Not lately.She also detected the sarcastic tone in Brielle’svoice, as if she delighted in rubbing her success in Harper’s face.No doubt she does.
Harper rubbed her temple. “Thanks for letting me know,” she said, somehow managing a normal tone.
“Of course. Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find something suitable for your client. You are at the top of your game, aren’t you?”
What was that supposed to mean? Ugh, she didn’t have the time or energy to decipher Brielle right now. “Bye,” she said quickly, then hung up and pinched the bridge of her nose. She hated to disappoint Rusty, but there was no way around it other than to find him another property, and that was becoming a daunting task. She did a quick MLS scan on her phone and didn’t see a single thing she could show him that met his parameters. Rats. It would be nice to give him the bad news along with some possible alternatives, but she couldn’t even do that.
“We voted without you.”
Harper spun around to see Olivia behind her. “I’m sorry,” she said. “The call took longer than I thought. What’s our name?”
“The CCs.”
“What does that stand for?”
Olivia smiled. “The Chick Clique.”
“That’s a terrible name,” she said.
“I came up with it,” Olivia said, looking a little offended.
Yikes.“Oh. I’m sorry. I’m still not a fan, though.”
“Neither is Riley. She chose the Lattes.”
“And what’s wrong with that?”
“I drink tea.”
Olivia could be stubborn and a bit OCD, but right now she was being both times ten. Like she’d been at Anita’s wedding. “Are you okay?” she asked.
“I’m fine,” Olivia said, her tone softer. “I think I’m just tired, like you. We’ve been working overtime at the library getting ready for the parade and our holiday programs.”
The library was on the other side of Main Street. “Is the parade going by the library?”
“No, but we’re going to serve hot cider and give away bookmarks after the parade is over. It’s such a short walk from Main Street that we wanted to take advantage of so many people coming to town. That hasn’t happened since I was a teenager.” Her gaze softened. “If you’re set on the Lattes, I’ll rescind my vote. I think Anita likes it too. She was voting in solidarity with me.”
Harper smiled. “I can get used to the CCs. It’s kind of cute anyway. The BBs and the CCs.”
“That’s what I thought,” Olivia said. She yawned. “I have to go back to the library and finish up a few things. I’m glad things are going well for you, Harper.” She gave her a hug, then walked out the front door of the store.
Harper glanced at her mismatched shoes. She didn’t like deceiving her friends or keeping secrets. But she also didn’t see the sense in telling them about her job woes or her parents’ problems, not when she was sure things would work out soon in both areas. Business would pick up, and her mom and dad had gone through many hills and valleys in their relationship. This was just another one. She’d probably get a text in the next few days from her mother that she and Don were headed to Greece or somewhere else fun and exotic.
She went to the back of the store and helped Anita and Riley clean up. “What do you think about the CCs?” Riley asked.
“It’s okay. I like how it goes with the BBs, though.”
“Much better than the BBs and the LLs.”
“LLs?”
“Latte Ladies, remember?”
“Right.” Harper nodded. “Well, one thing we are is a clique.”
“And chicks, even though I hate being called that,” Anita said. “But you’re right—the CCs is perfect.”
“I’m so glad that’s decided.” Riley put a clip on a bag of pretzels and set it into the now empty bowl.
