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Such as starving yourself?
Allie wrapped her arm around her sister. “I’m so sorry, Laney. I don’t know what to say. I hope it’s not true. Mark doesn’t seem the type who can be so…deceitful. He’s always been so thoughtful and considerate.”
Laney blinked back tears. “Anyway. Let’s go eat.”
As was tradition, a big, open tent had been set up on St. Mary’s expansive lawn for its annual spring auction and raffle to protect attendees from the elements, be it sun, rain, snow, and one year, even hail. It was also where the food was being served.
They wandered over and found a table at the rear that would afford them the best view of the stage and, coincidentally, the dessert table, a mere six feet away. They’d nearly finished their lunch when the festivities started.
“Okay folks. We’re about to call out the winners of the big raffle,” announced Tom Finnegan, the emcee for the day’s events. “Remember, our grand prize is a romantic getaway for two at the Canyons in Park City.”
“Just what I need,” Allie whispered sarcastically to Laney, who just looked like she was going to cry, so Allie shut up.
Tom continued describing the many prizes as Allie attempted to get Violet to finish her hamburger. Which, naturally, Vi objected to, and started to complain about wanting bro
wnies instead.
But Allie barely heard. She was too distracted by two new arrivals standing by the refreshment table. She tried to breathe, but it felt as though her chest was closing in on itself.
Sam Fratto looked casual and sexy in khaki shorts and sandals that showed off his amazing calves and thighs. A simple, short-sleeved, white shirt emphasized his tanned skin and those defined biceps—amazing. Well, for a writer, anyway. Meredith was mesmerizing in a Kelly green wrap dress that emphasized her trim figure and her dark hair shimmering down her back. Together, they looked like they had just walked off the pages of Town and Country magazine.
Allie, on the other hand, figured she looked like she’d walked off the pages of “Mom’s Needing Makeovers” from Woman’s Day. Three months past needing a haircut, her ends were ragged. But the tightness of her usual pony-tail had sent her headache soaring, so she’d pulled it out, letting her hair air-dry since she didn’t have the energy to hold the blow dryer. Limp and stringy were the two words that came to mind. Then there was her makeup, weekend minimal with only the barest brush of mascara and a cherry stain on the lips—although, she was certain she’d eaten it off with the brownie. Her ensemble consisted of navy capris and a sleeveless white top that, although not terrible, wasn’t particularly fashionable or sexy. Especially if she’d known she was going to run into Sam.
Not that she cared. Because she didn’t, she reminded herself firmly. She was angry with him. And even if she were interested in romance—which she was not—he was not the kind of man she wanted to be involved with. On any level.
Nevertheless, she watched, chagrined, as Meredith smiled at Sam. Cripes. She was going to have a flipping front row view of their big date. She fought the urge to crawl under the table.
No. She didn’t care. She did. Not. Care.
“Of all the rotten luck,” Laney said and looked at her in sympathy.
“Okay, everyone,” Tom broke in. “We’re going to start by calling the winners’ names as we run through all these fantastic gift baskets,” he said and ran down the instructions to the winners. “Okay, first winner…Jenny Murray. Jenny, are you here?”
Sam and Meredith, having filled their plates—or in Meredith’s case, three pieces of lettuce and a teeny piece of chicken—were looking around for a seat. Allie held her breath and ducked behind Laney when Sam’s gaze swept over the tables.
Oh, sweet relief. He didn’t see them. They were heading to a table at the other end of the tent near the refreshments. In the meantime, Jenny Murray had reached the front to receive her basket and was busy speaking with Tom, interrupting the proceedings.
“I’m ready to head out when you are,” Allie told Laney, trying to sound casual. To Violet, she added, “Finish up your brownie, sweetie.”
“Can I have some more lemonade first?” Ava broke in. “I’m really thirsty.”
“Um…sure sweetie. Why don’t you and Violet go ahead and get it yourselves, and I’ll watch you from here.” There was no way she was getting anywhere close to Sam’s table and risk having to say hello to the happy couple. She and Laney tossed their trash, ready for a quick exit, while Tom announced three more winners.
“And the last gift basket goes to…John Marsh.”
The girls returned, their cups dangerously full.
“Come on girls, you can drink those on the way to the car,” Laney said.
“No. I’ll spill. I want to sit down,” Ava protested.
Allie bit down a few choice words. “Okay, but hurry.” She tried not to look anxious while the kids finished.
“And the winner of this beautiful, new bicycle is…Nancy Brewster!” Tim delivered with enthusiasm.
“Okay. I think you’re done,” Laney said. She swiped the girl’s cups before they could object and tossed them into the garbage.
“Now what we’ve all been waiting for,” Tim announced. “The romantic getaway for two to the Canyons resort.”
