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Pippa
Pippa hefted her cosmetics bag from the back of Mason’s truck.
“I didn’t realize getting ready for a dance required so much . . . stuff.” Mason’s deep voice came up behind her as he grabbed the other two canvas bags.
Maybe I overdid it? When Aspen had asked if Pippa would help her get ready, Pippa might have gone a little overboard on a Pinterest search for ideas. It was going to be a mini party alright. She wanted to make this night special for Aspen. She wanted to give that young girl the world.
“I’m sorry.” Her stomach clenched in embarrassment. Here I go again, inserting myself where I don’t belong.
Mason turned to her, his hands full of makeup and hair supplies in sealed packages, and cartons of food she’d brought. “No, it’s fine. I just didn’t expect you to get this for my kid and her friends. Let me pay you back.”
She waved her hand and followed him inside his house. “It’s really not a big deal.” She wouldn’t tell him the appetizers were all homemade.
He led her into the kitchen and set down the bags. Lady’s nails clicked across the wood floor as she followed them. Mason grabbed a bowl from his cupboard and filled it with tap water before setting it on the ground for her dog. It was a sweet gesture.
“Thank you.”
His gaze dragged from her to the counter. “So, what do you need me to do?”
“Dad?” Aspen’s voice called from the front of the house.
“In here,” Mason answered.
Aspen ran in with her friend David. She wrapped her arms around Pippa and squeezed. “Pippa! I’m so excited for the dance.”
“I can see that.” Pippa grinned. The young girl’s enthusiasm was infectious.
David’s mom walked in, staying farther back. She met Pippa’s gaze and turned her hand in a muted wave.
“Brynn, this is Pippa. She owns the bookstore. She’s offered to do Aspen’s hair and makeup for the dance,” Mason introduced them.
Pippa offered her hand to the woman. “Nice to meet you officially. You work at the diner, right?”
“Yes.” Brynn’s voice was sweet and subdued.
“I’m going to show David my dress.” Aspen grabbed her friend’s hand and pulled him upstairs.
Brynn’s gaze flicked to the bags on the counter. “Do you need any help?”
Ding-dong.
“That’s probably Rachel and her mom,” Mason said, before disappearing out of the kitchen.
“I’d love some help. Can you help me find a pitcher? We can mix the orange juice and Sprite, like virgin mimosas. I thought it would be fun for the kids,” Pippa instructed.
Brynn hesitated, seemingly unsure. She tucked her short brown hair behind her ear, keeping her eyes directed at the floor. Every time Pippa saw the woman, it was as if she tried to fade into the background like a little scared mouse.
“Actually, how about you start uncovering the appetizers in the bags?” Pippa asked. Perhaps a smaller task would make her feel more comfortable.
Brynn nodded and went to work while Pippa opened three cupboards before she found what she was looking for. She pulled out the plastic pitcher and filled it up, adding the drink mix.
Mason returned, his eyes darting to the spread on the counter. She’d made a simple cheese and cracker board, one with veggies and dip, and a little something from her own culture: pionono.
“Wow, something smells delicious,” the woman beside him said, setting down a platter of cookies with M&M’s next to her spread. “You’ve really put a lot into this little party.” She pressed her hand to Mason’s back.
The act seemed so intimate. Pippa’s body flushed with jealousy. Were Rachel’s mom and Mason seeing each other? Her gaze flicked to the woman’s bare left hand. Pippa shouldn’t care, but the sick twist in her gut was impossible to control.
“Pippa did all this.” Mason’s gaze was blank.
