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Tiffany stared at their reflection in the mirror. “Okay.” She rotated and went into his arms. “Have a safe trip,” she murmured. “Call me when you land.”
“Roger that.” He walked into the living room to retrieve his overnight bag. Tiffany followed behind. They hugged and kissed a final time before Ivan walked out of her door and closed it tightly behind him.
A knot formed in her stomach. How in the world was she going to put on a happy face for tonight’s party?
Chapter 15
“And just where have you been?” Norma Jean said without preamble. She took a bag from Tiffany and then stepped aside to let her in.
“I haven’t seen you in a month of Sundays,” she said.
“You’re right. I’ve been changing out some display cases at the boutique this week to give the place a more summery feel. It’s taken up a lot more of my time than I anticipated.”
Norma Jean scrutinized her closely. “Really. And what’s taking up the rest?”
Tiffany gave it her best performance. It was difficult because she was already missing Ivan like crazy. “Oh, you know, just stuff around the house. Hey, I see Milán and Adrian. I think I’ll go say hi.” She hugged Norma Jean and made a beeline for her friends.
*
“House stuff indeed,” Norma Jean called after Tiffany.
Her husband came up behind her. “What are you up to?”
Norma Jean jumped. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to sneak up on people?”
He took the tote from his wife. “Jeannie?”
“Honestly, Cliff. Why do you think I’m always up to something?”
Heathcliffe crossed his arms. “You’ve got to be joking.”
“You are a tiresome old man,” she complained.
He leaned in and kissed her soundly. “That’s not what you said last night.”
A gasp escaped her lips. She immediately glanced around to see if they were alone. “Don’t go starting stuff you can’t finish,” she said saucily.
“Take your own advice. Now what were you up to with Tiffany?”
“Nothing. She and I were just visiting. I haven’t seen her in a while, you know. Apparently, she’s been tied up.”
“Good for her.” He winked before heading to the kitchen.
“Good indeed,” she said, and then broke out into one of her favorite tunes.
*
Out back, Tiffany found a seat next to Milán and Adrian. They were catching up when Norma Jean came up to their table.
“I was going to have great news, but now my surprise is ruined,” she complained.
“What surprise?” Adrian asked.
“I was going to introduce Tiffany to Fernando. He’s the nephew of one of my church members.”
“She’s got an endless supply of those, doesn’t she?” Adrian whispered.
His wife nudged him in the ribs.
