Fool's Gold Collection Volume 4: Halfway There / Just One Kiss / Two of a Kind / Three Little Words. Susan Mallery
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many people know too much about each other here,” Isabel said. “When I was a kid, I felt like I had fifteen mothers and fathers.”
Patience smiled. “She’s right. It was like that, but I didn’t mind it as much. Isabel had big dreams.”
“Where have you been living?” Charlie asked.
“New York. I was in advertising.” Isabel’s blue eyes flashed with emotion.
Patience had a feeling she was thinking about the divorce and all the changes that went with it. “Charlie was proposed to in Times Square.”
Charlie leaned back in her chair. “Do we have to talk about that?”
“It was wonderful,” Heidi said. “Charlie’s fiancé is very inventive and totally crazy about her.”
“That’s nice.” Isabel sounded wistful.
“You should give him the big wedding he wants,” Annabelle said.
“I’m not the big-wedding type.”
Patience wondered if her reluctance was because she really didn’t like big weddings or if she was uncomfortable with the whole idea of it: the feminine dress, being the center of attention. Charlie was the most capable person Patience knew, but like everyone else, she had her demons.
“It’s the dress thing,” Heidi announced, confirming what Patience thought.
Isabel studied her. “I have a great selection of gowns that would look pretty fabulous on you.”
Charlie glared at her. “I find the word gown off-putting. We’ve just met. Why aren’t I intimidating you? Most people are frightened by me when they meet me.”
“Oh, sorry.” Isabel’s grin was impish. “I’ll tremble next time.”
Charlie glanced at Patience. “Okay, I like her.”
“We have a new friend.” Annabelle looked at both of them, and her eyes filled with tears. “That’s so nice.”
Charlie covered her face with her hands. “Kill me now.”
Jo returned with the drinks, and talk turned to what was going on in town.
“Are you really selling Paper Moon?” Annabelle asked.
“Yes, but not for a while. I promised my parents I would spruce it up and we want to wait until after the wedding-season rush.”
“When’s that?” Heidi asked.
“Late fall through early March. There are a lot of engagements followed by plans for June weddings. Brides tend to order their dresses several months in advance.”
Charlie nudged Annabelle. “See? They’ll still be there for you.”
“That’s a relief.”
Heidi looked at Patience. “Do you have an opening date yet? We’re all so excited about Brew-haha.”
“A month, give or take,” Patience said, and pressed a hand to her belly. “I’m excited, too, and nervous.”
“You’re going to do great,” Charlie told her. “The location is excellent and I’ve personally inspected the building. It’s completely safe.”
Heidi leaned toward Isabel. “Charlie has this thing about fire. It’s related to her job.”
“I can hear you,” Charlie told her.
“Yes, and you love me anyway.”
“Yeah, yeah. Maybe.”
Heidi giggled.
Charlie returned her attention to Patience. “You know we’re all here for you. Whatever you need. Are you planning a work party?”
“Yes. We have to get the remodeling finished first.”
“Let me know when it is and I’ll make sure I’m available. I can trade a shift if I have to.”
Heidi and Annabelle shared a glance.
“We’re useless,” Annabelle said.
“Not useless, but less than helpful,” Heidi added.
“Don’t sweat it,” Patience told them. “You can’t be around paint or cleaning supplies. You can help next time.”
“Are you sure?” Annabelle asked.
“I swear,” Patience told her. She turned to Isabel. “I’ll expect you to show up early, though.”
“A work party? You mean like when we were kids and all the neighbors would arrive to help with a move or something like that. Still? Really?”
“We’re big on tradition,” Patience told her.
“There’s a rumor about another store opening,” Charlie said. “A Christmas place. Mayor Marsha was mentioning it.”
“I’d love that,” Heidi said. “Is there a location yet?”
“I heard across from the park and next to the sporting-goods store,” Isabel said. “Around the corner from Brew-haha.”
“All of us starting businesses at the same time,” Patience said. “That’s only good news.”
Heidi batted her eyes. “Let us not forget the bodyguard school your handsome friend is opening.”
Patience sipped her soda and did her best to look innocent. “I’ve heard about it.”
“Uh-huh.” Annabelle rested her hands on her belly. “He’s very hot. All strong and protective. Excellent qualities in a man.”
“We’re friends. I barely know him.”
“That’s not what your blush says,” Charlie told her.
Isabel’s eyes widened. “You’re dating Justice?”
“No. I’ve seen him around town. He came over for dinner. With my daughter and my mother,” she added, refusing to even think about the kisses they’d shared. “He’s nice.”
“Nice, huh?” Heidi didn’t look convinced. “I think there’s more to the story.”
Jo appeared. “You five ready to order?”
“I am,” Patience said quickly, eager to change the subject.
Isabel leaned close and lowered her voice. “Saved by Jo. Don’t think I’m not going to want details later.”
Patience shrugged, as if she had no idea what her friend was talking about. As for sharing details, there really weren’t very many. Justice was appealing, but potentially dangerous. Better that she avoid him. Okay, maybe not better, but smarter.
* * *
SO MUCHFOR being smart, Patience thought the next afternoon as she stood in what would soon be her store and waited while Justice walked through the place. She had the tape down on the floor, marking off the various locations. The main counter, the cold case, the bakery display, tables and chairs.
He moved between the two-dimensional representation of what would be real objects, then circled back. Finally he looked up at her.
“You have a well-thought-out plan,” he said. “There’s good flow here.”
“Does that mean it’s a good layout to hold a South American dictator or a bad place to do that?”
He smiled at her. “I could arrange a kidnapping here. Or prevent one. Flexibility’s important.”
She did her best to ignore the way his smile made her toes get all curly in her athletic shoes. Right now her business had to be her prime focus. Not the handsome man prowling around. Although he did look good prowling. Competent and determined. As a quick “Oh God, what