page8 (1/2)
“To new beginnings,” Taryn said to Bailey “May you always be happy”
Everyone joined in the toast, then they sipped Dellina took a drink The chalanced at the bottle and saw the label read Dorin Well, everyone should have it at least once in their life!
She set down her glass “Did you know Mayor Marsha had a dog?” she asked Bailey
“No She’s never said anything Why?”
“She left her dog with Fayrene I re a trip”
“Me, too,” Taryn said “Then everyone freaked out, as if Mayor Marsha wasn’t allowed to travel Can’t the wo a scandal?”
“I think it’s because Mayor Marsha doesn’t go awaywhen I was growing up, although she must have left town sometime”
“Where’s she going?” Larissa asked
“New Zealand”
“That’s far,” Dellina said, wondering how long the flight had to be Twelve hours? Longer? “What’s there?”
“The Lord of the Rings tour,” Taryn said with a grin “Maybe our mayor is a fan”
“The what?” Consuelo asked “Because of the book?”
Larissa patted her ar deal They filuess they left the sets in place You can tour it all See the hobbit village”
Consuelo shook her head “No way ourall the way to New Zealand to look at a bunch of fake hobbit houses Maybe she’s going to watch Kipling Gilmore ski”
Dellina stared at her “You knohere he’s skiing right now?”
Consuelo lifted a shoulder “I read it in Sports Illustrated the other day He’s there for su Which they don’t call it there, because it’s their winter”
“Someone has a bit of a crush,” Dellina murmured
Consuelo’s lips twitched “I like watching hi the Olympics”
“I have to say I’roupie than looking at hobbit houses on her vacation,” Taryn announced “Which is, on the surface, kind of strange I’ to have to think on that” She turned to Dellina “Speaking of fun things like vacations and handso Sam about the party?”
Dellina laughed “Which category does that question fall into?” She held up her hand “Neverwith him There’s no torture It’s all very professional”
A little too professional, Dellina thought Because he was one good-looking guy Nice, too Quiet, but she liked that about hi any offers
Jo came by and took their orders When she left, Dellina helped Bailey set the plant on a chair in the corner
“Rakisha said her niece and grand-niece were co to help with the business,” Dellina said as they returned to the table
“Who?” Consuelo asked
“The owner of Plants for the Planet,” Taryn said “I’ve ot to be a hundred and three”
“Not that old, but probably into her eighties,” Dellina told the the business” There had been a scandal a few years back, she thought So about a man But she didn’t mention that to her friends No need to spread rumors
“I’lad she has family to help out,” Larissa said “I love how the businesses are run in Fool’s Gold I’d hate to see any of theo corporate”
“The good of the many over the profits of the few,” Tarynnature”
Larissa grinned “Mock me all you want I have a thousand causes I can talk about”
“Yes,” Taryn said “And all supported by Jack The things that ic”
Lunch passed quickly There was plenty of conversation and laughter Dellina walked out with Taryn, who stopped her on the sidewalk
“The party is reallyforward?” Taryn asked “While I like to torture Sam for sport, the truth is we all want to please our clients So if you need anything, let me know”
“Thanks, but it’s co block is the evening lecture I can’t find the right topic or person What are both men and women interested in?”
Taryn raised her eyebrows “Is that a real question?”
Dellina laughed “I can’t hire someone to talk about sex”
“I don’t see why not You’d have everyone’s attention” An SUV pulled up at the curb Taryn waved at the driver “That’s my ride”
Because Angel had co at her friend’s five-inch heels No way anyone could walk across town in those
Love, she thought as she strolled toward the center of town It did crazy things to people She had neither a man nor five-inch heels Not that she wanted the latter Or had time for the former Serious relationships weren’t on her to-do list But a couple of nights with a certain former NFL kicker would be nice
Dellina walked past Brew-haha She thought briefly about popping inside and getting coffee, but then was seduced by the thought of a piece of fudge On her way, she could check out as new at Morgan’s Books If she couldn’t have sex with the guy she wanted, she could buy a ro it with an equally hunky guy—however fictional he ht be
She turned left on Frank Lane At The Christmas Attic, she paused to wave to Noelle, as behind the counter, helping a couple of tourists Her friend waved back Dellina continued to Morgan’s Books, only to come to a stop in front of the display