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“Agreed,” Lucy said firmly.
“How did you discover his treacherous plans?” Grams asked.
“Julie befriended him when she arrived in town, and he was foolish enough to share the dirty details of the diabolical campaign he’s planning to unleash.” She shook her head. “I guess he thought their interests would align and spilled the beans.”
“Wait,” Olivia said as she shook her head. “Are we talking about the woman who planned to seduce Linc?”
“Yes.” She squeezed her sister’s hand. “And kudos to you for keeping up on the gossip while out of town.”
Grams set the plates on the table. “I had to keep her informed; it’s not as though life stops just because one’s heart is broken. The wheels keep turning, and to be out of the loop would add insult to injury.”
Elaine rolled her eyes. “Mother, you act as though you’re spreading the word of the Lord and not repeating stories that are not always based on fact.”
“Darling, we will never agree on that subject, so let’s not get into a fuss.”
Lucy lifted her glass in a toast. “Here’s to differing points of view.”
Elaine lifted her glass. “Cheers.”
“I think it’s time we hear about your and Zane’s reconciliation.” She leaned toward Olivia. “Tell us what the man did.”
“He got out of his own way,” she said simply. “And planned a romantic evening that included a little ride on the Ferris wheel.”
“But you don’t like heights,” Elaine said with concern.
“Zane programmed it, so we lifted just a couple feet in the air.” Letting out a happy sigh, she looked at the group. “He’s in therapy and ready to evict his demons and let love in. We’re going to make a go of it and see if we can build a life together.”
“Good for him,” Margret commented. “It’s not easy for a warrior to admit that he needs help.”
“I feel very optimistic and think we have a chance at something terrific.”
“I love it.” Lucy kissed her sister’s cheek. “I guess now would be a good time to scrap any plans that would’ve resulted in his unfortunate demise.”
“Yes, please. I need Zane to be alive and well so that all my dreams of endless happiness have a chance.” Olivia leaned forward and rested her face in her hands. “Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Tell me what you’ve planned for Ken and where I fit in.”
Grams sat at the table. “The Haven Ladies’ Society would be happy to aid and abet should you gals need it.”
“No way,” Lucy said with a laugh. “You and Mom have thwarted every effort I’ve made to join. Why would I let you in on a plot that the gals and I have crafted all on our own?” She watched Margret pinch her mouth together in disapproval. “The only way I’d let you old birds in on the action was if you promised to lower the age of admittance to thirty.”
“That will never happen,” Elaine said quietly.
“Why not?” Lucy asked plaintively. “If I had a reason, I’d feel much better.”
Grams cleared her throat. “Women grow radical with age and have less to lose. A lot changes after you turn fifty, and don’t need the approval of your family, children, or society. And that’s the sort of mindset that benefits the group most since we are doing God’s work.”
“I’m halfway there,” Lucy said with more of a whine than she was willing to admit.
“Darling, nobody thinks otherwise.” She lifted her glass and took a sip of her wine. “It’s not as exciting as you think, so there’s no need to fret. We do good work and help our community as we see fit.”
Olivia raised a brow. “Sorry, Grams, you’re not selling the dull and dreary thing when you use phrases like,as we see fit.”
Elaine put the salad bowl in the fridge and sat at the table. “Let’s just give them a couple of examples, Mama.”
“Do you think that’s wise?”
“They will hound us until we give them a tidbit.”
Lucy smiled and leaned in. “Yes, please.”
