“You look hot in anything, so don’t worry about it.” She grabbed her shawl and went over to check that the back door was locked. “Okay, Killer. We’re going out for a bit, but we’ll be home soon. I’ve turned a movie on for you.”
“Did you check his water dish?” Archer went over and looked. “Sorry, yes, it’s full. I guess I shouldn’t question your pet mother responsibilities.”
“It’s nice having someone here to help out.” Rarity stopped and smiled. “Sorry, I don’t want to overstep.”
He paused and leaned against the island. “It sounds like we need to have a talk about where we are and where we’re going. Can we put it off until another day? Or do you want to skip this thing and sit out by the pool?”
“In your dreams. Yes, I think we should talk, but not tonight.” She took his hand. “I feel like we’re tiptoeing around each other. But you don’t have to respond. We’ll set a date and talk then.”
“Sounds good,” he said as he adjusted her shawl. “You look totally out of my league and I’m probably going to have to beat all the other guys off you with a baseball bat. Do you have one I can borrow?”
“Sorry, no, Drew keeps our league equipment.” She kissed him, then wiped the lipstick off his cheek. “You’re amazing.”
“Let’s get this thing over with. The Hollywood guys have an early hike with me tomorrow. I’d cancel but again, they tip like crazy. I’m just stacking the money right now. I don’t know what pot I’m putting it in, but it’s going to be full to the brim.”
“Did you hear about the book donation drive? They posted it in the paper today and my store was a madhouse.” Rarity talked as she gave Killer a rub and then headed to the door. “Oh, and I met Gretchen Wiler today. She said her assistant was supposed to warn me about the book drive. Of course, they could have gotten the books at any store, but with the Next Chapter being in town, we got the majority of the hit from the drive. I should thank her and give her a check for the drive as well.”
As they walked into town, they talked about little things. The night, the moon, the stars, and the events of the day.
The only thing they didn’t talk about was their future. But for tonight, Rarity thought as she breathed in the cooler air, that was just fine with her.
Chapter 20
That night’s event was even more over the top than last Saturday’s event. Outside, a large area of the theater’s parking lot had been blocked off, with patio lights strung all around and crisscrossing in the middle. Small tables were scattered around the area, and a large table with boxes behind it was next to the entrance. Rarity saw that several boxes of books had already been collected and put into a rental truck at the side of the theater.
“Okay, so all this craziness is worth it, just because they’re working on replacing the libraries in the burned-out areas.” Rarity squeezed Archer’s hand. “I love it when people get together to help out others. Especially when it comes to providing books.”
“The small bribe for playing didn’t hurt either. Even Jack was talking about the trip. He said he’s never been to Disneyland.” Archer shrugged. “What? It’s just human nature to be thinking about what’s in it for me.”
“With the number of people who bought five or ten books today to get two chances at the prize, I guess I have to believe that your view of humanity isn’t as jaded as I thought.” She scanned the area for anyone she knew.
Talia was holding court in one corner. Other actresses had set up in different areas all around the lot. Rarity wondered why they bothered. The voting had ended at five with the end of the last movie. Gretchen and her helpers were probably still in a room finishing out the tallying of votes. But attention was attention, good or bad.
“White wine?” Archer asked and when Rarity nodded, he touched her arm. “Grab us a table and I’ll be right back. Somehow, we got here first before any of the gang.”
Rarity moved over to the side where she could watch the entrance for her friends as well as keep an eye on the crowd. Drew would have appreciated the spot since it was right against the brick wall of a dress shop in town. He liked having something at his back. She gathered several chairs around the table then took several pictures of the event on her phone. Including the book drive table. She might not be able to match the prize that the festival offered, but maybe she could do some sort of book drive for the Sedona kids. Dolly Parton had built an entire charity around getting books to kids under five. Maybe that could be her legacy too.
But on a little smaller scale. Dolly did everything big, especially her hair.
Since her phone was still out, she texted Shirley.
Remind me to get the gang together to brainstorm an event or drive for books for Sedona kids. Like my fund I have for the book clubs. But bigger.
Then she put her phone away. Unless they did pictures, she didn’t need it.
Archer came back with two glasses of wine and Sam. “Look who I found.”
Rarity patted the chair next to her. “Sit with me and we can gossip about everyone.”
Sam laughed but did what she was told. “Just don’t let me drink my fill of the wine tonight. They upped the quality for this event, but I still don’t want the hangover I had last weekend. And I think I said a few things out of the vault. Like commenting on the mayor’s girlfriend?”
“To your defense, that dress did make her look like a lady of the evening. How could you know that they’d been dating for a year and she was a local lawyer?” Rarity said, holding back the laugh. “Anyway, I’m sure she’s forgotten all about it.”
Just then, the mayor, Ken, and Alexia, his girlfriend, walked by the table. “Good evening, Rarity. I wanted to thank you for helping with the book drive. Gretchen said you were a trouper with the mix-up.”
“I’m just glad with all the books we sold at last week’s festival that we were able to still have a good selection. I was just thinking about what we could do for Sedona’s kids. Keeping kids reading is my top priority.” Rarity had stood, as had Sam and Archer, when the couple walked up to the table. “Maybe something in connection with the school supply/backpack drive we do each year. I’ll reach out as soon as we iron out some details.”
“My Women in Leadership group would love to partner with you on this. We’re always looking for charity programs to support that match our agenda,” Alexia said, glaring at Sam as she did. “Women should support women, don’t you agree?”
