“Yes. Jen has the volunteers prepared for the fashion show. Stephanie’s working with the kids who’ll be walking the dogs through the crowd. The bake sale is—” Sarah motioned helplessly “—running amok, but you and Brenda will make a killing.” She sighed happily. “For our first event, this is going to be awesome.”
Rebecca focused on Sarah’s face so that she wouldn’t slip up, give any of her confusion or wonder about the brief kiss away. “Last night, Cole had the best idea. For next year.” She cupped her mouth with both hands. “Rummage sale. We can take donations, run the town’s biggest yard sale right here on the court square.”
Sarah’s eyes brightened. “That guy. We could totally do that. I wonder if I could get Dinah to donate one or two of her storage units rent free. We could accept donations all year long and store them. That way we could price them as we go. Some things could even be sold online to collectors.” Sarah tapped her pen to her lips. “Do I want to know how he came up with this idea?”
Rebecca frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Guy’s got, like, three shirts. I can’t imagine he was planning to donate any of his stuff.” Sarah glanced over her shoulder. “Oh, man, there’s my old frenemy Cece. I was hoping to keep our interactions to near misses all day long. Better for my ego and indigestion.”
Rebecca checked behind her. “She’s caught, talking with the mayor. He doesn’t seem too pleased.”
“That’s his permanent expression. Changing it would require surgery.” Sarah tilted her head and blinked her eyes, the perfect picture of patient waiting.
“What?” Rebecca asked as she busily restacked perfectly stacked baked goods.
“You. Cole. Did you kiss and make up?”
The word kiss sent a shot of panic straight down Rebecca’s spine. Did it show? Of course not. There was nothing to show.
“I’d love it if you guys started working together instead of leaving the room anytime the other one shows up. It’s exhausting when I have to track you both down.” Sarah raised her eyebrows.
“We were talking about my cookbooks and I mentioned I needed to get rid of some.” But not the one with his grandmother’s recipe, of course. If that story made the rounds to Stephanie and Jen, she’d never hear the end of it.
Sarah didn’t seem convinced, but before she could ask another question, Les jumped onto the tiny gazebo that sometimes served as a stage. “Welcome, folks! Our fashion show will start in one hour. In the meantime, we’d like to introduce you to Paws for Love’s volunteers and stars, the cats and dogs. We’ll be moving through the crowd. If you see a pet you’d like to meet, stop us. And when you’re ready to adopt, Sarah—” Les scanned the crowd, one hand over his eyes for shade in the bright sunshine, until he saw Sarah’s wave “—will be happy to help. And we have enough baked goods to feed the entire state of Texas so be sure you hit the bake sale table.”
The high school band started playing. Before Rebecca could ask if Stephanie had pulled in a favor to get the band director to agree, Cece Grant was on them.
“Well, ladies, you’ve managed to pull together something...sweet for your first event.” She gave Sarah air kisses. “I do hope you’ll remember your agreement to scoop after your dogs. Can’t have a mess in the middle of town.”
Sarah narrowed her eyes. “No, we couldn’t have that. I still remember the letters to the editor from last year’s Christmas parade. Let’s see...who was in charge of that?” She pretended to think.
“Thanks so much for stopping by, Cece,” Rebecca said. “Do you see any baked goods you must have?” There was no need to guess who’d been in charge of the Christmas parade. Cece was in charge. Since Sarah and the Hillman money had dropped out of service, leaving a large hole in the civic duties and budget, Cece had filled the gap. As the wife of the town’s best, busiest lawyer, Cece enjoyed having money and the power that came with it. Ever since high school, she and Sarah had been locked in the battle for supremacy. Since Bobby Hillman had run away with all his money, Cece had capitalized on her chance to take Sarah’s spot, the one she’d abused so much in high school, at the top of the pyramid.
“Oh, dear, no. I could never buy anything here. You must have an iron will or an impressive metabolism,” Cece murmured as she studied the table. “If I’d made that many cookies, I’d have gained at least five pounds. I’m afraid my pants are getting tighter the longer I stand here.” She smoothed her hand over her hip and her expensive slacks, the diamond on her finger winking in the sunlight.
Sarah’s snort was impressive. Cece didn’t even look her direction. “Of course, I’d have to ask Maria to do the actual cooking for me. I burn ice.” She trilled a laugh and braced her hand on Sarah’s shoulder. “We’re hopeless, aren’t we?”
Sarah didn’t laugh. The corner of her mouth might have been lifting in a snarl. “In the kitchen, maybe.”
“Right, right. You have this new career.” Cece shook her head. “So impressive the way you’ve gone from the top to the bottom to...” She shrugged. “Here. It seems we’re meant to run into each other on this sidewalk.”
Since there was nothing to add to that, Sarah said, “I should be going. Make the rounds. Scoop the poop.” She bared her teeth, but it was no smile.
Cece nodded. Rebecca watched Sarah walk away with dread. She’d never learned to trade thinly veiled insults like Sarah did with such skill. Cece could skin her alive. Rebecca turned to call for backup, but Brenda was busy selling baked goods.
“Darling, you and I, we’re friends, aren’t we?” Cece said, a faint line appearing between her brows.
Uncertain of what the safest answer might be, Rebecca shrugged awkwardly. They were acquaintances, but she didn’t want to make Cece Grant an enemy, either.
“I’m amazed at how you’ve taken up with the black sheep of Holly Heights.” Cece shook her head slowly.
Annoyed at her tone, Rebecca searched the crowd milling in the square. Cole was easy to find. If he hadn’t towered above all the kids milling around with dogs on leashes, the black cloud over his head would have been a beacon. He stood with Freddie’s leash clutched in one hand while he glowered over the proceedings. Maybe he was only concentrating, but the complete lack of people in his general vicinity suggested there was a frost in the air around him. Poor Freddie wouldn’t stand a chance of meeting new friends as long as Cole held his leash.
Was that the plan?
Cece’s quiet laugh drew her attention to the more immediate problem.
“What can I sell you, Cece? Every dollar goes to support the animals.” Rebecca had no intention of defending Cole. There was nothing to defend.
Cece glanced over at Brenda, who was doing a stellar job and drawing kids in. The parents were forced to follow and nearly every visit converted to a sale. When it was clear no one was paying any attention to them, Cece murmured, “When I said black sheep, I meant Sarah, darling, but I suppose she was the black sheep of Holly Heights. Now she’s been dethroned by the new criminal in town. Poor girl. She’s had a difficult year, falling from the top of society to the bottom and now she can’t even hold on to that place of distinction.” Cece sighed. “She’s always been the perfect adversary, someone I could go after without feeling the slightest twinge of guilt. But you...that’s not who you are. You’re all sweetness and goodness and kindness. Right?” Cece blinked.
Rebecca wasn’t sure whether to agree, because that was who she’d tried to be, or toss one of Brenda’s three-pound pound cakes in her face. If any more condescension had dripped off Cece’s tongue, she’d have to dry a puddle.
In the awkward silence, Cece said, “Just a bit of warning, then. Sarah’s friendship you might recover from. You’re doing a good deed, after all.” She glanced at Cole, who hadn’t changed his position a fraction of an inch. “But consorting with a criminal? I don’t know that you can recover from that.”
“We work together, that’s all. He’s an asset to the shelter, something I can’t say about everyone I know who’d like to call herself my friend,” Rebecca said slowly. “But I do appreciate your concern. Now, how many of these cookies would you like?”
Cece sniffed. “I’ll make a donation. I can’t have this in my house.” She turned and sauntered down the sidewalk, her sights clearly set on Sarah. At some point, Sarah would give her the killing set-down and Cece would retreat. Rebecca had watched it more than once and had done her best to analyze how it worked. She’d never master it.
“Hey, do you have change for a twenty?” Brenda asked and popped the crisp bill in her hands. Rebecca opened the cashbox and offered her the change. Then she turned to the patient family next in line. “Do I have any chocolate chip cookie fans?”
The crowd was steady until the fashion show. Every time Rebecca could look up, she checked the adoption table. Sarah, Les and Shelly weren’t swamped, but the steady stream of people and pets was heartening. Every animal that found a home saved two—that lucky cat or dog and the one still stuck out on the street. By the time the fashion show was over, her cookies had been decimated and even Brenda’s wall of cakes had dwindled to manageable levels.
“I never would have thought we’d sell all this when we started this morning,” Brenda said as she braced her hands at the small of her back. She waited tables a few days a week at Sue Lynn’s, but standing in one place was hard. Rebecca mimicked her stance and nearly groaned aloud at the stretch of tired muscles. From their spot, they couldn’t see the fashion show, but laughter bubbled up every now and then, confirming that the town was enjoying Jen’s work.
“That granddaughter of mine built an Elvis costume you would not believe.” Brenda was bouncing as she straightened the wads of bills she’d shoved in an apron pocket during a crush of buyers. “I’m not sure what kind of career that is, making dog costumes, but Chloe is inspired.”
“The theater, costume design or even something like set design or merchandising. If she has an eye for color and the imagination to build things, there are all kinds of things she might want to do.” Rebecca was doing her best not to watch Cole, who stood at the edge of the crowd, faithful Freddie in a nice sit next to his feet.
What if Freddie wasn’t adopted today? He’d return to the shelter and Cole wouldn’t lose one of his few friends.
But Freddie would miss out on a big opportunity. Cole, if he was thinking about it correctly, wouldn’t want that. He’d want Freddie to have a home.
“Can you handle the table for a bit?” Rebecca said. “I’ll send some help over, okay?” Without waiting for Brenda’s response, she stepped out from behind the table, crossed the street and managed to sneak up on Cole. He didn’t even glance her direction when she stopped next to him.
“Nice apron you got yourself there,” she said by way of witty repartee. She gave the edge a tug. “No flowers at all. I’m surprised.” She thought he might ignore her completely, because his focus didn’t waver from the fashion show.
Then he looked down. “Holds my stuff. It’s a tool belt, not an apron. No flowers needed.”
Then he bent and scratched Freddie’s ears.
“How come Fred missed out on the runway?” Rebecca asked. She was working her way around to the problem slowly. So very slowly.
“Jen thought he should wear an Elvis costume,” Cole snapped, the disgust quite evident in his tone. “He’s not a... I didn’t think he’d enjoy being a clown like that.” Since Freddie had rolled over on his back and was kicking both feet in the air, Rebecca imagined that Freddie believed he actually was a clown.
But the glower on Cole’s face suggested he would not laugh at the observation.
“Could you help out at the bake sale table? I need to take some photos.” Rebecca waved the camera. “I can take Freddie with me. I’m not sure he should be that close to so much real food. He’d either eat the profits or lose his mind.”
Cole studied her face as he considered her request. “You know, I’m not stupid, even if you think I need your concern and your upstanding example of doing good. People won’t approach me because I’m scary. You want to see if you can find him a home. Why don’t you say that instead of...handling me?”
His fierce scowl was a good reason to step back, but she refused to do it. “I was trying to be sensitive because it’s clear you love this dog, you jerk.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m doing my job. You saw a chance to pull my strings, is all, but I’m not your charity and I’m not controlled by my emotions. That’s the part you don’t get.” Cole rolled his eyes. “Fine, but watch him. He’s done pretty well with the crowd, but I don’t want him to get overwhelmed.”
Rebecca saluted and peeled Freddie’s leash from Cole’s tight grip. “Sir, yes, sir. And maybe think about another reason I would want to help you, you jerk.”
Rebecca was irritated at him all over again, mainly because she only wanted to help a friend, but Cole would never accept her friendship.
They could still be friends with a little kiss between them, couldn’t they?
Cole slowly stepped away from Freddie, who seemed to believe he was destined for a grand adventure at the change of control.
“All right, Freddie. Let’s walk.” A great dog like Freddie deserved to find his home. If she managed to do it today and Cole ever realized how he’d broken his rule of not getting attached to this little dog, he might never forgive her.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
COLE HOVERED NEAR the end of the bake sale table until the woman counting out the cash looked up. She didn’t startle, but the wariness in her eyes was confirmation that he’d made the right decision. If he’d crossed around behind the table, she’d have yelled for the police.
And that expression made it easy to see the family resemblance. While he’d worked with Jen on training the dogs, he’d outlined his landscaping suggestions for her new house, but not once had her suspicious frown lightened. Her mother had the same frown.
“Rebecca sent me over to help while she takes photos.” He motioned vaguely at the spot where he’d left Rebecca. She and Freddie had already moved on, and he could no longer see them in the crowd. That was a good thing. This separation from Freddie had him nervous and he didn’t want to embarrass himself by staring at Rebecca’s lips. It was time to forget the kiss. “I’m Cole.”
The petite woman nodded. “Yeah, I know.” She tipped her chin up. “I’m Brenda, Jen’s mother.”
“Nice to meet you.” Cole nodded. Offering her his hand would open him to rejection. He’d learned to avoid those opportunities when he could. “What can I do to help?”
She ran her hand through dark hair. “Honestly, we need to start clearing. There’s a lot more trash than I expected and so many tubs.” She motioned at the nearly empty table. “But we’ve sold a crazy amount of sugar today. Sarah’s going to have the cash she needs for improvements.”
And salary. Always a good thing.
“Looks like I can start filling in the flower beds,” Cole said. At some point during the night when he was carefully not thinking about Rebecca, her kitchen, her thoughtful gesture of digging up his grandmother’s recipe or her lips, he’d listed everything he wanted to do at the shelter.
Then he’d realized he should be careful. He might work himself out of a job once all the heavy lifting was completed.
But there were still the beds. Les wanted some outdoor kennels for observation. And then...maybe he’d actually work part-time at the shelter and try his hand at building a lawn-care business. He could ask Sarah if it would be okay to put up a sign, a small one with the name of his business and phone number once he got the flower beds at the shelter fixed. Jen’s house could be his second project, his second sign. It would be hard to do on his own, but he could talk EW into helping ou
t. Or Eric.
Asking for favors is no way to keep your promise. This was the problem with spending so much time with people. A man might start to depend on them. When they let him down, he’d have to climb twice as far.
“Earth to Cole.” Brenda waved a tub. “Can you start picking up?”
With a grunt, Cole took the empty tub and followed directions. Before he’d finished stacking the empty containers, Brenda had sold all but two of the cakes and one of the bags of Rebecca’s cookies. He was digging around in his tool belt for cash when Rebecca popped back up at the table. “Success!” This time she surprised him and every bit of change he’d squirreled away in his pockets rattled across the table.
She laughed. “Sorry. I snuck up on you.”
He shook his head and picked up the scattered change with fingers that felt too big for a human hand. “No problem. I wanted to get some cookies before the last ones are sold.” He held his hand out to Brenda, who recounted every nickel and dime before dropping it in the cashbox she’d been nearly sitting on top of since he’d walked up.
“Take a cake or two. Half price.” Brenda said it without much warmth, but the sentiment was nice. “Go for the one with the pink sticker. Fully loaded with gluten.”
Cole glanced at Rebecca, who picked up a cake and handed it to him. He’d be a fool to say no. “I’ll drop these in the van. We’ll have plenty of room.” The number of dogs and cats they’d adopted out was impressive. He didn’t know the final count yet, but the number of volunteers milling around without leashes in hand was a good indication.
Rebecca handed him the digital camera. “Can you put this in your tool belt? I don’t want to lose it and Sarah’s busy.”
Surprised at how easily she handed the valuable camera over while Brenda maintained her death grip on the cashbox, Cole took the camera and dropped it in the center pocket of his apron, then noticed the furtive cut of her eyes. He realized she was watching the adoption table. Freddie was acting like a maniac, jumping at the end of his leash every time a new person walked by, but the older couple talking so earnestly with Sarah was paying no attention.
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