Before We Kiss. Susan MalleryЧитать онлайн книгу.
dress. “Who designed that?”
“Oscar de la Renta.”
Larissa turned to Consuelo. “And who made your pants?”
Consuelo glared at her. “Hell if I know. I get them at a surplus store or online. They’re pants.”
Dellina leaned back in her chair. “I wish Jo served popcorn because this is like live theater.”
Larissa grinned at her, then turned back to Taryn. “We all know stuff.”
“I got that. But my stuff makes sense. Yours is weird.” She looked at Consuelo. “I know better than to diss anything you know.”
“Good.” Consuelo started to say something else, then looked up. “Bailey’s here.”
They all rose and clapped as Bailey approached the table. The other woman blushed nearly as red as her hair as she drew near.
“Stop, please,” she pleaded. “You don’t have to make a fuss.”
“We’re making a fuss,” Taryn told her. “You got a great new job. A fuss is required.”
They all hugged Bailey, then took their seats. Bailey thanked them for the plant. Jo walked over and stopped at their table.
“Congratulations on the new job,” she said. “Lunch is on the house.” She paused. “For Bailey. The rest of you can still pay.”
“Of course we can,” Taryn said with a grin. “All right. I think this calls for champagne all around.”
Bailey’s mouth parted. “It’s lunchtime.”
“I know,” Taryn told her. “That’s the point. A single glass won’t hurt your work performance. This is a big deal. We’re all happy for you.”
“I like how you roll,” Dellina said.
“You’ll like her even more when I tell you she called ahead, so my best bottle is already chilled,” Jo said. “Back in a flash.”
“Champagne at lunch,” Bailey whispered. “I haven’t had any champagne since my wedding. Thank you all. You’ve been so nice to me.”
Consuelo waved away the praise. “Yeah, yeah, we’re amazing. How’s the new job?”
Bailey started talking about how much she had to learn, not only about working with Mayor Marsha but about the town government.
Dellina was more interested in the women at the table. For all Taryn’s toughness and attitude, she’d been the one to preorder champagne. And while Consuelo couldn’t handle a simple compliment or a thank-you, she would cheerfully strangle anyone who tried to hurt Bailey or her daughter. Larissa was the one Dellina knew the least, but from what she could tell, the other woman was caring and had no trouble poking fun at Taryn. A fun combination.
Jo returned with the champagne. She expertly popped the cork, then poured them each a glass.
“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 champagne was light and fizzy. She glanced at the bottle and saw the label read Dom Pérignon. Which was so Taryn, she thought with a grin. 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 remember somebody mentioning a trip.”
“Me, too,” Taryn said. “Then everyone freaked out, as if Mayor Marsha wasn’t allowed to travel. Can’t the woman take a vacation without causing a scandal?”
“I think it’s because Mayor Marsha doesn’t go away much,” Dellina said. “I don’t remember it ever happening when 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 arm. “The movie. Remember from a few years back? It was a big deal. They filmed it there and I guess they left the sets in place. You can tour it all. See the hobbit village.”
Consuelo shook her head. “No way our mayor is going all 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 know where he’s skiing right now?”
Consuelo lifted a shoulder. “I read it in Sports Illustrated the other day. He’s there for summer skiing. 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 him. You were looking, too, during the Olympics.”
“I have to say I’m more comfortable with the idea of our mayor being a ski groupie than looking at hobbit houses on her vacation,” Taryn announced. “Which is, on the surface, kind of strange. I’m going to have to think on that.” She turned to Dellina. “Speaking of fun things like vacations and handsome men, are you torturing Sam about the party?”
Dellina laughed. “Which category does that question fall into?” She held up her hand. “Never mind. I don’t want to know. For the record, I’m only working with 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 him. Flashy didn’t suit her—not that Sam was making 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 coming 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 met her. She’s got to be a hundred and three.”
“Not that old, but probably into her eighties,” Dellina told them. “We were all afraid she would be selling the business.” There had been a scandal a few years back, she thought. Something about a man. But she didn’t mention that to her friends. No need to spread rumors.
“I’m glad 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 them go corporate.”
“The good of the many over the profits of the few,” Taryn murmured. “How I adore your tree-hugging nature.”
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 man does for you. It defies logic.”
Lunch passed quickly. There was plenty of conversation and laughter. Dellina walked out with Taryn, who stopped her on the sidewalk.
“The party is really moving forward?” 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 coming together really well. So far the only stumbling block is the evening lecture. I can’t find the right topic or person. What are both men and women interested