Foster rubbed his hands together. “Then I’ll look forward to receiving his answer bright and early Monday morning.”
Ramona’s smile was growing stiff. She made a show of looking at her watch, although she couldn’t read the time through the red wash of anger floating before her eyes. “It’s been wonderful catching up with you, but I’d better go. I’m sure you have a ton of work to get through and I have some stuff, too.”
Foster rose. “I look forward to hearing from you and Quincy Monday.”
“Absolutely.” She stood from the table, then shook Foster’s hand. “Take care, Foster. Thanks again for your time.”
She was looking forward to hearing from Quincy tonight. He had a lot of explaining to do.
CHAPTER 26
Doreen secured the café’s kitchen Thursday afternoon, then adjusted her purse strap on her shoulder. After three years, she still couldn’t determine which was the busiest day of the week—Friday or Saturday. She turned, intending to search for Megan to wish her friend and boss a good evening. She hesitated when she noticed Nessa walking toward her.
“I’m sorry, Nessa, the café’s closed.” Doreen adjusted the purse strap on her shoulder.
“I’m not here for a meal, Doreen.” The town council president dug into her oversized navy leather purse. She pulled out a familiar ivory linen envelope. “What’s this about?”
Doreen recognized the stationery at a glance. “It’s an invitation to my wedding.”
“I know that.” Nessa looked from the envelope to Doreen. “Why did you send this to me?”
Doreen checked the bronze Movado wristwatch Ean had bought for her several Christmases ago. It was just after three o’clock. In the distance, she heard the faint sounds of conversation and laughter from the bookstore customers. They were mostly retirees and TFU students at this time of the day.
“I’m getting married June twentieth, Nessa. You’re welcome to attend both the wedding and reception if you’d like—or not.” She walked past Nessa, intending to keep going. But Nessa’s next words stopped her.
“Are you that desperate for gifts that you’d invite your enemies to your wedding?”
Doreen stiffened. She faced Nessa. “I hadn’t realized we were enemies.”
“Maybe ‘enemy’ is too strong of a term.” Nessa put the envelope back into her purse. “But we aren’t friends. So why did you invite me to your wedding?”
“Why not?”
“Is it really that easy for you?” Nessa’s dark eyes reflected her puzzlement and frustration.
“Why are you making it so hard?” Doreen searched Nessa’s thin brown features. “You make everything hard. Vaughn wanted to perform his musical in the community center. You rejected his request without discussing it with members of the council or me.”
“According to our bylaws, I’m not required to discuss decisions on nonessential matters with you.”
“That’s just one example.” Doreen gripped her purse strap, using it to hold on to her temper. “Why are you trying to alienate me on even the smallest of matters? Wouldn’t it
be easier for us to get along?”
Nessa smirked. “Who told you that being mayor, even of a small town like ours, was supposed to be easy?”
And with that single question, Nessa Linden in all her spiteful glory was back.
“I know we’re not friends and you never intend us to become closer. But I sent you an invitation to my wedding anyway because one of us should at least try to make an effort.”
“So you think you’re a better person than me?” Nessa’s eyebrows stretched up her forehead.
“Don’t twist my words.” Doreen gestured toward Nessa’s oversized navy purse, which carried the wedding invitation. “Come or don’t come. It’s up to you. I don’t have an ulterior motive for inviting you.”
Once again Doreen turned to walk away and once again Nessa’s words stopped her.
“You’re always so charming and likable.” Nessa didn’t make that sound like a compliment. “The voice of reason for the winning side of a community issue.”
“Is that the way you see me?” Doreen gave Nessa a wide-eyed stare.