Quinn’s was busier than usual Friday and Saturday night. David arranged for a delivery of the desserts they’d ordered for Saturday morning, so Bethany ran them as specials until they could get them added onto the new menus. They were still working on what the final changes to the menu would be. She wanted to test out a few things and see how customers responded before finalizing anything.

She was pleased to hear that some discount coupons were already being redeemed. They had a few trickle in on Friday and a steady flow of them Saturday night. She was also glad she’d suggested that Ryder accept them on weekends too, instead of just during the week as many restaurants did.

Feedback on both desserts was as she’d hoped. Customers loved both and particularly raved about the chocolate cake. Bethany had added her own touch to the decadent cakes-a sprinkling of crushed lavender. It was one of her favorite herbs and she thought it might help promote romantic feelings. The slices were so tall that most people ended up taking half of it home with them and the overall consensus was that they more than got their money’s worth.

Bethany worked late both nights and let her assistant go home early, to give him a break. By the time she left each night, she was ready to fall into bed, but it was the good kind of tired, when she felt like she was making a difference. The energy in Quinn’s was already different.

She sensed that slowly but surely, people were coming back, and were curious if they’d been away, to see if the new chef had made improvements. She heard from the servers that they loved the new dishes that she’d introduced. The chicken pot pie she ran as a special was so popular she’d added it to the regular menu, along with the short ribs and meatloaf.

Sunday and Monday were her days off and she wasn’t used to having two full days off. Everywhere else she’d worked the chefs and sous chefs worked six and often seven days a week and usually from open to close. It was a punishing schedule and part of what had attracted her to the possibility of starting up her own catering business. She would work long hours no doubt, but she’d also have a flexible schedule. She was glad though that she didn’t have to do that yet. The position at Quinn’s seemed tailor made to her and the expected hours were more than reasonable.

She and her mother had a relaxing Sunday. Her mother wanted to get out of the house and go to an early church service, which wouldn’t be as crowded. They both enjoyed the peacefulness of the small, quiet service. And her mother was happy to see some of her friends afterward at coffee hour.

They went for a walk when they got home as the weather was cool and clear. Her mother rested after that, curled up on the living room sofa with a book while Bethany puttered in the kitchen making a roasted chicken and vegetables. The house quickly smelled amazing, and she planned on making a chicken soup from the bones the next day. Bone broth was supposed to be extra nutritious and so far her mother’s diet seemed to be helping.

They enjoyed a lazy afternoon together. Bethany also read for a while, a Melinda Leigh mystery that had her on the edge of her seat. And they both snacked on a frozen treat that she made. As an experiment, she froze one of her green smoothies as popsicles and they turned out better than expected.

She got a good night’s sleep and met up with Jill the next day for lunch. It was a last minute invitation as Jill had a cancellation and was just going to walk next door and grab a salad. Bethany met her at Smith’s and also ordered a salad. Jill always made her laugh with some of her funny stories about her patients. She never shared any identifying details of course, and Bethany wouldn’t know them anyway, but it was still fun to hear them.

“I had a young couple that had their first baby delivered yesterday. The husband was in the delivery room. I told him that the baby’s head was starting to crown and that it was time to push. He put on gloves and then stepped back and squatted as if he was preparing to catch a football! Everyone in the room laughed while I explained to him that babies don’t get tossed out of the womb.”

Bethany laughed. “He must have been so out of his element.”

“He was. I heard he was a star quarterback in high school. It was probably instinctual for him.”

As they finished eating, Bethany asked if Jill had plans the next night. “I’m meeting my mother and her friends after work at Quinn’s for music bingo. It’s my mother’s first official night out since she finished her treatments.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful. I’d love to join you.”

When they stepped outside, Bethany noticed a new shop a few doors down. At least it was new to her. “Have you been to there yet? It looks cute.”

“Scentiments? Yes, I’ve been in there a few times. Their stuff smells amazing. They have all kinds of things made with essential oils. You should stop in. They haven’t been open long, but Lindy, the woman that runs the shop is great and they’re doing a good business.”

“I will stop in there. I bet my mom would love a sweet smelling candle.” She grinned. “Who am I kidding? I’d love one too.”

Jill headed back to her office while Bethany walked down the street to the new shop. When she stepped inside a tangle of wonderful smells teased her nose. She was curious to learn more about essential oils as she thought she remembered hearing something about them being useful for healing too. A woman about her age looked up from behind the counter and smiled.

“Hi there, I’m Lindy. Can I help you find anything?”

Bethany hesitated. She wasn’t really sure what she was looking for. “I was just curious to look around. I don’t know much about essential oils, but my mother has breast cancer. Is there anything you might suggest?”

“Many people believe that there are a few essential oils that have some healing benefits for cancer. Frankincense, Myrrh, Lavender, Peppermint and especially, curcumin. You might know it as Turmeric.”

“The yellow spice?” Bethany often used it to add a golden glow and subtle flavor to rice pilafs.

“That’s the one. I have a collection of all five in small purse size vials. There’s a pamphlet that explains each one. If she just dabs a little oil behind her ear or on her pulse points that’s all she needs to do.”

“Thank you.” Bethany continued to wander around and selected a few candles as well as a lip balm for each of them.

“How long have you been here?” she asked as Lindy took her credit card and put everything in a pink shopping bag.

“I haven’t been here long. Just about a week or so. It’s actually my aunt’s shop, but she hurt her back so I’m helping her out for a while.” She handed Bethany her credit card slip and added with a smile, “I’ve always enjoyed helping her in the store. The essential oils are fascinating and seem to be helping so many people. I hope they help your mother.”

“Thank you.”