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I nod, biting my lip.
“You don’t seem excited.”
“I don’t have any jeans,” I blurt out, then cover my mouth with my hand. Rose is totally perplexed, tilting her head to one side. I say, “Hammer said to dress casual, and then he mentioned jeans. I don’t have any.” Then something strange comes over me, and I begin to rant. “I should have a pair. What normal person doesn’t have one pair of jeans? Me! That’s who. I have sequined gowns. Where on earth would I be going where I need a gown? I’m going to make a fool of myself. I like him, but he’s going to see that I’m not right for him.”
Rose doesn’t say a word, but picks up the phone and dials. “Vi, you’re needed. Francesca is having a fashion meltdown.” There’s a pause before she says, “Right. I’ll send her over to wait for you at Hanna’s.” Rose hangs up and hands me the flowers. “Let’s put these in your car, then I’ll walk you over to Hanna’s. Help is on the way,” she says happily.
“Vi’s coming?” I’ve met Vi, and she has a cool style all her own, but I would look silly if I tried to emulate her fashion.
Rose sees my expression of unease. “Vi is Vi. She’s not going to make you into anyone else. She’s got a keen eye for putting clothes together and bringing out your best features. I love shopping with her. She finds the best deals and all the great accessories, and I promise you an experience like you’ve never had before.”
With all that excitement, how can I doubt her confidence in Vi? These women have been around the club longer than I have, and they certainly seem to have a handle on how to fit in.
A pang of guilt hits. I’m taking these women away from their work and families. “I’m so sorry. You’re all so busy?—”
Rose cuts me off. “That’s what friends do.”
“But you shouldn’t have to close your shop.”
She brushes my objection aside. “Everyone is entitled to a break. I’ll sit for a few minutes and leave you in Hanna’s capable hands.”
Rose sets the flowers in my back seat, then we cross the street to Hanna’s Bakery. Her quaint bakery is as pretty as a picture. The tables are all dressed in teacups filled with different-colored daisies. I’d bet my last dollar that the flowers came from Rose’s shop. The aroma of heavenly sweet goodness wafts through the air. The scent of cinnamon and vanilla makes my mouth water. All along the far wall is a glass counter filled with squares, cakes, cupcakes, pastries, and much more.
“Hanna makes the best cupcakes. I love all her treats, but her cupcakes are to die for,” Rose brags.
Hanna comes away from the counter to meet up. “Hey, welcome.” Hanna spreads her arms graciously. “Take a seat anywhere you like.”
“I can only stay for a few minutes, but maybe you can keep Francesca company until Vi gets here,” Rose says.
Hanna laughs. “Vi’s coming? I better get some lemon bars packaged.”
Then Rose spills the beans. “Vi is going to help Francesca get ready for her date with Hammer.”
Hanna smiles and clasps her hands together. “Yay! I could see from the way he was looking at you the other day that he was into you. Hammer’s a great guy,” she says. “You like him too, right?”
“I think he’s very special,” I admit. I can feel the heat in my cheeks.
Hanna drags me over to a table and sits me down, taking the seat across from me. Rose takes the chair next to me. “Where is he taking you?”
“Millie’s Diner,” I answer.
Hanna leans an elbow on the table, her cheek in her palm. “That’s an odd place for a first date.” She looks at Rose. “Isn’t it?”
“Not for Hammer,” she says. “He loves Millie’s food and probably wants to share his favorite place with Francesca.”
Hanna sighs. “That’s so sweet.”
I giggle. These girls are complete romantics. “I’m a little nervous. I haven’t been on a date for quite some time, and never with a man like Hammer.”
“Are the men in England blind?” Hanna asks. “You’re gorgeous.”
“Thanks, but dating wasn’t that important to me. I was in college when my mom got sick, and I spent every moment that I wasn’t in school with her. After she passed, I wanted to be alone. Then it became one situation after the next. I had dates for functions I was expected to attend, but nothing much ever came of them.”
“None of that matters now. Hammer’s taking you out, and you’re going to have a blast,” Rose says. “I hate to have to leave, but I must get back to the shop. Can I get a coffee to go with a half dozen snickerdoodle cookies? I like them, but Thunder loves them.”
Hanna gets up and calls back over her shoulder, “What can I get you, Francesca?”
“Surprise me?”
