Tough, Lauren thought. The truth is needed here. “Dad, Razzle Dazzle is old and outdated. No one shops here anymore except for a few like-minded locals. We get an occasional straggler from out of town if we’re lucky. The stock is awesome, but we’re not putting it out there for the public beyond these walls. And I’m not referring to the people here in Fallen Springs. Our artisans’ work is unique, so extraordinary, it’s a shame they’re not getting the exposure they deserve from us. It’s almost like we’re doing them a disservice.” Lauren was surprised they were still able to carry some of their work, though she knew that many of them had their own websites to display and sell their pieces. Several continued to sell to Razzle Dazzle because it was an institution in Fallen Springs.

“I disagree. I hate to say this, but it must be said. Lauren, your mother and I believe you’re mismanaging the store. We’ve talked about this at great length, and we’re coming back to work. Maggie has agreed to return part-time if needed. This should give you time to devote to your own work. My rheumatologist believes I’ll be able to return to most of my normal activities with this new medication. I haven’t felt this alive since I was diagnosed. So, starting tomorrow, you can stay home, get things situated for the cats. You can use one of the spare bedrooms as an office if you choose to.”

She was so shocked by her father’s words, she had nothing to say in objection. She sat there with the mug of tea in her hand, dazed and bewildered. “Dad, Mom.” She put the mug on her desk. “Are you serious? Do both of you really think I can’t operate this place”—she tossed her hands out—“properly?”

“Dear, it’s not that,” her mother said.

“Mother, don’t placate me. I am not a child.”

“Ilene.” Her father placed an arm on her mother’s shoulder. At any other time, she would have thought the display of affection sweet, but now she thought of it as controlling, as though he were preventing her from saying more. “I know this must be hard for you, Lauren. You’re a modern girl, hip. What you don’t understand is this is a business, and it’s been a very successful one for decades. I know you’ve tried your best these past few years, but as I said, I feel more like myself now, and duty calls. I’ll return this afternoon, after your mother and I get something to eat. With your mother, of course, and you know how good she is at persuading the customers to make that one extra purchase. This way, starting this afternoon, you’ll have all the time you need to write.”