by LuAnn McLane
“May I help you?” the friendly clerk asked, but then she took off her reading glasses and gave Reese a curious look.
“I’m going to a fifties dance.”
“Ah, that explains a lot. Wait. You’re going to the Whisper’s Edge prom? Aren’t you a little bit young?”
“I’m going there with Gabby, the owner of the floral shop down the street. She was invited because she’s providing the flowers.” Reese extended his hand. “I’m Reese Marino. My uncle and I just opened River Row Pizza and Pasta.”
“I’m Marcy Duncan, shop owner. Oh, Gabby is such a sweetheart! I send all of my prom and wedding parties over to her for the flowers. And thanks for bringing pizza to Restaurant Row! I’ve been meaning to try it.”
“Nice to meet you, Marcy. We’re still only doing a soft opening with takeout and delivery, but the actual sit-down restaurant will open next weekend. We’ll have a daily selection of an authentic Italian dish and a few staple items on the menu.”
Marcy tapped her temple. “Smart decision.”
“Yeah, hopefully it will all go smoothly.” Reese pointed to his chest. “Gabby wanted me to do the whole James Dean thing, but I’m having second thoughts. I’m a little pressed for time, but you wouldn’t happen to have a tux that has a bit of a retro look, would you?”
“Oh, we usually measure and have to order sizes in,” Marcy explained. “The suits we have here are mostly for picking things out.” She nibbled on the inside of her lip for a second and then snapped her fingers. “Wait. Are you about six feet tall, about a thirty-two-inch waist?”
“Close. Six one, but you’ve got the waist size right. You’re good.”
“My shop is fairly new, but I’ve been doing this for a while. Look, I just got in a Mad Men–inspired line. Partly because of the popularity of the show, skinny ties and fitted suits are in vogue,” Marcy explained with a smile. “The lapels are narrow and the suits are tailored. Perfect for your body type. You’re going to rock this style.” She whipped out a measuring tape and did a quick once-over. “I think I’ve got you covered.”
“Bring it on,” Reese said with a grin.
“I’ll gather what you need and hang it in the dressing room. We’ll have you looking debonair in no time.”
Reese chuckled. “Well, that will be a first.”
Marcy grinned. “But not the last. You know who you remind me of?”
Reese shook his head.
“A young Antonio Sabato Jr. Don’t worry. You’re going to pull this off. Sweet Gabby is going to be swept off her feet.”
“You think so?” Reese suddenly realized that was exactly what he wanted to do.
“I know so.”
7
Sweet Memories
GABBY LOOKED DOWN AT THE COLORFUL ARRAY OF dresses strewn across her bed and groaned. Nothing was right for the retro dance. “I really should have gone shopping,” she lamented with a sigh, but there just wasn’t enough time in the day to get all of her work done and shop as well. If Miss Patty and her crew hadn’t jumped in to help out, she’d still be downstairs making corsages. Hiring Joy was going to really be a godsend.
Gabby had originally planned on wearing one of her sundresses that looked a bit retro, but suddenly nothing seemed right. She glanced at the digital clock on her nightstand and felt a little surge of alarm. Reese would be arriving soon. She’d just have to pick one out and go with it, but just as she reached for the buttercup yellow eyelet dress, she heard a knock at the back entrance to her apartment. Crap. He was early. She cinched the belt on her robe tighter and hurried through her kitchen to let him in. She’d have to offer him a beer while she got ready.
Gabby opened the door and shook her head in surprise. “Addison!” She stepped aside to let her friend and fellow Wedding Row shop owner in. “Hey, girl, it’s good to see you. What brings you here?”
Addison held up a dress sheathed in plastic. “Maggie told me you were going to the dance at Whisper’s Edge. I know you probably already have a dress picked out and this is so last minute, but I just got a shipment of bridesmaids’ dresses at the shop. These look like the famous Marilyn Monroe halter-top dress. I thought this white one would be perfect, so I hurried over.” She pulled the plastic off and held the dress up. “What do you think? It even has the pleated skirt. But hey, if you’re not interested my feelings won’t be hurt.”
“No, it’s so pretty! Addison, you won’t believe it but I was just lamenting my lack of choices of what to wear. I’ve just been swamped lately.”
Addison smiled. “I figured that. And since you have a date with Reese Marino . . .”
“How did you know I was going with Reese?”
“Are you kidding? New travels faster in Cricket Creek than it did when I lived in L.A. Just like I know that Drew Gibbons has set his sights on you too.”
Gabby chuckled. “The Miranda Lambert song is right about everybody dying famous in a small town.”
Addison chuckled. “Well, I don’t mean to butt my nose into your business, but I’ve learned that’s kind of par for the course here. But mostly in a good way. Everybody just cares. Let me see, I guessed you to be about a size six?”
Gabby nodded. “Yes, but I’m so doggone short. Do you think it will be too long?”
Addison angled her head to the side. “The beauty of this style is that it can be a little bit long on you and still look good. It’s not a petite but we can adjust the halter top. As long as it fits in the waist, we’re good to go. Like I said, it’s totally your call.” She wiggled it back and forth. “But do me a favor and at least try it on.”
“Okay.” Gabby nodded and then took the dress from Addison. “If Reese arrives will you keep him entertained?”
“No problem.”
“Thank you, Addison!” After feeling like a bit of an outcast in high school, she found it was nice to have friends in Cricket Creek. She’d just been so shy and insecure back then. Gabby hurried to her bedroom, shed her robe, and put the dress on. When she gazed at her reflection in the full-length mirror, she put her hand on her throat. Was it too sexy? “Addison, will you come in here and tell me what you think?”
“Sure!” A moment later she appeared in the doorway. “Oh, Gabby! A little bit long, but other than that it’s perfect on you.”
“Does it show too much skin?”
“Not in my opinion.” Addison shook her head. “Unless of course you stand over a wind tunnel,” she added with a grin. “Oh, but seriously, put a few curls in your short blond hair and you will actually do a pretty good impression of a young Marilyn Monroe. Rock some red lipstick and you will be the belle of the ball.”
Gabby turned back to the mirror and held the full skirt out and then pivoted to see her back. She bit her bottom lip between her teeth.
“It’s no different than the sundresses I’ve seen you wear.” Addison pointed to the bed. “I see some dresses in there that show just as much skin. There’s just something about this iconic style that is sexy. But in a classy way. Put on those strappy heels over there and you will complete the look.”
“Okay, I’ll wear it!” She twirled around, causing Addison to laugh, and then walked over and gave Addison a hug. “You’ve become such a good friend. What do I owe you for the dress?”
Addison waved a hand. “Nothing! Just talk up From This Moment for me and we’re even. I’m carrying more than just wedding attire, and this dress showcases that for me.”
“Thanks so much!”
“Now I’m going to get out of your hair so you can get ready. Have fun, Gabby! I want a full report over coffee soon. Or maybe a glass of wine? I love my husband, but I could use a girls’ night out.”
“You bet.” After Addison let herself out, Gabby hurried into her bathroom to do her makeup and hair. Fifteen minutes later she had soft curls in her layered hair and her bangs lifted off her forehead i
n a retro style. She added more drama to her eyes with a smoky shadow and black liner. Rummaging through her makeup drawer, she couldn’t find deep red lipstick but spotted a dusky rose in a free promotion she’d gotten with a purchase. Gabby blotted her lips and shook her head at her reflection. Although she wouldn’t normally have chosen such a dramatic shade, it was perfect for tonight.
After spraying on a light floral scent, she went back into her bedroom and slipped on white sandals that added a few inches to her height. She put a few essentials in a little beaded clutch purse and decided that she was ready.
“Phew!” She took a deep breath and glanced at the clock again. Reese was a little bit late, but she tried not to worry. He most likely worked up until right before he had to leave.
Gabby glanced shyly into the mirror and was surprised at the glamorous woman staring back at her. She put a hand on her chest and felt the rapid beat of her heart. When had she been this excited about the evening ahead? “Probably never,” she murmured, and then suddenly wondered what Reese would think. Was this look a little bit too much? Would he think she was be coming on too strong?
A moment later the doorbell chimed. Swallowing hard, Gabby smoothed her skirt and then fluffed her hair.
She was about to find out.
With each step that she took toward the door, Gabby tried to calm her heartbeat and was mildly successful until she swung open the door. “Oh my . . . ,” she breathed, and then felt a stab of panic when Reese turned around. “Wh-where are you going?”
“I must have the wrong address. I don’t have a date with Marilyn Monroe.”
Laughing, Gabby put a hand on his shoulder, tugging him back around. “Don’t go, Joe DiMaggio.” She hoped he thought the breathless sound of her voice was an imitation of Marilyn, but in fact she was just . . .
Breathless.
When Reese entered her kitchen she leaned against the sink and said, “And I thought I had a date with James Dean.”
“Are you disappointed?”
Her heart thudded when she looked at him. “Not in the least.” Reese seemed to fill the room with his presence. It wasn’t that he was tall, dark, and supersexy. What drew her to him was the humor, the intelligence shining in his eyes. And he cared about her. He always had.
“I would have brought you flowers, but . . .” He shrugged those wide shoulders of his, sending yet another thrill through Gabby.
“I held back a wrist corsage, but I didn’t know I’d need a boutonniere.”
Reese pointed toward the door. “My jeans and T-shirt are over at Top Hat. I could go back and morph into James Dean.”
“Oh no, I like this look.”
Reese stepped closer. Gabby caught a whiff of his aftershave and had to suppress a sigh of pure feminine delight. “You do?”
Gabby nodded slowly while she tried to make her vocal cords work. “A lot.”
“I could say the same thing,” Reese said, and then ran a fingertip over her bare shoulder.
“Then say it.”
The slow grin he gave her was wicked and full of promise. “I like this look.”
A hot tingle slid down Gabby’s spine. She wanted to touch him but worried that if she put her hands on him she’d end up grabbing his narrow lapels and yanking him forward for a long, hot kiss.
“I do have something for you, though.”
Gabby tilted her head in question and watched him pull a little cellophane bag from his pocket. She smiled when she saw what it contained. “Oh my goodness!” It was just a candy necklace but represented so much more. Emotion filled her throat as she accepted the gift. Tearing it open, she dumped the necklace into her palm and then looked up at Reese. “Thank you,” she gushed, and then wrapped her arms around him and squeezed.
Reese returned the hug and when he pulled back he reached over and wiped away a teardrop with the pad of his thumb. “It wasn’t my intention to make you cry.” He appeared so worried that Gabby reached up and put her palms on his cheeks.
“I’m touched by the gesture and the memory. The one blessing in growing up poor is the realization about the little things in life.”
“And what would that realization be?” Reese wanted to know.
Gabby dropped her hands but continue to look up at him. “That they aren’t little at all.”
When his gaze dropped to her mouth, Gabby felt a giddy sense of anticipation. He was going to kiss her. And she wanted him to, but a sudden knock at her door had them both jumping at the sudden break in the spell. Reese looked over at the window and grinned. “It’s my mother. She wants to get her prom pictures.”
With a little whoop of delight Gabby hurried over to the door. Swinging it open, she exclaimed, “Tessa! Come in!”
“Oh, would you just look at you two?” Tessa put fingertips to her lips and shook her head. “Reese, where did you get that tux?”
“Top Hat,” he said with a chuckle. “I decided that my rebel-without-a-cause days were over.” He turned in a circle. “How do I look?”
“So handsome! And, Gabby! My goodness, you look like a sweeter version of Marilyn Monroe. Simply gorgeous! May I take some pictures?”
“Could we even begin to stop you?” Reese asked with a chuckle.
Tessa laughed. “Not on your life.”
The next thirty minutes were spent snapping pictures everywhere, even in the flower shop. Just when they thought they were finished, Tessa spotted another location that was perfect. Finally, Reese put his hands up in surrender. “Mom, we do have to get going.”
“Okay, but I’ll get some more when I deliver the pizza.” She gave them each a big hug. “Have fun tonight!”
Reese leaned down and kissed his mother on the cheek. “I intend to.”
“Your mother is such a lovely person,” Gabby said. “She must be so thrilled that you’ve moved back to Cricket Creek.”
“Can you tell?” Reese asked with a smile, but then sobered. “She’s gone through a lot. So has Uncle Tony. I intend to do everything in my power to make the restaurant a success.”
“It will be.”
“I hope you’re right. I just wish it were six months down the road and we were up and running smoothly with all of the kinks out.”
“Don’t wish your life away,” she said in a teasing tone.
Reese looked at her. “Good point. From here on in I vow to savor the moment.” He extended his arm. “Are you ready?”
“Absolutely.”
8
That’s Life
TRISH ABSENTLY PLAYED WITH THE STRING OF PEARLS around her neck and tapped her toes to Bill Haley and the Comets singing “Rock Around the Clock.” She sat tucked in the corner while discreetly taking notes on her first official assignment for the Cricket Creek Courier. Covering the Whisper’s Edge prom was proving to be much more entertaining than she first anticipated, but then after meeting Clyde and Clovis Camden why should she be surprised? If she still lived in Cricket Creek when she was in her twilight years, she vowed, she would take up residence in Whisper’s Edge. These people knew how to have fun.
Trish took a sip of her drink and smacked her lips. Of course the spiked punch certainly helped loosen things up. The drink reminded her of the hooch served at parties back in her college days. Since she’d driven, she put the drink aside to nurse and turned her attention back to the crowd. A moment later a cute girl in a peach chiffon dress and a bouffant hairdo stepped up to the microphone.
“How y’all doin’?” she asked, and had to wait for the shouts and whistles to die down. “As just about all of you know, I’m Savannah Perry and I’ll be your hostess tonight. Just a few things. We have the table of prizes to bid on.” She pointed in that direction. “Check it out, because there’s some really nice stuff!” She started ticking things off. “Dinner at Wine and Diner, Cougars baseball tickets, a gorgeous necklace from Designs by Dia
mante, donuts for a year from Grammar’s Bakery, flower arrangements from Flower Power, the list goes on and on. Everything has been generously donated, so one hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the charities listed on the poster in the far left corner of the hall. If you want to get in on the jitterbug dance contest, it costs five bucks with half of the money going to the winner. See Kate about that. Kate, wave your hand. Thank you. Song requests are accepted and a nice tip for our Dan, our DJ, who has also donated his services, will help ensure that your favorite song gets played. I think that’s about it for now. Y’all have a good time!”
Trish watched from her corner smiling and then laughing at some of the antics of the seniors. Some were already practicing their jitterbug, a few of them doing quite well. It was, however, the entrance of a young couple that captured Trish’s attention. The girl, although dressed like Marilyn Monroe, actually reminded Trish more of the girl-next-door innocence of Sandra Dee. The guy with her, tall and handsome in a devilish kind of way, gazed at the girl with such adoring eyes that it made Trish’s breath catch and a lump form in her throat. There was something familiar about him and then she realized that he resembled her neighbor Tony . . . another handsome devil that she couldn’t get out of her thoughts, not that she was really trying. Fantasizing about him was harmless, right?
Trish watched the young couple sway to a sultry Sinatra song. She sighed. Had Steve ever looked at her that way? Somehow she didn’t think so. And if he ever did, what had she done that made him stop?
“Oh . . . quit it,” Trish chided herself. As she watched the silver-haired seniors laughing and having a good time, Trish was hit with the realization that she still had a lot of life to live. Seeing the energy and hearing the laughter told Trish that her life, though not what she had expected it to be, was far from over and she needed to take steps to get back in the game. Trish just wasn’t quite sure how to go about it. With another sigh she bent her head and went back to taking notes.