“Forever and ever.” She hugged her granddaughter.
“By the way,” Riley said as she went back to setting up her dyeing station. “How did your dance lesson go on Monday?”
“Um, it was okay.”
“Just ‘okay’?” Riley lifted a surprised eyebrow. “You love to dance.”
That was true. She did like to shake a leg when she had the opportunity. Truth be told, she’d had fun Monday night, even though she found the rumba a dull dance. And she did plan to visit the Swinging Sage at the earliest opportunity. But she was still stunned by her reaction to Jasper when he first put his hands on her waist, which was a little thicker now than it was back in the day. He hadn’t seemed to notice or care, but when he finally stopped scowling enough to focus on the dance steps, she’d experienced thejoltagain, and it definitely didn’t have anything to do with the chili she’d had for lunch that day.
“Did you see Jasper there?” Riley asked. “Hayden mentioned he might be there.”
“He was.”
Riley faced her. “And?”
She shrugged. “He was his usual killjoy self.”Mostly.
“Did you dance together?”
“What’s with the twenty questions?” Erma fluttered her hands at her. “Get back to work. I need to figure out a new meeting place for the BBs.”
Her granddaughter chuckled as Erma left the back room and went to the front of the store. She had no idea what Riley thought was so funny about their short discussion. There was nothing humorous about the weird reaction she’d had to Jasper Monday night. Perplexing, maybe, but not chuckle worthy.
No customers were in the store yet, so Erma focused on figuring out where they could hold their emergency meeting this morning. Maybe she should cancel it. But Bea would be upset and probably show up at the shop with four casseroles and six desserts to ease her stress, so Erma started texting the group.
Change of venue. We’re meeting at
She paused. The café wasn’t a good idea because Anita worked there, and she didn’t want anyone overhearing their conversation. They really needed somewhere private. She snapped her fingers.
my house. Riley is dyeing yarn this morning.
Myrtle:Great! See you there.
Madge:I might be late. I have my first client meeting today.
Erma:Focus on that. We’ll fill you in later.
Madge:Thanks
Bea:I’m bringing a hummingbird cake. Made it this morning.
Erma, Peg, Myrtle, Gwen, Viola:??
Karen:I’m gluten free. What is your address, Erma?
Erma typed it in. No surprise Karen was gluten free. But when Erma had called her last night at Bea’s behest, she’d been excited at the prospect of an Olivia-and-Kingston pairing.“I never thought about the two of them together,”she’d said.“Naturally, we adore Olivia. And my Kingston is such a catch. I’m open to discussing the possibility.”
The bell above the door rang, and four women walked in at the same time. Erma smiled. They were from Hot Springs Village, and they usually carpooled to visit Knots and Tangles once a month.
“Hello, ladies!” She sailed to them. “What can I help you find today?”
She could work for an hour before heading back to her house for the meeting, and even though Riley was dyeing yarn, she could take care of any customers while Erma was gone. God willing, the meeting would be short and sweet, with everyone coming to their senses.
***
“How’s the vacation going?”
“Pretty good.” Kingston took a swig of sweet tea as Tanner slid into the seat across from him. The SunshineDiner was almost packed with the lunch crowd, and he’d had to wait a few minutes for the table to be cleared.
