The Stitching Hour by Amanda Lee Page B

a delight to see you and the lovely Priscilla again.” He even made a show of kissing Priscilla’s hand.
    â€œMay we offer you some refreshments?” Priscilla asked. “Please come and join the others.”
    We went over to a long, tall table where Vera, Paul, Blake, and a couple of other shop owners stood. As we made small talk, Keira sullenly dumped popcorn kernels into a popping machine.
    â€œHi, Keira,” Todd said. “I haven’t had a chance to talk with you at MacKenzies’ Mochas lately. How’ve you been?”
    â€œLovely. Absolutely lovely.” Her monotone and lack of smile belied her words.
    â€œGlad to hear it.” Todd spotted Will and walked away to chat with him and Paul.
    â€œWhat’s with Keira?” Ted asked me quietly, as we took our plates of food to the side to eat. “I know she’s generally not the most chipper person on the planet, but she’s usually able to muster a fake smile.”
    â€œSadie said Keira really didn’t want to be here,” I whispered. “One of the waitresses called in sick this morning, and Sadie was having a rough day earlier. She was even put out with the Atwoods for springing this on her at the last minute. I’m surprised Blake is here.”
    â€œHe’d about have to be here to help kick off the Horror Emporium and make sure it all runs smoothly, especially given Keira’s attitude.” Ted dabbed at his mouth with his napkin, and then spoke at a normal volume. “These sandwiches are really good.”
    â€œThey are,” I said. “And the seasoned pita chips are wonderful.”
    Claude rang a tiny bell. “May I please have everyone’s attention? As soon as you finish eating, please make your way into”—dramatic pause—“the Lair of the Serpent.” He turned with the precision of a military marcher, presented his arm to Priscilla, and together they went behind the curtained portion of the Horror Emporium.
    Vera sat her nearly empty plate down on the counter. “Well? What are we waiting for?”
    Paul smiled. “After you, my dear.”
    Blake followed Paul inside.
    Reggie, Manu, Ted, and I looked at one another. None of us wanted to be the first of our crowd to go in. Of course, Vera had already blazed the trail, but the rest of us were hesitant.
    Todd grabbed my hand. “Come along, Marcy Lou!”
    â€œMarcy Lou?” I asked.
    â€œYeah, well, I had all these nicknames so . . .” He nodded at Ted. “You, too, Teddy Bear.”
    â€œI’m going to kill you before this night is through,” Ted said.
    I put on my game face, ready to seem terrified, and stepped with Todd behind the heavy draperies. I found myself in a shadowy room. I could barely see Todd’s silhouette in front of me.
    I could hear a rattlesnake. I imagined the sinister sound came from a speaker. Then a spotlight flashed on, and I saw an actual, live Western rattlesnake. It was slithering over a branch. I shivered slightly, hoping that the snake was enclosed somehow. Although it certainly didn’t appear to be, I knew the venomous snake couldn’t be allowed to leave the exhibit. I’d have to ask the Atwoods how they’d managed the effect.
    Other spotlights dimmed and brightened, illuminating other snakes in the “lair.” Claude’s voice came over an intercom, and it sounded surprisingly like that of Vincent Price.
    â€œGood evening, and welcome to the Lair of the Serpent,” he said. “It’s only one room in our Horror Emporium, so don’t get
too
comfortable here. Follow the yellow arrows on the walls in front of you to escape the serpent and to see what awaits you as you move along our maze.”
    We walked along as indicated by the yellow tape. Suddenly, a huge mechanical serpent with yellow eyes sprang out at us and hissed.
    I squealed and jumped back. Ted laughed and caught me.
    â€œOh, come