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“Your creativity will be enough. How about seven?”
“That’s great. I close at five.” It was more than an hour drive, and that was if there wasn’t any traffic. Shanda was going to need to close the shop early if she wanted to shower and get ready. The last thing she wanted was to show up late.
Krissy gave her the address and then said, “Can’t wait. This is going to be so much fun.”
She wasn’t sure how much fun it would be, but it was definitely a different way to sell her art. “Yes, it will be. See you at seven.”
Shanda had plenty of time to kill before she had to leave. It was a gorgeous day out, which meant people were going to want to do outdoor activities. That sucked for her since she was trapped inside. She was probably the only person who prayed for rainy weekends.
Her cell phone chimed with a text message. Brianna was keeping her word and had started sending her dozens of pictures of prom dresses. Each time Shanda said she liked one, Brianna responded with an excuse why she wasn’t getting it. Shanda rolled her eyes and gave up. It was better not to have an opinion, otherwise Brianna might never find a dress. She didn’t want to be blamed if Brianna ended up wearing the one from last year.
At least Brianna’s messages were a distraction so she didn’t spend her entire afternoon worrying about what to wear tonight. Shanda had already Googled Krissy’s address and Weston, Massachusetts was a very affluent area. She even dreaded having to pull up in her Dodge minivan that she used for deliveries. She even pondered if she should park her vehicle a few blocks away and have a taxi drop her off. Thoughts like that were ridiculous. Krissy had invited her because she liked her work. What better advertising than to park her minivan in front with the logo proudly displayed? I might even get another customer out of it if I’m lucky.
But luck had been in short supply at Home Blown lately. Yet she made up for it with positive thinking and drive. Her granddad had believed in her, and that should be enough for her to believe in herself. Tonight was an opportunity, and she had every intention of impressing the Browns.
She was just about to ignore the last text message when she noticed it was Krissy.
DRESS CASUAL. NICE NIGHT FOR A BARBEQUE.
That sounded so much more relaxed to Shanda. This wasn’t supposed to be a get-together with friends. Krissy had called with a business proposition that just happened to include dinner. She was only willing to get so relaxed. I’ll feel better when tonight is over.
LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. She wished that were true.
Kenneth walked aroundto the back of the house and said, “Don’t tell me Billy is doing the cooking, because if he is, I’m not eating.”
Billy grumbled. “Did you forget who the grill master was back in college?”
“Anything tastes good after enough beer,” Kenneth said. That was truer than either of them wanted to admit. Kenneth’s parents were strict, and he’d had more than a few rebellious years. Those were all in the past. He was thirty and a responsible adult. If Billy whipped out beer pong or a keg, Kenneth was leaving.
“For the record, Billy has become an exceptional cook,” Krissy said as she wrapped an arm around her husband’s waist and Billy pulled her closer for a kiss.
Ignoring her comment, Kenneth looked around hoping that he wasn’t the only one there. The last thing he wanted was to spend the night watching those two love birds get all mushy. “I thought you said you were having a party.”
Krissy turned to him and said, “We are. If I’m right, another guest has arrived. Why don’t you get the door Kenneth, and I’ll help Billy finish carrying everything outside?”
It wasn’t like anyone had greeted him when he arrived, but what the hell, he could play doorman if it meant not watching them all night. He made his way through the house and opened the door. “What are you doing here?” he asked as Shanda stood there, mouth gaped open.
“I…I was invited. Is this…this the Browns’ home?” she asked.
He nodded. And they failed to tell me you were coming. He thought he’d made it clear he didn’t want them involved in his business life. Maybe he should’ve added ‘personal life’ to that list. “I apologize if I sounded—”
“Rude?” she blurted.
He smirked, “I was going to say surprised, but rude also applies. Krissy and Billy are out back.” Kenneth held the door open, letting her enter. She seemed hesitant so he added, “Don’t worry, I don’t bite.”
As she passed him, he heard her mutter, “I do.”
He couldn’t tell if she was upset about seeing him, or because she’d figured out that Krissy had played her too. What he didn’t know was what she was doing there. As they walked through the house he asked, “Why are you here?”
“I thought it was to discuss a new piece to add to their collection. It is possible I misunderstood their invitation,” she replied.
“Billy did say Krissy was impressed with your art.”
“And you? Were you impressed?” she asked.
He turned to her and said, “Does it matter if I am or not?”
Kenneth almost laughed as Shanda held her head up high and walked past him. “Not in the least.”
