Blaise pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head. “I might want to talk to you about a website.”
“Yeah? Cool. I’d be happy to do that. I’m surprised you don’t already have one.”
“That’s what Paige said,” Blaise answered. “Are you busy tomorrow? Maybe we could get together in the morning and talk.”
“Sure. I’m available. You want to come to my place or have me come to yours?”
“I usually go for a walk first thing in the morning. I could just walk my way to you.”
“Hang on,” Maude said. “When you say first thing, what do you mean exactly?”
Blaise smiled. “I mean early, but you know what, it doesn’t need to be then. How about after I walk Beau and get home, I’ll text you to see if you’re up.”
Maude nodded. “I’m usually up late working or gaming, so I try to avoid anything too early. But we could say ten a.m. Does that work for you? My place? Be easier for me to show you examples of my work that way.”
“That would be great.”
“Cool. I’ll see you then.”
Paige had a wide smile. “I just love this. Queen Bees helping each other. Hanging out. It’s exactly what I hoped would happen.” She put her hand on Essie’s arm. “Thank you so much for inviting us all to join you today.”
“Yeah,” Maude said. “That was super nice of you.” There had to be something she could do for Essie as a way of showing her just how much Maude appreciated this. An idea came to her. “How are things with you and the stepdaughter?”
Essie sighed and shook her head. “Not great.” She glanced back toward her husband, who was still on the phone. “Looks like we are going to be countersuing her.”
Maude grimaced. “That’s not great at all.”
But it had given her an idea.
Chapter Six
Paige took a quick shower when she got home from the pool. She didn’t like to let chlorine sit on her skin. She moisturized her entire body after she dried off. What a fun afternoon that had been. She only wished Cece had been able to join them.
She dressed in simple navy leggings with a lightweight cream sweater with navy trim at the neck and cuffs. Dressier than what she’d usually wear around the house but Randi was due shortly and she wanted to look nice.
She’d told Graham earlier at lunch that she was going to be busy all weekend, but maybe Sunday night they could get together. Randi would probably go home Sunday afternoon so she could be back early enough to unpack and have some time at home with Sean and Liam before returning to work on Monday.
While Paige waited for Randi to arrive, she made up a tray of cheese and crackers, adding some grapes and a small ramekin of good olives. She got out the bottle of merlot along with two glasses.
Once that was done, she settled in to read for a while. Three chapters in and she heard footsteps on her porch. She set herereader aside and jumped up. It had to be Randi. The doorbell chimed just as Paige got to the door.
She opened it, thrilled to see her daughter. “I’m so glad you’re here!” She pulled Randi into a hug and kissed her cheek as Barkley wagged his tail and looked very excited to be there. “How are you?” She smiled down at the dog. “And hello to you, Barkley.”
He woofed.
Randi smiled. “I’m good, Mom. It’s good to be here. How are you?”
“I’m wonderful. How was the drive?” Paige took her daughter’s weekender and set it on the steps that led up to the loft where her nicest guest bedroom was.
“Not bad. I made decent time.” Randi got a big smile on her face as she unhooked Barkley’s leash. “I can’t believe I have a weekend away from Sean and Liam. I love them and I already miss them, but I’ve never left them like this before. I feel like I’m playing hooky.”
Paige laughed. “That’s all right, you deserve it. You work hard and you take great care of them.”
“That’s pretty much what Sean said. Did you text him or something?”
Barkley was sniffing his way around the living room.
“I didn’t, I swear. Do you want to get comfortable, and we can have a glass of wine? I set out some cheese and crackers, too.”
