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Dhara smiled mysteriously. “I thought so, too.”
Lauren glanced between the two women. “So, what are your plans?” she asked Nate.
“I think we’ll check out the food trucks, then I’ll go see how the office staff is doing.” Most of the festival took place along Main Street where the booths and food trucks were located. There was also a large temporary stage, and every hour on the hour, different bands or local dance studios were scheduled to put on a show of some kind, culminating in tonight’s big concert featuring country star, Billy Brenton. Doc Morrison’s office had a booth next to the first aid station, where Bianca and Lola were taking blood pressures, as well as screening for diabetes and heart disease.
Hector began pulling on his leash, like he was anxious to go. “I think Hector is hoping someone will drop a turkey leg,” Nate said.
“God,” Lanie drawled, “let’s hope not. I have no desire to do the doggy Heimlich on the little beast.”
“I thought you loved him,” Nate said.
“That was before I knew he was a sex fiend.”
Dhara laughed at the joke, and Lanie smiled at her. Again.
“It was wonderful meeting you, Lauren,” Connie said warmly. “I hope we see each other again.”
“I hope so, too,” Lauren said. Nate promised he’d text her later, and the Miller family strolled off through the maze of booths and people.
Dhara had just left to get them some coffee from Frida’s Bistro by the Beach booth when an unwelcome face showed up. It was none other than Ted Ferguson. She hadn’t seen him around town since that day she’d run into him at the real estate office.
“Well, look who’s here,” he said. “How have you been, Lauren?” He sounded pleasant enough. Almost as if their little run in at the office hadn’t occurred.
“I’m doing great, Ted, and you?” Lauren could hear Momma’s voice in her ear. Be polite, sweetie.
He looked over the contents of her booth, taking in the designs she had artfully displayed along one side and the vintage pieces she had brought from the shop on the other. He picked up a card and frowned. “You’re going into maternity wear? I thought you were in the antique business.”
“Vintage clothing business,” she said. “But I’m expanding.”
He glanced at the card again. “Good idea. Internet sales, huh? And you’re designing and sewing all this yourself? You can practically do that stuff from home nowadays.”
“Do what from home?” she asked, genuinely confused.
“Run your business,” he said.
“Why would I do that?”
“Less overhead, of course.” He said it like she was some kind of ninny who didn’t know anything about running a business.
“I think I’ll worry about my own overhead, thanks.”
“Just trying to give you some friendly advice. Most new businesses only last a year or two tops before they have to close up. If you can cut back on expenses, like rent and utilities for a place you don’t need, then you have a better chance of making it. Of course,
no need to worry your pretty little head with all this. I know you don’t really need the money, so this must be more of a hobby for you.” He winked and she almost gagged.
He’d just insulted her and he didn’t know it. Or did he? It was hard to tell with Ted.
She faked a sweet smile. “I sure do appreciate your advice, Ted.”
He failed to hear the sarcasm in her voice. “You know, Lauren, I regret the way our date ended.” He looked her over like she was some prize cow at the county fair. “I was hoping I could make it up to you. Maybe we could try dinner again? And before you say no, I’m not driving the red Ferrari. Damn idiot ran into me while I was in Miami this past week so I replaced the car with a white one. With no bumper stickers,” he added.
“Gee, that sure is a nice offer, Ted, but I’m seeing someone.”
“Really? Who’s the lucky guy?”
Lauren remembered how Ted had referred to Nate as a “loser” that night at The Harbor House. It made her blood boil just thinking about it. “He’s a local. I’m sure you don’t know him. Now, if you’ll excuse—”
“Try me.”
