But now, seeing Sadie so completely unraveled, a different idea took hold.

“Wanna go with me to the pinot-and-paint fund-raiser? It’s going on over at Chickadee Studios and proceeds benefit the summer youth art program.”

Renee smiled as she thought of how surprised Bree would be to see her actually take her up on her invite.

“Weren’t you supposed to buy tickets ahead of time?” Sadie asked quietly. “I mean, I love the summer art program. I always went when I was little. But I don’t have a ticket.”

Renee smiled. “Bree reserved two for me. I wasn’t in the mood, but you know what, I need to get out more. And you look like you could use some fun, no offense.”

Sadie trailed her out of Shopper’s Corner and onto the sidewalk. Soon, all the window boxes that decorated Cranberry Cove’s various businesses would be blooming, their flowers and vines vibrant and lush. Chickadee Studios, the town’s popular gallery and gift shop, was just a few minutes’ stroll from the grocery. The two women walked in silence, Sadie occasionally sniffling as Renee watched her with wary sideways glances.

She was dying to offer a hug or ask her some questions but just because they were neighbors didn’t mean she had to be privy to every detail of Sadie’s life.

Jill Kelly, the owner of Chickadee Studios, and Bree’s best friend, greeted them.

“Sadie? Renee? What a fab surprise! Come on in. I’ve set everything up in the back. Pinot noir or pinot grigio?” Jill’s hair always matched her glasses. It was her trademark. This evening her signature hue was violet. “I’ve also gathered a great cheese selection from Myles. There should be a few charcuterie boards floating around.”

“Pinot grigio for me,” Renee replied, while Sadie requested a water.

“La Croix or Spindrift? I’m becoming a sparkling water connoisseur.” Jill’s pale cheeks turned red. “I drink at least six different cans a day!”

“That’s a lot of recycling!” Renee mock shuddered as Sadie laughed and said, “La Croix sounds great. Thank you.”

Chickadee Studios had stark white walls and fairy lights hung across the ceiling, and Jill featured a different local artist’s work every month. This month’s choice was an artist who specialized in seashell murals. Distressed tables were covered with various pieces of jewelry, ceramics, and accessories.

“My mother-in-law would love this,” Sadie mumbled to herself, examining a light blue merino scarf.

“Don’t tell Bree. She’ll get a big head,” Renee fake-whispered. “But I’m so proud of her. Her stuff is incredible.”

Renee and Bree’s grandmother had taught both girls how to knit, but it was Bree who had honed it into a true talent. When Renee was pregnant was Tansy, Bree had knitted the baby three blankets, four caps, and two dresses. She worked at the Castaway Yarn Shop, which was just a few doors down from Chickadee. The customers adored her, particularly since she was always happy to help repair a botched project, knitting and purling the way back to correctness.