AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Holly’s cell phone suddenly tinkled inside her purse.
Theodosia reached out and took Holly’s cup of tea as she scrambled to find her phone.
“Imago Gallery,” Holly said. “How may I help you?” Holly listened for a few minutes, said, “Yes, that piece is still available along with some others by him.” She shifted on her feet, said, “What time were you thinking?” She listened for a while longer, nodded to herself, and said, “I look forward to seeing you both.” When Holly clicked off, she wore a faint smile on her face. “Theodosia,” she said, “I think you’re my lucky charm!”
“I’m guessing that phone call was good news?”
Holly bobbed her head. “That was a potential new client, a couple who wants to come by the gallery today and look at some paintings by an artist named Gordon Rafael.”
“He’s the one who does those pointillism landscapes?”
“Of the swamps and old rice fields, yeah.” Holly rocked back on her heels, suddenly in good humor now. “Which is great. Except...” She glanced at her watch.
“Except?” Theodosia said. She expected Holly to say something more about the money.
“Except for the fact that I promised Philip I’d run out to Frog Hollow Farm this afternoon and pick up six baskets of produce. He’s already got, like, fifty takeout orders for tonight.” Holly nodded. “You see, word is starting to spread about how terrific Philip’s food is, so I know we can make the money back that way.”
“When are your art clients supposed to show up?”
Holly glanced at her watch again. “In an hour. I mean, I’m thrilled they want to look at Rafael’s paintings, but selecting art for your home tends to be a very personal decision. One not easily made.” She managed a wry smile. “Yipes, first I was at odds and ends, now I’m pressed for time.”
“Tell you what,” Theodosia said. “Haley has been searching high and low for fresh ramps and spinach. Do you think Frog Hollow Farm will have that?”
Holly looked suddenly hopeful. “I know they will.”
“Then your short-term problem is solved. You go schmooze your new clients while I drive out there and pick up your produce. That way I can grab a bunch of veggies for Haley as well.”
“You’d do that for me? Wow.” Holly looked beyond thrilled. “Thank you, Theodosia. You’re not only good luck, I couldn’t ask for a better friend!”
Theodosia handed Holly’s cup of tea back to her and said, “Now I want you to go be charming and make that sale! And we’ll talk about this money angle again later.”
***
Back in the tea shop, the prix fixe tea was winding down.
“It’s almost one thirty,” Drayton reminded Theodosia. He tapped his watch. “Remember what you said?”
“And there are only two tables left, so we should be in great shape,” Theodosia replied as her cell phone beeped.
She dug it out of her apron pocket, saw it was Riley, and said, “Hey, cowboy.”
“We’re still on for tonight, right?” Riley said.
“Looking forward to it.”
“Good, because we have an eight o’clock reservation at High Cotton.”
Theodosia grinned. “Wow. That’s a jumpin’-hot place.”
“We deserve it, don’t you think?”
“If you say so,” Theodosia said.
“I do. So. Are you closing early today?”
“I’m just about to lock the front door. Then I’m heading out to pick up some fresh produce.”
“For real? You’re not off on some wild chase to investigate a potential suspect?”
