Snowspell

Chapter 5: Blizzardfest

Chapter 5: Blizzardfest

November 19

Templeton suffered from cabin fever because of another snowstorm that dropped eight inches of snow overnight. A thick layer of whiteness covered the city, piling on roads and sidewalks, adding to the layers of snow that had already accumulated throughout the past four days. Katy Davidson on Channel 8 called it a Blizzardfest and claimed another six inches of the white powder would fall from the heavens that day.

Local businesses were dead, and most people had decided to take the day off from work, staying home and hibernating. Children were either locked inside or playing in the snow, but not in school since Templeton District had closed them all. Avery wasn’t as fortunate to have the day off since he lived above his business and followed through with his normal daily schedule: shower, dress, make coffee in his shop, eat a banana, and work. Not that he minded, loving the store and the trinkets that he had obtained to fill the place.

For the last dozen years, he had fallen in love with antiques, people’s throwaways, and what some called junk. How simply he had become a collector of everything, all of which sat in Avery’s Corner Thrift: vintage coffee pots, pieces of luggage, Civil War memorabilia, collector’s spoons, Zane Grey hardbacks, pieces of Art Nuevo glassware, stamps, bamboo figurines, ashtrays, coffee mugs galore, clay pots from the Congo, gems from South Africa, and other trinkets from around the globe.

His mother claimed he had hoarding issues, and his father called him psychologically damaged. No matter what those around him stated, Avery Gauge had come up with a way in his life to enjoy the odds and ends of his world, and he had a sturdy business that allowed him to pay his bills. He wasn’t rich, not that he wanted to be, and he was happy with his career, livelihood, and position in life. In truth, Avery couldn’t have asked for anything more, loving his shop, The Cavity, and his relationship with Evan and Amy. More truth: life was good, just as he had always planned it to be.

* * * *

Avery perused the Internet for local private auctions and estate sales in the area. Having a respected history in the antiques business, he could obtain front row seating at any auction. Estate sales were tougher to find trinkets for his shop because hardcore Estaters, as they were called, raped and pillaged the sales at the earliest hours, executing the old cliché: the early bird gets the worm.

To Avery’s surprise, a local auction was scheduled that night in Colsen. Austein Abode, a familiar and frequented auction house near The Maxx Inn, was opening its doors at seven for a three-hour auction. Seating was available by reservation. Such pieces of interest up for auction included a pewter chess board, Tiffany lamps, a variety of paperweights, a collection of rare Wade Figurines, Hall dishware, and an assortment of silver bells.

Deciding to attend the function at Austein Abode, Avery called up his dear friend, Melody Miller, the owner of the establishment. Melody and Avery went to high school together, then college. Melody married a dentist, who looked exactly like Zac Ephron, and had three sons. During her marriage and motherhood, she dabbled in antiques and auctions, opening Austein Abode. Although her auctions were only once a month, interested gatherers from all around enjoyed her goods, and the auctions were exciting. Occasionally, Avery walked away with a valued piece for Avery’s Corner Thrift, some rare painting by a local talent, china tea pot, or signed baseball card.

Avery decided to call Melody and attend the event. He had her personal cellphone number.

Melody picked up on the second ring. “Melody Miller, how can I help you?”

“Melody, this is Avery Gauge. Is it true that you’re having an auction tonight?”

“Oh, Avery. Yes! Yes! Yes!” she said, overcome with excitement to hear his voice. “It’s been too long. We need to catch up. When was the last time you and I had a cocktail together or lunch? I’m ravenous for some girl-time with you. You always exhilarate me, Avery, and always will.”

“Six months. Maybe seven. I honestly can’t remember. It’s been a while.”

“Six months too long, dear. We must remedy that, Avery. Will you be attending the auction tonight?”

“I have my eye on one of the Tiffany lamps. Plus, I have a weakness for Wade figurines.”

“Well, dear, bring your checkbook. I will have a front row seat just for you. You can auction your darling ass off. And then maybe after the auction, we can enjoy a cocktail together. Something stinging and warm because of the cold outside. What do you say, dear friend?”

“I appreciate that, Melody. Thank you.”

“It starts at seven. And feel free to bring a friend. I’m sure a few buyers will cancel due to all the snow we’re expecting.”

Avery told her thank you again and that he would see her later that day. The call ended, and he smiled, thrilled about the auction and those available Tiffany lamps that were to die for, all his.