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“I’ll consult the Tarot,” Selene said.
“Um, why don’t we just talk to Mom,” Kara asked.
“I tried that, Kara. She’s not talking.”
“Well, maybe that’s because it’s not our business.”
They all went silent, staring at Kara with their mouths open. Then they almost jointly shook their heads and resumed the discussion. All except for Selene, who met Kara’s eyes and gave a subtle nod to let her know she agreed with her.
* * *
“Damn, woman. You look like you just stepped off a cloud, hung up your halo, and came down to visit with an undeserving sinner.”
Bobby Joe had always been a charmer. Vidalia met him at Haggerty House, the best restaurant in Tucker Lake, a short drive from Big Falls. As an added benefit, it wasn’t very busy at lunch hour. But it was nice. A giant old Victorian house that had been converted to a lush restaurant that served the best meals in a thirty-mile radius. There was a bar off one side, but not like the Corral. It was more a place for folks to get drinks while waiting for a table, than a place to hang out after a hard day’s work.
Vidalia liked it here because she identified with its owners. Betty Jean Haggerty had been running the place for as long as anyone could remember, and she had five beautiful granddaughters who helped her. The girls were near the ages of Vidalia’s own brood. No wonder she loved it here.
Besides, family business was family business. They had to support each other. The restaurant’s tall, ornate windows looked out over manicured lawns that were not at their prettiest just now, all brown and barren. Vidalia thought again of snow. Second time in as many days.
There were only a few other people in the place, and she didn’t know any of them—thank you, Lord. Bobby had been standing near the hostess booth when she’d walked in. And he looked good enough to make her knees buckle with his faded jeans and shiny boots. His shirt was black with pearl snaps, just like the one on her favorite coffee mug, which filled her head with the kinds of thoughts she hadn’t had about a man in quite a long time.
Dang.
“I just paid you a compliment, lady. Aren’t you even going to thank me?”
“I was gonna, but you distracted me. You look pretty good yourself, cowboy. So where are we sitting?”
“I thought I’d let you pick.”
She shrugged, finally noticing the hostess who stood nearby with menus in one hand. She was young, pretty, and familiar. Frowning, Vidalia said, “Wait, wait, I’ve got this. You’re Bridget!”
The girl flashed a bright smile. “Hello again, Ms. Brand. It’s been too long.” Then she looked at Bobby and there was an expectant pause.
“Oh. Um, this is Bobby Joe. He’s an old friend, back in town on business.”
“Nice to meet you Bobby Joe,” Bridget said. “Any friend of the Brands is a friend of ours. Where would you two like to sit? Pretty much all the tables are up for grabs this early in the day.”
“Near the fireplace,” Vidalia returned. “This time of year, that’s the best view anyway.”
“Right this way.” And then she turned, taking Vidalia by the arm and leaving Bobby Joe to follow behind them. Leaning in close, she whispered, “Don’t take it wrong, but you two look like the perfect couple.”
“You inherited your grandma’s matchmaking genes, I see,” Vidalia said. “How is Betty Jean anyway?”
“Fine, fit, and cooking up a storm. She’s gonna be so tickled when I tell her you’re here.” Bridget put the menus down on the table as Bobby Joe hurried around her to pull out Vidalia’s chair. She sat down, and then he sat across from her.
“I’ll bring you back some drinks. What would you like?” Bridget asked.
“Beer. Whatever you have on tap.”
“Just got a new keg from a local microbrewery that’s been getting rave reviews from the customers,” Bridget said.
“Okie-Gold?” Vidalia asked.
Bridget winked at her. “That’s the one. Should I make it two?”
Not after what happened the last time she and Bobby Joe drank together, she thought. “Uh, no. Tea. A nice cup of hot tea will do me just fine.”
“All right. I’ll be back.” Bridget turned and hurried away.
