“Which one is it for you?” she asked.
I should have stayed home.
“Hi, Karen.” Sunny appeared at their table with her usual wide grin. “Kingston. Nice to see you both.”
His mother immediately launched into a description of how she was doing. All the words ultimately equaled “fine,” but he took the chance to stare out the window and figure out how to answer her earlier question, because his mother would circle around to it again. Maybe he should just tell her the truth. She’d once been a counselor, so there was a chance she’d understand. More likely she’d be disappointed. She’d hide it behind platitudes andhelpfuladvice. But he would know, and he couldn’t blame her. He was disappointed in himself for not having better control over his life—
“That’s a wonderful idea!”
He startled at his mom’s exclamation and turned to see her hands clasped together and Sunny’s smile wider than usual—something he hadn’t thought was possible.
“Don’t you think so, King?” Mom looked at him expectantly.
He froze. He had no idea what they were talking about. Should he just nod and pretend he’d heard their conversation? That would be risky. “Sorry, got lost in my thoughts again.”
Mom’s smile became strained at the edges. “Sunny said she’d like to have a recital at the end of the dance course.”
“More like a showcase,” Sunny said.
His mother motioned for her to sit down. When she moved to sit next to Kingston—she was closer to his seat—Mom held up her hand. “Have a seat right here,” she said, scooting over to give Sunny some room.
So now she didn’t want Sunny sitting next to him? Confirmation he and Olivia were being set up.
Sunny complied and folded her thin hands together on the table. “It would be fun to make it an event,” she said, her eyes full of excitement. “An evening showcase, with sparkly dresses and suits. Tuxedos, even. We can serve finger foods and put up twinkling lights. A big spotlight is a must. I plan on reserving the community center. My hope is to drum up enough interest that more people will want to take lessons in the future.”
It was a great idea and an imaginative marketing concept. It also sounded like a lot of work.
“I can help you plan everything.” Mom pulled out her cell phone and started tapping on the screen. “We’ll need decorations in addition to the lights. Also some round tables. That will lend glamour to the ambience. Tanner can cater.”
“You should probably ask him first,” Kingston pointed out.
But she was off and running. “You’ll need a bigger sound system than what you have. Oh, and programs. There mustbe programs.” Her fingers flew. “And a little favor for everyone to take home.”
Sunny’s smile wobbled. “That sounds, um, great.”
“What dates did you have in mind?” Mom set her phone between them with the calendar app open. They quickly decided on a date six weeks from this Saturday, and his mother marked it and put her phone back in her purse. “Excuse me,” she said, motioning for Sunny to move. “There’s so much to do! I’ll talk to Tanner about the catering right now.” She scooted out of the booth and turned to Kingston. “Thanks for lunch, dear. Ta-ta for now!”
“Bye, Mother.”
Mom blew him a kiss before heading for the kitchen. Tanner had a strict rule about only employees being in his inner sanctum, but apparently that was suspended for his mother-in-law, who disappeared through the door.
Kingston turned to Sunny, who looked a little dazed. “This is her whirling-dervish mode. Feel free to tell her no,” he said, then paused as his hypocrisy hit him square in the face. No one felt free to tell his mother no, least of all him.
“I’m thrilled with her ideas. I was thinking much smaller. I’d even thought about having it at the dance studio, but there wouldn’t be enough room for anyone to sit, much less to have an audience.”
“If you’re okay with her taking over, I can assure you she’ll make the evening special. Planning events is her specialty.”
Sunny smiled. “That’s good, because it isn’t mine.”
“Me either.”
“Traditionally, during a showcase the instructors also dance. I thought maybe you and I could do a spotlight if you’re okay with that.”
He shifted in his seat. “I don’t know. I’m not much for spotlights.”
“It would be short, probably a minute or two. Just to show the audience what the dances look like. You can choose which one you’d like to do. Think about it, at least.”
“Sure.”
