by LuAnn McLane
Tessa put a hand on his shoulder. “Wrong. You’re out of your ever-lovin’ mind if you don’t.”
“Speaking of—” Tony began, but the timer on the oven buzzed.
“I’ll get it,” Tessa said quickly. “The pizza is for Maggie McMillan. I’ll deliver it since when she called she said she wanted to talk to me.”
“You thinkin’ about buying some property?” Tony asked.
“No, I love my house. I think it might have something to do with going to the Jeff Greenfield concert.”
“Oh, well, if you want to hang out for a while, I’ll man the phones.”
“Just stay off the ankle and ice it, okay?”
“Gotcha,” he said, and gave Tessa a salute, but after she left he turned to Reese. “Well, Tessa dodged that bullet, but we need to talk to her about Mike.”
“I agree,” Reese answered. “Mom’s put on a pretty good front, but ever since those damned flowers came, I’ve felt an underlying sense of sadness that’s worse than before. We need to get to the bottom of this and help her to move forward once and for all.”
Tony nodded. “Moving forward isn’t easy, but it’s the only healthy way to live.”
Reese leaned his hip against the sink and looked at his uncle. “So, you’re gettin’ along with Trish?”
“Ah, Reese, I tried to keep my distance, but it’s pretty damned difficult when she lives in the same house.” He grinned. “And keeps gettin’ herself in trouble. When that snake came at her while she was in her garden she freaked.” His grin widened. “Then I had to pretend I wasn’t scared shitless of the damned thing when I picked it up with a stick.”
“The things we do for love,” Reese agreed.
“You really love this girl, Reese?”
“Yeah, she’s pretty special.”
“You told her yet?”
Reese nodded and then looked away.
“Ah, so she didn’t say it back?”
Reese shrugged. “I said it too soon.” He scrubbed his hand down his face. “I shoulda waited but it just slipped out. Man, I’m trying to go slow, but it’s not easy when you feel so strongly. She’s just still kind of fragile and you were right. I still think she sees me like I was sometimes and it scares her. So going slow is key, I guess.”
“Ah, Reese, the best things in life are the hardest, the scariest. Love, marriage . . . owning your own business. But honestly, I think being burned and betrayed and bouncing back from that is the hardest thing of all.”
“I thought about that. I mean, how do people even do that? Why? I just don’t get cheaters.”
“Beats me. It wouldn’t even begin to occur to me to cheat on someone. I mean, that’s just basic. But hey, we’re Marinos. We’re loyal to a fault. Your mom won’t even look at another man, and Mike’s been gone nearly ten years.”
Reese shook his head. “I still don’t get it.”
“Hey, I’m sorry to bring it up again.”
“We have to, Uncle Tony. We’ve danced around it long enough. I don’t want Gabby to think I’m a flight risk like my . . . like him. I want to get to the bottom of it once and for all.”
“I know a P.I. back in Brooklyn. Just say the word and I’ll give him a call.”
“I’ll talk to Mom about it tomorrow. I’ve waited for her approval to do this, but I need this as much as she does. I’ll try to get her to agree first, because I think she’s close, but if she says no . . . we’ll do this anyway. Not behind her back. I’d never do that, but I’ll just tell her that the time has come.”
Tony nodded. “I agree with you. But hey, tonight just enjoy being with Gabby. I should be able to get back in here tomorrow so you can have a much deserved day off.”
“Thanks, Uncle Tony. Now you’d better get out of here before Mom comes back to interrogate you some more.”
“Good point,” Tony said, and gave Reese a wave as he headed out the door.
23
Mean Girls
WHILE TAPPING HER FEET TO THE MUSIC, GABBY PUT THE finishing touches on the giant bouquet and then looked across the shop to where Joy busied herself sweeping the floor. She had to giggle when Joy paused and used the end of the broomstick as a microphone and stated belting out “It’s Raining Men.”
“Hallelujah!”
After Joy brought the song home, Gabby called over to her, “Hey, I’ve got to deliver this big bouquet to Jessica at Wine and Diner. Do you want to go with me and we’ll stay and eat dinner?”
Joy walked her way. “Aren’t you seeing Reese tonight?”
“Not until he gets off work. Are you going to see Clyde later?”
“Ha! No way. I saw him flirting with Millie Thompson yesterday.”
“Maybe it was the other way around,” Gabby suggested.
Joy lifted her chin defiantly. “Even so, he sure didn’t seem to mind one little ol’ bit. I’ve decided to give him the cold shoulder.”
“Or perhaps he was simply trying to make you jealous again to get your attention.”
“Humph, well, if that was his intention it worked and now I’m pissed.” She fisted her hands on her hips. “Silly man. Chocolate would have worked much better.”
Gabby laughed. “Well, his loss is my gain! Do you want to grab some dinner with me?”
“That sounds nice. I’ve actually wanted to try Jessica’s new summer menu. A big salad sounds refreshing.” Her eye moved to Gabby’s delivery. “Wow, Gabby, that bouquet is lovely. Those irises will last a long time too.”
“It’s from Ty McKenna. Apparently, the Cougars have been on the road a lot lately and he’s missing her.” Gabby smiled. “Isn’t that just the sweetest thing? This is when I just love this business. Flowers just bring a smile, comfort . . .”
“Or say I messed up big-time,” Joy added with a chuckle. “When’s our next wedding?”
“I met with Bella Diamante last week. She and Logan are finally tying the knot in the fall after baseball season.”
“Oh, I remember that hotshot pitcher. He made it to the big leagues! You know, we should take in a Cougars game sometime soon. I haven’t been to a baseball game yet this season and it’s going by so fast.”
“It sure is.”
She patted Gabby’s hand. “I really enjoy working with you. I know you could have hired someone younger and you took me on as a favor to Miss Patty.”
“Nonsense,” Gabby said. “Granted, Miss Patty suggested it, but you got the job on merit. And you’re a . . . joy to have around,” she added with a giggle.
“Dear me, I really do think I’m rubbing off on you,” Joy said.
“Well, I feel comfortable around you and can tell you anything. It’s . . .” She pressed her lips together for a second. “It’s kind of like having the grandmother I never knew and a good friend all wrapped into one amazing, feisty package.”
“Oh, Gabby, you’ve been so good for me too. In truth I was getting to be kind of a fussy old worrywart in my old age and I feel young again. Well, younger, anyway. What was that song we were singing the other day . . . oh yeah, you brought my sexy back.” She did a little butt wiggle.
Gabby laughed. “Well, maybe grandmother was a stretch,” she said.
“Hey, grannies can be sexy.”
Gabby nodded. “I agree! But seriously, I know it’s a ways away, but this year you and I are going to enjoy Christmas too. It’s been a tough holiday for me since I lost my mom, but I want to get the magic back. We’re going to have a Flower Power float in the big Cricket Creek parade and do it up right. Are you feelin’ me?”
“I’m feelin’ ya,” Joy answered, and smacked her leg.
A few minutes later they were riding in the Flower Power panel van that Joy referred to as the Scooby Doo van because of its blue and green color and mod orange flowers. “I just wanted it to look like a hippie van to go with the who
le Flower Power theme,” Gabby said with a laugh. “But I see where you’re coming from,” she added as they headed up into downtown Cricket Creek. “Good thing we got going before the dinner crowd. Main Street is already buzzing with tourists and locals too.”
“I think Cat Carson was performing an afternoon concert over at Sully’s and people have filtered downtown. Good for business!”
Gabby agreed and found a parking spot close to the front door since she had the big flower arrangement to carry inside.
“Oh, I can already smell the food,” Joy commented. “I didn’t know I was this hungry until now.”
“Me too,” Gabby agreed, and walked inside when Joy held open the door.
“Well, now, would you just look at that,” Myra, joint owner of the diner, said after Gabby approached the counter at the back of the restaurant. “Let me guess. This is for Jessica?”
“Sure is,” Gabby said.
“Well, Ty is either in the doghouse or just being a sweetheart,” Myra said, but smiled.
“Is Jessica here?” Gabby asked.
Myra nodded. “Yes, and here way too much if you ask me. I might not be able to cook her fancy-pants stuff, but I could hold down the kitchen once in a blue moon. People still like my chicken-fried steak and meat loaf. But, then again, nobody’s asking me. I’ll go get her.”
“Want to sit at the counter?” Joy asked.
“Yes, it’s still my favorite place to sit. Brings back memories of my spinning around on the stool until Mom said I was going to get dizzy. We couldn’t afford to eat out often, but I think Myra gave us a big discount. Like an almost free kind of discount. Mom was too proud to take her up on it unless we had some homegrown vegetables to bring.”
“Sounds like a good trade-off. Myra’s always been a generous lady. She hardly ever raised her prices, even when times got tough.”
“I always liked going to Sully’s where Mom waited tables, but she didn’t like having me in a tavern and preferred to bring me here. Pete would, of course, send food home with Mom all the time.”
“Good old Pete Sully. He does a lot of charity work too. I was so glad when he got back with his wife, Maria. It sure did stun everybody in Cricket Creek when she up and moved to Nashville.”
“I guess it just goes to show there’s always hope,” Gabby agreed. “I didn’t have a clue Maria Sully wrote so many big-hit country music songs.”
“Good people, those two.”
“Yeah, Mom didn’t know Pete had been paying for a life insurance policy on her. Pete’s the reason I could open Flower Power.”
“That’s the way of things here in Cricket Creek. Just like when Myra took Jessica in as a pregnant teenager. We take care of each other around here. That’s why so many of these big-city folk come here to visit and end up staying.”
A couple of minutes later Jessica came out with Myra. “Hi, Gabby! And hey there, Joy! Oh, would you look at the lovely arrangement. Gabby, you sure are so talented. You need to bring a few arrangements to sell in my gift shop and leave some cards.”
“Thanks, Jessica! I will do that for sure.”
Gabby watched Jessica open the note and then hold it to her chest.
“What’s it say?” Myra asked.
“It’s private, Aunt Myra,” Jessica said, and held it out of reach when Myra grabbed for it.
“Oh . . . hogwash. Gimme that.” Myra managed to snatch it from her. “‘I love you.’ Well, hellfire. That’s it? Couldn’t he be more creative?” Myra asked, but brushed at the corner of her eye and then gave Jessica a hug.
“I think it’s the most romantic thing when a man sends flowers for no reason at all,” Gabby said, and then sighed. “He said it was just because he misses you and Ben so much when he’s on the road.”
“Or he’s trying to butter you up for something,” Myra said.
“Myra,” Joy sputtered, but then laughed behind her hand.
“I’m just kidding. Jeez, can’t anybody take a joke anymore?” she asked, and they all laughed.
“So, are you ladies staying for dinner? We have a new summer salad menu.” Jessica slid an insert to the main menu toward them. “They’re all good, but my favorite is the one called Berry Delicious. You can choose blueberries or strawberries in a bed of mixed greens, tossed with gorgonzola and walnuts and then add grilled beef, chicken, or salmon. I like it with our house vinaigrette, but the lemon poppy seed is good if you choose the fish.”
“Oh, sounds lovely,” Joy said with a nod. “I’ll take mine with strawberries and the chicken.”
“I’ll have the same but with the salmon and poppy seed, please,” Gabby said.
“Care to add a glass of wine? The salads pair well with a Pinot Grigio.”
“Oh, of course,” Joy said, and Gabby nodded. “Bring the wine right away!”
While they sipped the Pinot they chatted about flowers and upcoming fall arrangements. “I need to take a drive to Lexington or Nashville to the big warehouse center to stock up sometime soon,” Gabby said.
“We’re running low on some vases too,” Joy reminded her, and then nodded toward the front picture window overlooking the street. “I hate to bring this up but Drew stopped in earlier and asked for you. He wanted to know if you’ve made a decision about joining the beautification committee. He’s only asked about a million times. That man doesn’t give up easily.”
Gabby took a sip of her wine. “I really should do it. Joining the committee would be good public relations for us, but I’m just so busy.”
“Is that the only reason?”
Gabby sighed. “No, I don’t want to lead Drew on and I really don’t want Reese to get upset.”
“Well, Mr. Mayor should be professional about the whole thing. And, Gabby, Reese should be understanding and trust you.”
“I know . . . but those are both should be situations,” Gabby said, but paused when Myra brought out their salads. “Oh, this does look berry delicious,” she commented with a grin. “Thanks, Myra.” She took a bite and groaned. “Oh, the dressing is so good. After having the homemade dressing here and at River Row Pizza, it’s going to be hard to stomach anything out of a bottle.”
“I agree,” Joy added. “Perfect for the warmer weather too.”
“Enjoy, ladies!” Myra said. “And don’t forget we have some light desserts too. The raspberry sorbet is scrumptious and has very little sugar.”
“Oh, we might have to try that,” Gabby said to Joy.
“You’re changing the subject, dearie,” Joy observed as she speared a strawberry with her fork.
“Things are going so well, but I still think that Reese has it in the back of his head that I want someone in a suit and tie. I mean, this is Cricket Creek. Drew is about the only guy who does wear a suit and tie,” she tried to joke, but frowned.
“Did he hit the mark just a little bit?” Joy asked gently.
Gabby took a sip of wine. “I have to admit that Drew represents a lot of the respect that was denied to me growing up. The trailer park had a reputation . . . some of it deserved, but a lot of really good people lived there too.”
“And it would have been fun walking around on the arm of the mayor.”
“Well, yeah, but I’m in—” she started to say, but a couple of girls she’d gone to high school with sashayed into the diner. While chatting and laughing they breezed past Gabby, and if they noticed her they didn’t say anything. Some things never change, Gabby thought with dark humor. She swiveled her stool so she wouldn’t have to look at them when they slid into a booth not far away, and she concentrated on her salad. Joy was distracted when Myra topped off their wineglasses.
“On the house,” Myra said with a wink.
Gabby smiled her thanks, but her ears perked up when she heard Reese’s name mentioned. She told herself not to listen, but human nature took over and she straine
d her ears to hear what they said.
“Yeah, Jen, when I got a glimpse of Reese while eating pizza yesterday, I about slid out of my chair. He’s even hotter than back in high school. I mean, I had to use my napkin to soak up the drool. I wonder if his kiss is still as amazing as back then.”
“I’m guessing even better,” Jen answered. “Seriously, Angie, you should find out. He was so into you senior year.”
“He’s dating that little wallflower,” Angie said, and then laughed. “Ha, get it? Wallflower . . . ,” she added, and they laughed.
Gabby took a sip of wine and glanced at Joy to see if she had caught on to what was going on.
Joy angled her head toward the booth. “You know them?”
“Mean girls from high school,” Gabby whispered. “I was a geek and from the trailer park, so I had two big strikes against me. Those two used to walk by me in the lunchroom like I didn’t even exist. Classic, huh?”
“Don’t listen to those hussies,” Joy said, and normally Gabby would have chuckled at her choice of words, but she got a weird feeling in the pit of her stomach at the thought of Reese kissing another girl.
“Ha, are you kidding me?” Jen said. “He’s such a badass. Damn, and those armband tattoos are supersexy. The little Gabby chick won’t hold his interest long. But why wait? Go for it.”
“It’s tempting,” Angie said in a singsong voice.
“Just have him deliver a pizza late tonight and answer the door in a teddy,” Jen suggested, and they both laughed.
“Gabby!” Joy whispered. “Don’t listen. Reese wouldn’t give either one of them a second glance.”
Gabby nodded and managed a small smile, but her delicious salad suddenly didn’t taste quite as good. While Gabby knew that Joy was absolutely right, hearing those girls took her back to a place and time when she had felt insecure and often on the outside looking in.
As if reading her mind, Joy said, “You wouldn’t want to be friends with the likes of them back then and even less now. You’re too good for them.”