town mores. We have visited Paul twice where he sits in…
My phone is ringing again. I had missed it the first time and there was no message. It’s an unforgivable sin to miss a call when you are self employed.…
3 o’clock comes up quickly. Mercury returns from her afternoon coffee run – a giant latte for her and a small cup of black for me. On this day, I’m…
I was being honest with Bernie – I really didn’t know what Bitsy and Wanda were plotting, though I was, of course, tragically curious. Those two in a booth, a…
I believe it was the great Mary Chapin Carpenter who once sang “sometimes you’re the windshield, sometimes you’re the bug.” These days, I am, of course, a windshield. Which is…
It’s been a week since Silas and Merc first visited. I know because I can see the same clock I saw that day, and I can see that it’s 20…
Mid-morning behind the bar is a little slow. Not feeling particularly ambitions or energetic today. There’s not much for me to do without customers right now. So far, my achievements…
I arrive at the Hughes’ porch and I hesitate. I ring the doorbell. Elyse answers immediately. “Come in.” She smiles, but I can tell she isn’t at ease – or…