Harper. My, don’t you just have a spring in your step today.” Madeline maintained her pleasantly neutral expression even as she tried valiantly to suppress the blush she could feel rising up her cheeks. She had good reason for that springy step. “Good morning, Mrs. McLeroy.” The receptionist smiled over her reading glasses as she set down her knitting. She was an odd mix of characters, with hair like Dolly Parton, a face like Mrs. Claus, and a seasonally themed wardrobe that reminded Madeline of her third grade music teacher. Today’s vest featured falling autumn leaves and a smattering of friendly-looking cats. “Mr. Westerfield said he’d like to see you once you got settled this morning.” She leaned forward and added in a conspiratorial tone, “Don’t you worry, though. I already plied him with coffee and my homemade banana nut muffins this morning, so I know he’s as happy as a possum in a corncrib.”
