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“Same as always—win.”
“Just what I like to hear.”
Waverly spent the rest of the afternoon welcoming in the mothers of contestants and customers of Grits and Glam Gowns and Studios. They sold every single Advent calendar as well as a few dresses. Some of Waverly’s students wanted to know what was in every box, but that would have spoiled the surprise. Some of the calendars were separated into boxes for the different genders, in case one of the boys receiving a calendar protested the idea of a free pageant lesson. She was truly touched by the way the Chamber of Commerce came together to donate physical calendars in the shape of downtown Southwood.
Shenanigans, one of the popular kids’ hangouts in town, offered a free pizza. Smart thinking, since no one ever left Shenanigans without ordering at least three. The Scoop offered a free cone for whenever. And the drive-in theater was going to be packed with its carload offer for a free movie. The voucher date was December 15, which was perfect timing for when school got out for the holidays. The Cupcakery offered a free cupcake and hot chocolate—only if it ever got cold enough for one.
The sun had already disappeared behind city hall when Lexi left. Andrew skipped out for a long-awaited date, which Waverly didn’t mind. Chantal had headed down to central Florida and took Stephen’s colleague Keenan with her. Andrew needed to be around more people. Waverly loved hanging out with him, but her duties as Miss Southwood often left him to go places stag.
The bells over the door to Grits and Glam Gowns jingled. Waverly was still in the kitchen, rinsing off a rag to get ready to wipe down the register. “We’re closed,” she hollered, turning off the sink. When she didn’t hear a response right away, she dropped the rag, worrying it was a child wandering in from the street. She slammed into a large body—Dominic’s body, to be exact.
“Hey, I saw your lights on,” Dominic said, taking hold of her shoulders.
Electricity coursed through her veins. With her heels on, Waverly came just to his chin. She blinked under his dazzling smile. “I planned on turning them off in a minute once I finished wiping down the counters.”
“Need any help?” Dominic peered over her head toward the sink. “Here.” He stepped over to the sink and grabbed the rag. “What were you going to clean?”
“The register.”
“Do you do that all the time?”
Waverly nodded slowly. “Do you know how filthy they are?”
“I work with my hands, Waverly. Everything about me is dirty 95 percent of the time.”
She watched him walk over to the counter. He was careful not to touch any of the dresses, probably because of what he’d said. On his blue jeans and white T-shirt, Waverly saw no dirt. All she saw was a fine specimen of a man helping her out for the evening. Waverly finished locking the doors to the studios and met Dominic in the kitchen.
“I didn’t just come over here because the lights were on,” said Dominic. “I wanted to walk you home this evening.”
Heart fluttering, Waverly nodded and thought about Lexi’s words. They cleaned together. Dominic emptied the trash before closing.
“I know it’s not far,” Dominic began. He nodded toward Waverly’s feet. “But do you want to change shoes before walking?”
“If I’m going to win Miss Georgia next year, I need to have these shoes glued to my feet.”
“After you win the runoff?” Dominic held the door to the boutique open and took the keys from Waverly to lock up.
Waverly flashed a tight smile. “Did you lose confidence in me?”
“Never,” he replied quickly. “Have you given any thought to what you would do if you didn’t lose?”
“Winning the Miss Georgia tiara is the only thing I’ve ever wanted since I was a kid.”
Before turning off the store lights, Dominic’s lips pressed together. “Well, if it’s a tiara you want...” Dominic said, his mouth close to her ear. He pressed the keys back into Waverly’s hand. “A tiara you shall receive.”
As she walked through the front door, Waverly’s heart sank with wonder. Lexi’s words played over in her head. Was she so focused on the pageant she wasn’t seeing what was right in front of her face? Something about Dominic’s tone sent a wave of worry throughout her soul. Was she too late for love?
* * *
Mr. Myers ran his liver-spotted hand over the hood of his Model K and let out a low whistle. “I can’t believe you were able to fix it.”
Dominic leaned his hip against the counter of the register and wiped his hands on a clean white rag. With a few days to spare, he finished the retired teacher’s old car and sent his worker Billy to pick up Mr. Myers so he could drive it home today. “It’s been a pleasure working on it. I’m just sorry it took so long to get it finished for you.”
“Think nothing of it. This baby is going to fetch a few glances at the parade this year.” Mr. Myers stopped fondling his car long enough to come over and shake Dominic’s hand. “You’re all right with me driving it in the parade, right? I understand you have your own set of drivers for your cars.”
“Sure.” Dominic beamed. “I don’t want to exclude anyone.”
Mr. Myers elbowed Dominic in the ribs. “I’m dying to come out to your place and get a look.”
