Two Bites Too Many

by Debra H. Goldstein

  Speaking of money, Sarah observed Eloise rolling an overloaded cart and the largest lockbox she had ever seen toward the registration table. Sarah recognized the brown boxes on the cart as being the ones the T-shirts donated for those who registered came in, but it was the lockbox that amused her. Eloise wasn’t kidding around. Sarah wondered how anyone could lift it.

  Even if the box was lighter than it looked, it wasn’t the only thing that impressed Sarah. This was the first time she’d seen Eloise out of her bank uniform. Her jeans, sneaks, and what Sarah swore was a L.L.Bean–type button-down blue oxford cloth shirt looked good on her.

  She waved, trying to catch Eloise’s eye. “Eloise!”

  Eloise waved back. They met up at the registration table.

  “Do you need some help?”

  Eloise picked up one of the boxes and put it on the ground behind the table. The weight of the box had been keeping a sign from blowing away while Eloise pushed the cart across the pavilion area. Eloise handed the sign and a roll of masking tape to Sarah. “Why don’t you hang this on the table for me and then put a small sign on the fishbowl.”

  Sarah saw the fishbowl sitting on the cart and placed it on the table. She hung the big sign off the table and taped the “small donations requested” message on the fishbowl. “I didn’t realize you were manning the registration table today.”

  From where Eloise was placing another box within easy reach of the registration chairs, she tilted her head back and met Sarah’s gaze. “There may not be a finance committee, but I thought we should have more than one person handling money today. That way, there’s confirmation of what we take in in cash from registrations and the sale of extra T-shirts.”

  Sarah remembered Eloise mentioning something about needing a finance committee overseeing the treasurer, but she hadn’t thought much about it after her discussion with Bailey. “Eloise, are you implying something about Mr. Bailey?”

  “Not necessarily. It’s just my nature to have checks and balances on money. I get nervous if there isn’t a way to reconcile things. Just like we can follow the corporate money, it’s important we are clear on the funds raised today from individuals and those raised tonight at Catapalooza. Perhaps you should have someone checking up on me, too.”

  She smiled, but it was tight-lipped.

  That was when Sarah remembered the bank gave Eloise a buyout after she proposed hand reconciling some of the accounts at the bank. She tried to think of a graceful way to press Eloise to explain her misgivings in more detail, but before she could, Bailey joined them. He was carrying a small lockbox.

  Although it was the weekend and was going to be a warm day, Bailey was dressed in a suit and tie. “Good morning, ladies. You’re both here early.”

  “So are you,” Sarah said.

  “Well, I wanted to make sure everything was set up for registration.” He held up the lockbox. “I was told someone was bringing the T-shirts, but I thought we should have some cash on hand to make change as people register. I got some from the bank to start us off today.”

  Sarah felt like a third wheel when he stared straight at Eloise. “Don’t worry, I notated taking one hundred dollars from the YipYeow account to use for petty cash change. I’ll make another bookkeeping entry when I return the hundred dollars to the account.”

  Reading into what she observed as Bailey and Eloise’s respective body language, Sarah got the distinct feeling they had the same misgivings about each other. Unsure whom to side with, Sarah felt more confused than ever.

  “I got money, too.” Eloise pointed to her lockbox.

  “Was that from your own account? If so, let’s not use it. It will be a lot cleaner trail if we don’t mix your personal funds with the YipYeow monies. Why don’t you go put your lockbox back in your car, so we don’t have any chance of commingling the funds?”

  Bailey looked at his watch. “I promised to meet up with a few of the vendors to collect donations from them an hour before the parade. That still gives us a little over two hours until then. Amanda should be here in thirty minutes. I think it’s important we try to keep two people at the desk at all times, but instead of you sitting out here in the sun all day, why don’t we work out a schedule once she gets here so we can all have some time off?”

  Although his offer seemed genuinely nice, Sarah had the distinct feeling it wasn’t one Eloise could refuse. Eloise apparently agreed because she didn’t protest.

  Not needing to do anything else at the registration desk, Sarah took one more look around the pavilion for anything out of place. There wasn’t. Everyone had everything under control. Satisfied, and needing a little time of her own before the festivities began, she headed home to get RahRah ready for the parade and his job as grand marshal. It tickled her every time she thought of him in that role. To her, the idea of a cat serving as the grand marshal was ludicrous.

  Sarah had included the suggestion of RahRah as a way of keeping the spotlight on the animals as a joke in one of the incessant emails with the mayor’s assistant. The assistant shared what she, too, thought was a good laugh with the mayor. Rather than being amused, the mayor loved the idea. After all, he considered RahRah to be something of a town hero, as well as a property taxpayer. Consequently, the mayor decreed it only fitting RahRah and Sarah ride with him in the lead car.

  Because Sarah hadn’t planned on any cars leading the parade, she thought the mayor’s assistant’s return email was in jest. But it wasn’t. When Sarah finally wrapped her head around the idea, she hated to admit it was kind of exciting.

  Now, walking home, she thought again about how many weird adventures RahRah’s coming into her life created. She hoped the two of them avoided anything unpleasant today, especially when getting him ready for the parade. In preparation, she’d brought up the topic during a few of their one-sided discussions. So far, he hadn’t exhibited any signs of being thrilled about the prospect of being in the parade, let alone serving as the grand marshal. Perhaps she could win him over, or at least generate some excitement, when she changed his collar from his everyday red leather one to either his rhinestone sparkler or his Fourth of July red, white, and blue extravaganza. Being honest with herself, neither would probably make much of a difference.

  Turning onto Main Street, she saw Mr. Rogers coming toward her. He had his cane in one hand and held a leash attached to the cutest ball of white fur in the other.

  “Is that Fluffy?”

  “Sure is. She’s a love, she is.” He bent down and patted the little dog, who sat quietly next to him. “Cleaned up nicely, don’t you think?”

  “I would never have known it’s the same dog. I had no idea how adorable she was under all that grime and matted fur.”

  “Most people wouldn’t.”

  “It must have been quite a job to groom her.”

  “Not really. She was good as gold. Most dogs would have fussed, but she sat quietly like she knew I was helping her.”

  Sarah bent and extended her hand, palm down, so Fluffy could smell it. Once she was sure Fluffy was comfortable, she reached forward and gently rubbed her head.

  “Maybe she knew, after what happened the other night, that the helping was reciprocal.”

  “Possibly. She’s pretty bright. Knows all her commands and even a few tricks.”

  “If she’s that trained, I wonder how she got separated from her owner? Whoever it was, obviously invested a lot of time in her.”

  “I can’t imagine. I put up a few signs on the next blocks and checked with the shelter, but there haven’t been any inquiries for a sweetie like her.”

  “Are you going to keep her?”

  “For now. She’s been through so much that, rather than upsetting her again, Phyllis and I decided to let her stay at my place while we look for her rightful owner. It might be easier on her than taking her down to the shelter. Phyllis promised to let me know if anyone asks for a dog matching her description.” He bent and rubbed Fluffy behind her ears. “Fluffy’s such a little
lady. I’m secretly hoping we don’t find her owner.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  Preparing RahRah for the parade was easier than Sarah anticipated. He didn’t hide or squirm when she announced it was time to get ready for YipYeow Day. In fact, he was quite patient with her fumbling fingers while she changed his red collar for the sparkling one. She was glad because she wanted to be early to give everything a final once-over.

  Once RahRah was dolled up for the parade, it was Sarah’s turn. Normally, she preferred to blend into the background, in something dark and slenderizing, but when would she have the chance to ride in the grand marshal lead car again? Because she wanted to sparkle as much as RahRah, but knew her time might be tight between the YipYeow activities and running to Birmingham, she opted for black pants, a black shell, and, despite the heat, her silver sequined jacket. It radiated elegance. The jacket also tended to shed, so she waited to the last moment to put it on lest RahRah accidentally ingested a fallen sequin.

  Ready, she put him in his carrier. Although Sarah feared he might balk at the plastic box, he went in purring. Maybe her discussions with him about being the grand marshal had made an impression.

  Outside, she debated whether to take her car or walk but decided because she had to bring RahRah home, it wasn’t worth hassling with traffic and parking. On Main Street, she heard a car behind her slow down. Instinctively, even though it was daylight, she stepped farther away from the street. Hearing her name, she glanced to her left and saw the front window of the car, which was gliding even to her pace, was rolled down. Sarah relaxed. The driver was her mother. “Mom, what are you doing here?”

  “Maybelle, honey. I’m here to support you.”

  “But you don’t like animals. You complain you’re allergic to them.” A horn honked behind them.

  “I took an allergy pill. Get in. I’m holding up traffic.”

  Without another word, Sarah followed her mother’s directive by squeezing RahRah’s carrier and herself into the front seat.

  “Put on your seat belt.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Sarah juggled the carrier against the dashboard while she manipulated the shoulder harness into its locked position. Only then did her mother proceed. “Thanks for coming today.”

  She wasn’t sure if her mother grunted or not. “Where’s the best place to park?”

  “Probably at my house.” She laughed at the look her mother shot in her direction. “But, at this point, I’d turn right at the next corner and see if you can get into the city lot on the left. It’s the one closest to the pavilion area where the parade ends and all the festivities will take place.”

  “Did you say right or left?”

  “Turn right. The lot is on your left.”

  It was all Sarah could do not to laugh at the determined look on her mother’s face. She busied herself peering into RahRah’s carrier rather than facing her mother. “You’re early.”

  “I wanted to miss the traffic and make sure I got a parking spot. Besides, I called Eloise this morning and we agreed to meet for coffee at Buffalo Betty’s when she’s on her break from the registration table.”

  Sarah was surprised. She didn’t remember hearing her mother ever mention doing things with Eloise. “I didn’t know the two of you were friends.”

  When her mother kept her eyes glued on the road and didn’t answer, it dawned on Sarah her mother wasn’t leaving it to the professionals, either. “You’re meeting her to pick her brain, aren’t you? Harlan told you what she told me, didn’t he?”

  Her mother nodded as she pulled into the parking lot. “He did. Things are still a bit confusing to me from that day, so I thought I’d compare what I remember with what she says.”

  “Do you want me to come with you?”

  “No. Leave this one to me. You go handle the animal parade.”

  Maybelle leaned over and gave Sarah a kiss before each set off on their own mission.

  Because of where her mother parked, Sarah decided to check out the pavilion area before reporting to the parade starting point. She was glad to see the setup committee had finished covering each table and had decorated the speaker’s platform with adorable animal-inspired cutouts. Several vendors were busy putting signage, handouts, samples, and takeaways out at their tables. Looking around, Sarah made a mental note to come back later to pick up some of the freebies for RahRah.

  She waved at Phyllis and three or four people she recognized as shelter volunteers getting the animal cages for the adoptable animals ready with water. She hoped that when they brought the animals over in another half hour or so, they’d be swamped with offers of potential adoptive homes. Although she was glad to put her efforts into raising money for the shelter, her real joy came when an animal found a forever home.

  Sarah was about to see if they needed more help when she spotted the Southwind catering van parked next to a SUV on the far side of the pavilion. She made her way in that direction. Nearing the vehicles, she heard voices coming from behind them that she immediately recognized as belonging to Jane and Marcus, but she couldn’t decide if they were arguing or not.

  Rather than announcing herself, she stopped to listen for a moment from her side of the vehicles, where they couldn’t see RahRah and her. They weren’t shouting, but they were disagreeing with each other about their table placement. Each was claiming they were entitled to two tables.

  Confused, Sarah looked back at the pavilion area, where their tables were set up. She saw the problem immediately. The tables were placed at a ninety-degree angle, framing where the cemented portion of the park pavilion ended. One arm of the angle had two tables, while the other had only one. Having carefully drawn the schematic diagrams to mark how this area would be shared by the vendors, adoptable animals, and food booths, she knew both Jane and Marcus were supposed to have two tables. Either someone had goofed delivering or setting up tables or their fourth table had walked.

  Sarah called out to Jane and Marcus while she glanced around the pavilion, hoping to see someone from the setup committee. Marcus and Jane immediately came around the vehicles, talking over each other as they pointed the problem out to her. Unfortunately, there didn’t seem to be a member of the committee in the vicinity.

  To buy herself more time, she hushed them. “One at a time. I can’t understand you.”

  Jane pushed herself into Sarah’s personal space and gestured to where the tables were. “I’m supposed to have two tables. I can’t possibly prep and serve my food on one. If I’m going to give Southwind a run for its money in the future, people need to taste my food right today.”

  Marcus echoed Jane’s comments, but for himself.

  “I understand. You both should have two tables. Let me see what I can do. I’ll be right back.”

  Leaving them to bicker or make small talk, she peered around the pavilion area, but she didn’t see a member of the setup committee. That was when she had an idea. She looked to see if Mr. Bailey, from the bank, was still at the registration table. Not only was he there, but Amanda was sitting with him behind the table. Perfect.

  Bailey stood as she approached the table. “Long time no see.”

  Sarah smiled at him and Amanda. “Mr. Bailey, I’ve got a favor to ask. We have a little problem in the food area.” She explained about being shorted a table and asked if it would be possible to take one of their registration tables.

  “Of course. I wish all problems were that easy to resolve.” He turned to Amanda and asked if she would be okay sitting there alone for a minute.”

  Amanda flashed him a big grin. “Of course, Mr. Bailey.”

  “Great. Sarah, you said Marcus is over there. Why don’t we get him to give me a hand with the table?”

  Thrilled, Sarah went to tell Marcus and Jane her resolution to their problem. A grateful Marcus immediately locked his van and followed Bailey back to the registration area.

  The minute they left, Jane went to her SUV and returned with a bag, which she dumped on the side that a
lready had two clothed tables. Sarah didn’t offer to help. Instead, she just stood there, holding RahRah, who was being remarkably calm in his carrier. “From what you said, I gather you’re planning to open a new restaurant?”

  After dropping a second armload on a table, Jane finally responded to Sarah. “Hopefully. By the way, this is a food-preparation area. You need to get that cat out of here. Now.”

  Amazed by Jane’s tone and abruptness, and surprised not to get a thank-you, Sarah turned and walked toward the parade starting point. She wondered if steam was coming out of her ears.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  Sarah refused to permit Jane to ruin this day for RahRah and her. From what she could see as she walked toward the parade starting point, everything else was going smoothly. There still was plenty of time until the parade, but people and their animals were already lining up at the parade’s starting line. Sarah waved at a few people she recognized but didn’t stop to chat. Instead, she made her way to where she assumed the grand marshal car would be parked.

  To her surprise, rather than the convertible she expected waiting for RahRah and her to sit atop while they waved to the crowd, she saw the mayor standing next to a traditional hay wagon attached to a tractor. Her heart sank. Unlike her dress pants and sequins, the mayor was wearing denim overalls over the YipYeow T-shirt and a straw hat. She wasn’t sure what it was, but something dangled from his mouth.

  Apparently, his idea of Wheaton’s grand marshal vehicle differed from those she’d grown up watching lead the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Sarah swallowed hard. “There’s no going back now,” she whispered in the direction of RahRah’s carrier. Pasting a smile on her face, she joined the mayor. She was relieved to see him remove a piece of straw from his mouth. From the distance, she’d feared it was a corncob pipe.