by Lower, Becky
Penny smiled into her mug of coffee. So far, Abbey hadn’t noticed the huge bags under her eyes, or that her lips were puffy from being thoroughly kissed for hours. If Abbey sensed she’d enjoyed herself, she wouldn’t let the conversation drop until she’d wrung out every little detail. And the way the evening had unfolded had been special, a memory Penny hoped to keep to herself for a while. “No bunny slippers by 8:30. Even though your little lie didn’t fool either of us, I really didn’t mind spending time with my old friend.”
Abbey raised an eyebrow at her sister.
Penny rolled her eyes. “Don’t act so surprised. We had a most enjoyable evening.”
“So my diabolical scheme worked. When are you seeing him again? Do spill all.” Abbey grinned.
Acting as nonchalant as she could manage, Penny shrugged. “He’s buying his old house. The one down the street from Mom and Dad. So I’m sure I’ll see him often.”
Abbey’s mouth dropped open. “Really? So, did you make another date?”
Not only did they make a date, but they also kissed. Penny wished those kisses would go on and on. For a few fleeting minutes, or hours, actually, she thought maybe she’d been dropped into a segment of The Bachelor, and instead of talking, they kissed. Frequently. And when his hands caressed her arms and his fingers intertwined with hers, her body hummed. She hoped to continue the same scenario with Del again tonight. But Abbey didn’t need all the details. “He asked for my advice on how he should arrange the furniture in his house when the mover arrives, so I’m sure we’ll get together soon.”
Abbey didn’t need to know she and Del were touring his new purchase this evening, since he had an appointment to sign on the dotted line today, and be given the keys to his old house. And she didn’t need to know Penny’d made a date with Del to go caroling at the gazebo this weekend. Their relationship was too new, too fragile, to let anyone else in right now. She’d wait until she had something of interest to report. Like when she gave up her apartment over the shop and became her parents’ neighbor after they married. She’d need to clue in her mom and dad before then, too.
She shook her head. Way to go from zero to ninety in a hot second, Penny. Maybe she should get a second date out of the way first, before she had them running off and getting married. She hummed Christmas carols as she worked through the busy day, helping customers find the perfect gift for their loved ones.
Penny still hummed as she and Abbey closed the register for the evening, printed out their report, and prepared the bank deposit statement. But this time her humming had nothing to do with Christmas carols. Her entire body revved in anticipation of seeing Del again. She wrapped up things at work, ran upstairs to get Dixie, and then dashed over to Del’s new house to take the tour. He told her to bring Dixie, so he could test the fenced-in yard for ‘dog-friendliness’ before he got one of his own. If she could accomplish her mission without her parents catching on too fast to the fact her car appeared frequently in his driveway, she could maintain her subterfuge. For a little while, anyway. She took a series of turns from the shop, ending up on Birch Avenue, and left the town center for the residential area, driving by her childhood home where her parents still lived. Way too soon, she parked in Del’s driveway.
For a moment after coming to a stop, Penny sat in her car. Despite leaving her coat unbuttoned, she was warm and her palms were sweaty. So, she brushed them on her blouse. She hadn’t changed from her work clothes, and she just discovered they were coated with glitter, which had exploded from a group of cards that had come in. So, now her sweaty palms were covered in glitter. Great way to make a first impression. Maybe she could turn the attention to Dixie instead and give herself some time to regain her equilibrium. She had outfitted the dog in her finest Christmas sweater.
With Dixie on her leash and on her best behavior, Penny knocked on the door.
Del answered almost immediately.
When the door swung open, Penny’s heart rate sped. No balancing of equilibrium would happen tonight, dog or no dog.
“Come on in, Penny.” He knelt and rubbed Dixie’s head. “And Miss Dixie, you’re welcome, too. Love your sweater. Let me show you the back yard.” He stood, led them to the back door where Dixie ran out to explore the fenced in yard and then wrapped an arm around Penny’s shoulders, leading her inside his totally empty house. He helped her off with her coat and hooked it over his fingers. “I don’t even have a hanger in the house yet.”
She smiled and retrieved the coat. “I’ll just lay it over the banister here. Can’t wait to see this place. I’ve never been inside this quaint old house, although the Victorian touches always intrigued me. I love the clapboard exterior, and all the fancy trim dripping from the eaves. The wraparound porch alone is worth the price you paid for the home. And the stained glass windows have always dressed up the house.”
Del touched her cheek. “You’ve got some glitter on your face. Did you do that just for me?”
Penny laughed as she let Dixie back into the house. “Glitter is one of the hazards of having a card shop.”
“I appreciate what you’re saying about the house. You have such a great eye for detail. The previous owners have stayed on top of the maintenance fairly well, but I want to paint all the walls and put my own stamp on the place. I see plenty of trips to Sawyer’s hardware in my future.”
Del’s words brought her attention back to his home. Penny smiled and rotated in a circle, taking in the living room. “You don’t say. You, of all people, wanting to put a paintbrush in your hands.”
He waved his hands through the air. “I’m having a little trouble figuring out where my furniture should be placed, though. That’s where I’m hoping you can help.”
“I’m guessing your furniture is all sleek, metal and hard lines. Am I right?” Penny drummed her fingers against her cheek.
Del bent down and kissed her briefly.
She leaned in and returned the kiss, hoping for more, but he backed off. Penny shivered, not because the heat hadn’t yet been fully activated yet in the house, but because Del had stepped away from her side.
He paced off the room. “I’ve got a few big pieces that I’d like to put in here. And in answer to your question, I’m not that easy to pigeonhole. You might be surprised at my choices. I lean more toward antiques. Love the patina that develops over time with the wood. Don’t get me wrong. I also am drawn to modern furniture, but in moderation. I use them as accent pieces.”
Penny moved alongside and wrapped her arms around him. As she hoped, he embraced her as well, and they stood, foreheads touching, as she gazed deep into his blue eyes. “You continue to surprise me, Del. The way you describe your style makes you sound almost as if you’re an interior designer. Please don’t tell me you are also in favor of cabbage rose wallpaper.”
Del laughed. “I wouldn’t go that far. Let me show you the rest of the house. My furniture’s coming tomorrow, so I won’t be spending my first night here until then. I’ll check out of Frenchman’s in the morning.” He held her hand as they climbed the stairs, accompanied by Dixie.
They took a quick tour of the upstairs and ended up back in the living room. Penny smiled as Dixie’s claws clattered across the hardwood floors. She wanted that sound on these floors for a long time. And the patter of little feet. Shaking herself to clear her mind, she replaced her wayward thoughts with more appropriate visions of furniture placements for each room and shared some of her ideas. She wanted to be a more integral part of his life in this house, though, and not just a sounding board for where to put the recliner. “Maybe I could come over tomorrow evening and help you get settled in.”
Del’s eyes lit up. “I’d love for you to help me, but I don’t want to interfere with your job. This is your busy season.”
Penny nodded. “Yes, the whole last quarter is when we start making a profit. But having something else to focus on at night gives me an energy boost during the day. Years ago, I almost opted to major in interior design, so let
me spread my wings.”
“Won’t your mother have something to say if your car shows up in my driveway each night?” Del grinned and pointed in the direction of her parents’ house.
She brushed her fingers through his thick, and now a bit longer, blond hair. “As long as she doesn’t see my car in your driveway in the morning, she’ll be all right with me spending time here. She’s wanted me to meet someone new. And she always had a fondness for you, even though I told her you were responsible for my dirty shoes.”
His grin widened. “Okay, but we need to have fun, too. Why don’t we drop off Dixie at your apartment and then go to Bar Harbor and take in a movie? Or go bowling.”
Penny laughed. “Those are opposite ends of the spectrum, aren’t they?”
“I’m giving you two options depending on how tired you are.” He shrugged. “I can go either way.”
She took his hand. “Bowling, then. I’m really good at mowing down pins. Let’s drop off Dixie, then we can head out.”
“Good.” He pulled her close and brushed her lips. “It’s my ambition to bowl you over anyway.”
She bent over to fasten Dixie’s leash, hoping Del hadn’t seen her emotions on her face. He didn’t need a bowling alley to impress her. He’d done so the first time she’d connected the dots.
Chapter Nine
Abbey hadn’t yet picked up on Penny’s Del-induced happiness, which had been going on for days, a fact which surprised her. Maybe the craziness of the Christmas season gave them little time to think of anything else. That, plus the constant stream of merchandise that had to be logged into the computer, priced, and placed on the store floor.
“Is Del still in town, Penny?”
Abbey’s voice drifted to her from the shelves of extra Christmas ornaments. Of course, the moment Penny determined she was in the clear, Abbey started asking questions. Penny grimaced. “Yeah, Mom said the moving van parked in front of his house a few days ago, so I guess he’s now living in his old home.”
Carrying a basket full of ornaments, Abbey came alongside Penny, who was seated in front of the computer. “Have you seen him?”
“We bowled one night last week, and we bumped into each other at the town’s Christmas caroling at the gazebo last night. I’m sorry Charlie, Jr. bumped his head yesterday, and you spent the evening in the hospital instead of joining the singing.” Secretly, she had breathed a sigh of relief when Abbey got the frantic call from her husband yesterday and left work early. Glad the incident turned out to be minor for little Charlie, Penny still appreciated not having to explain to her sister how she and Del were progressing with their relationship. How the entire time they joined the rest of the town in raising their voices in the crystal clear cold air, he’d kept his arm around her waist, and she rested her head on his shoulder. She didn’t yet tell Abbey about how, after unpacking boxes at work all day, she helped Del open and unpack boxes at his home each night. Her mother must have seen Penny’s car in his driveway, but she hadn’t said anything yet. So, she’d keep Abbey in the dark as long as possible and cross her fingers in hopes her mother would remain quiet.
Abbey put the heavy basket on top of the desk and leaned over, staring into Penny’s eyes. “Beyond that, you have no further plans to get together? Baxter probably will send him out on the road again soon. Quit wasting time, Penny, and go for him.”
Penny shrugged. “No plans now.” Except for having dinner again tonight. And maybe some more of his heavenly kisses. Or trying out Del’s king-size bed, if Penny got lucky. She had helped him position it in the master bedroom just last night.
Abbey straightened and swung the basket off the desk. “Oh, too bad. Well, hopefully you’ll see him next time you go over to Mom’s.”
Penny sensed the regret in Abbey’s voice. She squirmed as a little twinge of remorse ran through her body at deflating her sister’s well-planned matchmaking efforts. After all, Abbey only wanted her happiness. But Penny needed to see where the relationship headed before she raised her sister’s hopes. “Enough Del talk. We’re getting down to the wire on Christmas, and things will be crazy in here. Let’s get the door open, and try to sell everything red or green.”
People filed in immediately, buying their holiday trinkets, ornaments, nautical Christmas-themed goodies, and greeting cards. Lots of cards. They’d had no more time to discuss how Penny spent her evenings as merchandise flew out of the store. After many long, hectic hours, Penny muscled Hans and Solo inside the shop and then returned to the door to flip the sign from “Open” to “Closed.” The door handle got ripped from her hand as a final customer barreled into the shop. One with a large chest and enough perfume to knock over an elephant. Penny’s worst nightmare had found her way to the shop. She forced a smile onto her face. “Oh, hello, Sandra. I haven’t seen you in quite a while. What can I get for you?”
Sandra Shockey faced her, with a narrowed gaze. “You can get me my husband. The rumor is he’s been wasting his time hanging out with you.”
With that statement, they were in high school all over again, the most popular girl and the bookworm facing off. But this time, the most popular girl had lost some of her sparkle. The years had not been kind to Sandra. Her double-Ds hung to her navel despite the heroic efforts of a push-up bra, and her backside had mushroomed from a cute round behind to something resembling one of the Kardashians. Her hair had changed, too. No longer did she have pretty golden tresses that cascaded in loose waves around her face. Now the color came from a bottle, and her roots were showing, big time.
Advantage Penny. Her stomach may be churning, but she decided it was past time for a showdown with Sandra. “Del has been here. Your spies are right, Sandra. He signed cards in the store a while ago, and we had dinner together to repay him for his efforts. All strictly business. But he’s not here now, and the shop is about to close. So, if you’re not here to buy something, I have to ask you to leave.”
Penny returned to the door again, hoping Sandra would take the hint, but the woman didn’t budge. The door handle flew from her grasp again, as another person entered the shop. Penny didn’t have a moment to see the new customer, since Sandra suddenly vaulted forward, disrupting her line of vision. Into the arms of Del, with whom Penny had been supposed to have dinner.
But Sandra stood between them, literally as well as figuratively, as she fawned over Del. “Oh, you are here. Penny lied to me. I had hoped to see you before you left town again so we can have a chance to talk.” She layered kisses on Del, who stood with his arms at his sides, glancing apologetically at Penny, his eyes wide.
Finally, he took a step back from his ex-wife, keeping her at arm’s length. “Enough, Sandra. As I explained when you called a while back, my moving back here doesn’t mean we have even a remote chance of getting together again.”
Sandra batted her eyelashes and rubbed her droopy chest against him. “Before you dismiss the idea altogether, maybe we should talk first. After all, many years have passed since we’ve spent any time together. You’ve changed, and so have I. Why don’t you take me to dinner so we can get reacquainted?”
Del glanced over at Penny and shrugged.
Go on, she mouthed silently.
He nodded. “Maybe we should go to dinner, Sandra, so we can get some things straightened out. But this is the last time I’ll have anything to talk to you about.”
Sandra’s hands roamed over him, almost slipping below his belt as she feathered her fingers down his front. “Would you prefer to do something other than talk, then? I can be all over that idea. Maybe you can show me your new house.” She glanced over at Penny, still standing in the doorway, and smirked. “And your new bedroom.” Sandra’s voice became even more sensual as she wrapped her arms around Del’s neck.
Penny squirmed. Sandra’s remark might have been directed to Del, but Penny got the warning loud and clear.
Del ushered Sandra from the store, and Penny finally locked the door for good, a bit surprised he didn’t put up more resist
ance.
Abbey had been running the final report on the register while she stretched to catch glimpses of the scene unfolding at the doorway. “Did Del come here to take you to dinner?”
Penny nodded, and then blinked back the sudden tears blurring her vision. “Yes, but Sandra got in the way. Just like she always did when I was in high school.”
Abbey shook her head. “You should have insisted he leave with you and put Sandra in her place. Too late now. Well, he’ll get rid of her, and be back for dinner tomorrow. Unlike high school, Del’s no longer a randy teenager who thinks a large chest is all a woman needs.”
“Maybe, maybe not.” Penny glanced out the window and away from Abbey so she couldn’t see her teary eyes. “He is still a guy, after all.” In the reflection, she spotted Abbey hurry to the back room to put their profits from the day into the safe. Penny relived the scene between Del and Sandra. He hadn’t moved back from Sandra’s embrace quickly enough to satisfy Penny. Maybe Sandra could still tempt him. Penny wasn’t so sure he’d be back for dinner with her—tomorrow or any other night. She shook herself to stop her rampant thoughts. After all, she had a shop to run. She’d better clear her vision and get busy vacuuming the aisles.
The phone rang as Penny returned to the counter. When she picked up, she sighed. This person probably wanted her to hold the shop open for a last-minute purchase. Special requests always happened around this time of year and had become one of the things she expected about retail. She pasted a smile on her face as she answered, hoping the smile would be in her voice, even if she didn’t enjoy the inconvenience of staying open later.
“Penny, honey? This is your old buddy, Ricky.”
Her world spun as a voice she’d determined she’d never hear again rang in her ear. Penny’s knees buckled as she slumped over the counter. Ricky? What? How? “Hi, Ricky,” she managed to squeak out a reply. She took a deep breath and stood upright. Placing a hand on her heart, she hoped to slow the racing pattern as she attempted a light and casual tone. “Well, if this isn’t old home week. Great to hear your voice again. What’s the occasion for this call?”