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“I normally am,” she says, grinning at me.
Snorting, I take a large drink and she eats more muffin. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. I received an invitation to Ruth’s annual Memorial Day party.”
I perk up. “Yeah, she told me she was going to extend you an invite. Harper too. Normally, there aren’t any children there, though. Will she be able to find a babysitter?” I ask, hopeful.
The whole reason why Stella moved to town is because Harper needed help with Marley. But that left them with not a lot of support.
Stella smiles warmly. She has a soft spot for her niece. “Yeah, Hazel came to the rescue and hooked us up with one of the girls who slings coffee here part-time. She also babysits.”
“Oh, that’s great. My grandma has a soft spot for Hazel too. She’s coming to the party.”
“I’ve spent years hearing about Ruth’s famous Memorial Day parties. I’m excited to finally partake,” she says.
I laugh because she isn’t wrong. Ruth throws one big party every year. She bought a massive home about a decade ago. It has the perfect backyard for a catered event. Tents and tables, a band, and normally some kind of special event to wow her guests. She’s spent years collecting friends. Her matchmaking abilities seem to reach the most influential ears, it seems. You never know who you will run into at her party. Local influential people as well as local celebrities. Heck, even nationally known celebrities have shown up. I mean, her best friend Dorthy was a star on Broadway for a time. Last year, the owner of the Indianapolis Renegades was there. Her annual party definitely helps our business grow. But more so, I look forward to the event as a way to relax, visit with friends and family I don’t see often, and enjoy an event that neither Cassie nor I had anything to do with.
“I’m pretty sure you’ve been invited before. You’re just never in town,” I tell her.
“Always on assignment. This is true. But I’m here now,” Stella says.
We chat for a bit longer while Stella polishes off her muffin. We end our little visit with a hug and a promise to see each other this weekend at Ruth’s party.
Hours later, it’s nearly time to think about wrapping up my day when Ruth calls me from her office, asking if I could stop in to chat.
I make the short walk to her office and find Cassie already there, sitting in one of the two chairs facing Ruth, sitting behind her desk, who laughs at something Cass said.
“Knock, knock,” I ask as I walk in to join them.
“Darling.” Ruth smiles at me warmly.
Cassie twists in her seat, her always there smile growing at my presence. This is the first time we’ve seen each other today, despite owning a business together.
“I wanted to give you both a quick update before I took off for the long weekend.
“Gotta get ready to party, right, Ruth?” Cassie teases.
“Of course. This is why I stopped having such big to-dos years ago. One big party each year is enough for me,” she says. “You know I’ll always prefer smaller, more intimate gatherings.”
“Your events are always so well received and the talk of the town,” I add.
She sighs as if the thought exhausts her. “Yes, so it seems.” Her smile is tight, but I know she really does love her events.
“Anyways, I wanted to let you both know that I’ve reduced my client list by four this past week.” She shuffles some folders on her desk.
“Why?” I ask, alarmed.
“Oh, no, nothing to worry about. I’ve matched them and they officially ended service. Actually, two of them asked about wedding packages, so I wanted to hand them off to you, Cassie, dear.” She pulls two sheets of paper out of the folders and hands them to Cassie.
Her eyes flick to mine as she studies the names. And there is a fleeting feeling of dread in my stomach. When will she tell me that Cole has ended his contract? Would he tell me first if it was because he was matched?
Surely he would break things off with me first. Right?
“I’ll be honest. I was surprised when Calvin called and told me he was ending service. I matched him with a woman I wasn’t sure about quite yet, but he said it was love at first sight. Saw her and he just knew. Daisy, the one I matched him to, felt the same. I won’t question fate, ladies,” Ruth says, then leans in. “But sometimes, even I find myself surprised.”
I grin because I know what she means. Cassie, still looking at the papers, laughs.
“That leaves me with only five active clients. I’ll need to add some new blood to my list soon enough. I think I’m about finished with Cole Reed,” she says. Her tone is light. My eyes shoot to hers, trying to understand.
“Why?” I ask. I can feel Cassie’s gaze.
