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There’s something about a small town that makes me smile as I walk through and notice all its’ quirky old-fashioned charm. Some of you may have stumbled upon such a place during your summer travels.

When I was a kid, my family didn’t go on a lot of fancy vacations, but my father used to take us for long car rides, seemingly without any particular destination. He would always coax our interest with the hopeful carrot that we might discover an “old ghost town,” as he called them. Naturally, that never happened, but there were a few places that came close enough in appearance to stir my young imagination and convince me they were. Although they were simply small old towns, to me they seemed to be lost in some kind of spooky time warp. Regardless, those childhood quests instilled an appreciation for quaint little out-of-the way villages.

Perhaps that’s why I created Riverview in the Buzz @ Chicky-Pie’s Cafe. However, along with the small town feel I gave it, I mixed-in some contemporary businesses and a thriving atmosphere. It was my way of bringing life and hope to the new place that Elise came to call home. That might also be why I smiled the whole time I was writing the description of Riverview in my book.

So, for this mini story excerpt, I thought you might want a reminder of what Elise experienced when she peered out the window the first morning after she landed in Riverview. And I hope it brings a smile to your face or happy memory to you too.

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Bouncing joyfully, I walked over to the window and cranked it open as I gazed at sleepy Riverview. The town was waking up too. From my third-story window, a distant river glistened in the morning sun. A handful of people were strolling along the street below as if they had all the time in the world. Colorful storefronts poked in and out with an uneven greeting, vying for the walkers’ attention as they passed. Dressing each street corner, ornate lampposts hung with lush flower baskets and shade trees added fresh green texture. Their leaves sparkled in reflection of the rising sun, handing off the breeze from one leaf to another, fresh and full of the town’s eclectic scents. Finally, a street sign posted a name—Riverview Village Drive.

I’d landed in a Southern California town, but it felt like a new world, far removed from the desert landscape of Arizona.

A baby’s laughter and creaky stroller wheels animated the street scene. Footfalls of a man briskly clicked by, his casual suit and briefcase swinging jauntily as he walked towards the lady and baby. “Good morning!” He nodded as he passed by. An older woman swished dirt away from a gift shop entrance. The sudden screeching of tables and chairs arranged in front of a nearby café rudely interrupted all serenity. Then, a fresh breeze wafted the pleasant aroma of cinnamon and sugar up to my window as if making sweet amends. My stomach growled in response. A busboy walked inside a cafe before returning to the patio with an American flag. Placing it in a holder high above the door brought my eyes to the sign overhead. It read, “Good News Café”.

Sunshine streamed through the window with friendly invitation. Walking over to it again, I let its warmth penetrate and soothe me. A flicker of hope kissed my heart briefly. The town was bustling now, and I glanced out the window noting an alteration shop named Alter Ego. It sat next to a beauty salon, Her-Mane’s Hair. Then, as if in a contest for the cleverest name, a nail salon boasted a cartoonish sign—the Nail Chimp. A smile snuck up to my face. “Think I’m gonna like this place.”

Outside, I leaned against the white wooden rails decorating the edge of the stoop and peered both ways down the street, then up to the top of the building. There, above the porch roof, was the sign I’d seen last night—Colony Hotel & Trust Residences. Huh, such an odd name for a hotel, yet reassuring somehow.

Walking to the south end of the building, a hexagon tower flared out of one corner and soared high above the three-storied main structure. Painted light blue with white trim, and laced with gingerbread-like flounces, the building’s beautiful Victorian style intrigued my wanting soul. The face of the building boasted its era further with tall windows and decorative black and white awnings that hovered over them like ladies’ skirts. A large yellow door and intricately covered entry beckoned my hungry heart up a stairway.

Gathering my wits, I walked towards the sunny yellow door inhaling the aroma of fried chicken and fresh pastry. Stopping on the stoop, I peered up at the glowing neon sign: Chicky-Pie’s Café.

Entering, I saw a familiar face with a warm smile as wide as the sky. It was Mell.