Beep beep.
“Hey, Priscilla, watch behind you.” Beep beep. “That’s a great cleaning mitt. I definitely need one of those for the Thrift Store. To sell? No, not to sell — to USE! I left my store key at home and had to run all the way back to get it, so I’m getting a late start. Is Sun-Ho around yet? I’m desperate for a lemonade. Hey, Eliot! How’s that TV working out? Great. Magnificent Men? No, I haven’t seen that one. Is it new? Sorry. I don’t have much time for movies.”
“What’s that you’ve got on your hand, Priscilla? I think Bunty needs one of those. Can you order one in for me? Actually, I’m supposed to meet Harold at the diner, but Bunty asked me to pick up a box of pasties she’d ordered. No, it’s okay. I know I’m early. Why don’t you just flag me down on my way out? Thanks, but I’m good. Hmm? No, she’s got ‘a million things to do’ today, and Albie got out again. I agree. I told her the same thing. Lori, would you look around the Thrift for a collar bell for that little rascal? Just send it to the house, if you find one. Can I help either one of you before I go? Okay, but if you need anything, I’ll just be down the street. Gotta run, Girls.” Beep, beep.
“I think I missed a spot over there. Can you see it, Lori? Lori? Boy, that girl doesn’t stay put for two minutes in a row. Now, why won’t this spot wipe off? Oh, no! A fly on the inside of the window. Wait just a minute, and we’ll get you out of there . . . How pitiful. Talking to a fly. I need to get out more.”
Beep, beep. “Hey, Eliot! Be with ya in a minute. Lemme just finish wiping this counter down.”
“By the way, thanks again for installing the lights down here on Main Street. A lot of the kids want Pizza delivered for dinner, and I don’t have space to do them in my little kitchen. The sand is a pain, but I don’t mind since it makes so many people happy. I’m almost done here. Why don’t you hang out with Sun-Ho and George? I think they’re over at the Smoothie stand. I saw Sun-Ho setting up earlier. I’ll wave when I’m ready.” Beep, beep.
“Hey, Eliot! Whenever you’re ready, chum. And ask Sun-Ho to send something to drink over with you. I don’t care, whatever he’s got handy. Thanks! Are you expecting Bunty down today? Eliot?” Beep, beep.
“Now where is that doily? Maybe it’ll help me forget my troubles. I wonder if Eliot has given a single thought to my Wool Week crisis . . . I think I know just where to put this . . . Maybe I should call Bethany and Olivia before I get started with the rest of this . . .”
“Hi, girls! Just a very quick question, because I really don’t have time right now to talk. Any chance you’re going to be home tomorrow? I’d like to drop by (if I don’t have to chase Albie again) and talk to you about Wool Week. Uh-huh. He got out again. Yes, Bethany, a bell on a collar is a good idea. Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound like that. It’s just . . . I’ve already heard it from two others today. Okay, see you tomorrow. Want me to bring anything? I’ve got some apple cake left from lunch, if Eliot didn’t eat it all. You sure? Okay. Signing off. Hmm? Sorry. Harold makes us talk like that on the walkie talkies. I know, boys . . . Until–Yeah, I’m still here. Wish I could, but this afternoon is pretty busy. I’ve got ever so many things to do around the house. Albie needs to be de-burred, and I found the most darling old doily in the hutch that I need to find a place for. Yes, it’s ever so old and– No, it’s not made of wool, funny girl. Speaking of wool, did you hear about the Community Center? You haven’t heard? Doesn’t anyone on Islandshire take the Gazette anymore? Well, let me tell you . . .”
“Place looks great, Harold. Glad the lights are helping. Anyway, I asked you to meet me here, because I’ve got a plan to help my sister out of her Wool Week woes. Yeah, she’s pretty upset, and I hate to see her so unhappy. She didn’t say one disparaging word this morning about me wearing my old boots, that’s how distracted she is. Ho! You said it. So here’s my idea . . .”
[In order to maintain the suspense, Eliot’s plan will be revealed in a second installment, due to publish some time this afternoon. Be sure to check back to see what he’s come up with.]