Who wants to juggle anyway?But Whitney kept the snappy rhetoric to herself. Besides, Carina did somehow juggle everything the world tossed her way.
Whitney clamped her mouth shut before she said something she might regret. Mom scanned the three of them, and then as if Olivia hadn’t been there the whole time, she greeted her. “Hi, Olivia.”
“Hello, Mrs. Winters.”
Whitney felt like a high schooler in a forbidden outfit with Mom standing there in her designer spring pantsuit and heels. “We’re going to grab a quick snack if you want to join us.”
“Thank you, but no. I’ve got things to do, but I’m glad I ran into y’all on my way out of the bookstore.”
“You were in the bookstore?”
Even Carina’s brow lifted in surprise. Mom could never sit still long enough to read a book.
“I know. I had to pick up a donation for the Alzheimer’s Foundation fundraiser. You should see the basket they put together. Gorgeous. You three will be there, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Carina said, and Olivia raised her hand as if asking permission to speak. “I already got my ticket.”
“I can always count on you ladies. Oh, but back to why it’s perfect timing for me to run into you.” She turned to face Whitney straight on. “You won’t believe who I met.”
You’re going to tell me. She held her smile, hoping to look genuinely interested.
“Well, Georgie Keller was in the bookstore and we got to talking, and her son, Josh, was with her. He just moved back. He’s a big-time contractor now. Single. Handy, and he was such a nice young man. I met him once a couple years ago. I think you two would really hit it off.”
“No, Mom. No.”
“Give me just a minute to finish.” Mom shifted her weight. “I told him you’re very busy. So is he. He doesn’t really know anyone in town yet.”
“That’s not entirely true. He grew up here. He’s bound to have old friends still in town.”
“Well, who are we to judge?” She was slightly perturbed. Whitney could tell by the way her lips pursed. “He is very good-looking. And successful.”
“No, thank you. I know you mean well, but you can’t keep fixing me up. We don’t have the same taste in men at all.” It was an old argument, and she was tired of having this discussion.
“It’s just a casual dinner at the vineyard. Tonight. Georgie and Bob are celebrating their winning cabernet. Like the best in the state or something. Wine. Dancing. You know they always do a divine spread at those parties.”
“They are wonderful, but I can’t. I’m busy,” Whitney said, wishing Mom would put all her attention back on redecorating the office. She needed another hobby besides her love life.
Mom looked shocked. “You have plans for tonight?”
“I do,” she stretched the truth.
Mrs. Winters let out a huff. “It’s not a setup. It’s simply company at a public get-together, and I already said you’d be there.”
Olivia piped up. “I’ll go. I don’t have plans. I like handy men and I’m crazy for a good cabernet.”
“Hmmph. See. Someone appreciates a good man when she hears about him.” Mom looked at Olivia. “You’re going to love him.”
“I’ll settle for a nice time,” Olivia said.
“Well, well. We have a winner.” Mom turned and gave Whitney a look. “You’re going to be sorry when Olivia asks you to be in her wedding and makes you wear a hideous dress.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Whitney said. “Besides, Olivia has excellent taste in fashion.”
“I’ll call and give Georgie your name,” Mrs. Winters said to Olivia. “I honestly hope you have the time of your life.”
“Wonderful. Thank you.”
Mrs. Winters strode back across the street, and Carina busted out laughing. “Girl, you took one for the team there,” she said to Olivia.
