Before We Kiss (Fool's Gold #14)(68)

Dellina felt her eyes widen. She glanced at Isabel, who looked about as startled as she felt.

Patience’s mouth formed a perfect O. “So you show them what they should be doing?” she asked, her voice sounding slightly incredulous.

“Yes. We start with some basic techniques, then quickly go through to the more advanced positions, breathing and pressure points. Each couple will have an opportunity to make love in front of us so we can offer suggestions.”

Even Taryn looked startled at that one. “I don’t think I would be up for the pressure.”

“There’s no pressure,” Lark told her. “We’re there to be supportive. Sometimes one of the partners can have a little trouble getting aroused. We have ways of dealing with that.”

Larissa leaned toward Dellina. “I can’t decide if I want to ask what they are or stick my fingers in my ears and hum.”

“I know. It’s really scary.”

Jo walked over and discussed the specials, then handed out menus. Other people arrived to have lunch. A few of the women had small children with them.

During the lunch hour, there was a play area set up in one of the corners. Mothers with toddlers could lunch and watch their kids at the same time. Lark looked over at two little girls sharing a miniature stove.

“I remember when my girls were that small,” she said wistfully. “We were all so happy. I breast-fed them until they were ready to move on to a glass. Both my girls waited until they were nearly four, but Sam wanted a sippy cup by the time he was eighteen months. He was always independent.” She smiled at the memory. “I encouraged my children to be naked as much as possible, to be comfortable with their bodies, but Sam wouldn’t have it. He insisted on getting dressed every day. Such a little man.”

Dellina had a feeling that next up would be Lark reminiscing about the time she walked in on Sam in the shower or something. Honestly, the woman had no boundaries. Sam’s personal life and preferences should be respected, not the subject of casual conversation.

“Did any of you know Mayor Marsha has a dog?” she asked, in a not very subtle attempt to change the subject.

Jo returned with their drinks in time to hear the question. “No, she doesn’t.”

“I agree,” Isabel said. “I’ve never known her to have a pet.”

“Well, she left an adorable Pomeranian with Fayrene while she’s in New Zealand.”

Taryn’s knowing gaze settled on her face. Dellina figured Taryn had guessed what she was trying to do.

“You think she has a secret pet?” Taryn asked.

“I don’t know. Caramel is very sweet and highly socialized. She was a big hit this weekend. The kids loved her.”

“She was lovely,” Lark said. “And the right size for travel. Maybe I should talk to Reggie about getting a little dog. He or she could go with us on our trips.”

“I’m working with an organization that might have to do a chiweenie rescue,” Larissa said. “They’re small.”

“Chihuahua and dachshund?” Lark asked. “An interesting blend.”

“They’re cute,” Larissa told her. “There’s a woman being investigated. We think it was a regular breeder situation that got out of hand. That can happen.”

Taryn sighed. “Yes, Larissa is very good at finding causes. Remember when you hand-fed imprinted swan babies?”

“Cygnets,” Larissa corrected. She nodded. “Their mother had been killed and a family took them in. But then the cygnets imprinted on humans and there were five of them, so I took in a couple.”

Taryn leaned toward Dellina. “What she means is she volunteered and Jack ended up with baby swans in his living room.”

“Cygnets.”

“Whatever.”

Dellina nodded, not that interested in Larissa’s need to rescue the world. Of more importance to her was the fact that they weren’t talking about Sam anymore. More specifically, that Lark wasn’t blabbing about her son to anyone who would listen.

* * *

THEY GOT THROUGH lunch without any more oversharing. Dellina told herself to be grateful and simply move on with her life. Only she couldn’t stop thinking about all Lark had said about Sam. Not just during this meal, but every other time they’d spoken. She wasn’t angry, exactly. More frustrated. As they all walked out of the restaurant, she pulled Lark aside.

“What is it?” the other woman asked.

Dellina tried to tell herself it wasn’t her business. That she shouldn’t get involved. Only she couldn’t seem to help herself.

“I’m sorry. I know this is just my opinion, but you can’t keep doing that,” she said quickly. “Talking about personal things. It’s fine when it’s your business. You have every right to share as much as you want. But not when it comes to Sam. Maybe the girls, too, but certainly him.”

Lark frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“You say things that make him crazy. Like talking about when he stopped breast-feeding and that he wouldn’t run around the house naked.”

“But he was a charming child.”

“I believe that, Lark. I know you love your son, but talking about him that way is intrusive and disrespectful. He wouldn’t want you to do it. I can’t figure out if you simply don’t understand that or if you don’t care about his wishes.”