Just One Kiss (Fool's Gold #10)(31)

“I need to pull it together,” Annabelle said with a tiny sob. “I don’t want to scare Isabel away. Even if she is closing the store.”

Patience glanced at Charlie, who rolled her eyes. “You’ve never even been in the store,” Charlie told her. “How can you be this upset?”

“I had p-plans.”

“I really hope the baby comes soon,” Charlie muttered. “I can’t take much more of this.”

Patience held in a smile. She didn’t remember her pregnancy being so emotional, but everyone was different.

Annabelle raised her head and sniffed. “Oh, look. That’s her. She’s very pretty. Isabel is a nice name. Maybe we should put it on the list.”

“Kill me now,” Charlie said with a sigh. “I’m never getting pregnant. It’s not worth it.”

“Oh, it’s wonderful,” Annabelle told her earnestly. “You’ll be a great mother.”

“And the tears are gone.”

Patience waved Isabel over, then made the introductions. Isabel settled in the seat next to her. She eyed the two pregnant women.

“I think I’m going to drink my water out of a bottle while I’m at this table.”

Heidi laughed. “It’s not contagious.”

“I’m not taking any chances.” She turned to Charlie. “How have you escaped their fate?”

“Careful planning.”

Heidi leaned close. “Clay, her fiancé, is more worried about getting her married than anything else right now.”

“We’re getting married,” Charlie said. “Just as soon as I knock some sense into him.”

Patience glanced at Isabel. “Clay wants a big wedding. Charlie doesn’t.”

“It’s stupid to have a bunch of people over for a big ceremony. We should elope.”

Annabelle’s eyes filled again. “You hate weddings?”

Jo, the owner, walked over. “Nice to see all of you for lunch.” She looked at Isabel. “I’m Jo.”

“Isabel Beebe.”

“Paper Moon,” Jo said. “Great store. I know your sister, Maeve. Now, there’s a woman committed to having children.” She pointed to the chalkboard by the bar. “We have two specials today. One of them is a salad. Plenty of lean protein and lots of greens for my pregnant customers. I’ve also been working on a new smoothie. Lots of dairy. I can do chocolate or blueberry.”

Heidi took a deep breath, as if finding her Zen center. “Yes to both, please. Chocolate.”

“I’m still in emotional distress,” Annabelle admitted.

“We’ll need a few minutes,” Charlie told Jo. “Bring the weepy one some herbal tea. Iced and with extra lemon.”

“Diet soda,” Patience said.

“I’ll have the same,” Isabel said.

“A double shot of tequila,” Charlie told Jo, then held up her hand. “I’m kidding. But I will take a mint chocolate milkshake.”

Jo nodded. “If it’s too early for alcohol, then go for the sugar.” She wrote down the orders. “I’ll let you look over the menus.”

When Jo had left, Annabelle sniffed, then glanced at Isabel. “You grew up here, too, then.”

“Uh-huh. I couldn’t wait to escape.” She wrinkled her nose. “So let me be clear. My return is temporary.”

“You’re talking to Fool’s Gold converts,” Patience told her. “They won’t get that.”

“Too many people know too much about each other here,” Isabel said. “When I was a kid, I felt like I had fifteen mothers and fathers.”

Patience smiled. “She’s right. It was like that, but I didn’t mind it as much. Isabel had big dreams.”

“Where have you been living?” Charlie asked.

“New York. I was in advertising.” Isabel’s blue eyes flashed with emotion.

Patience had a feeling she was thinking about the divorce and all the changes that went with it. “Charlie was proposed to in Times Square.”

Charlie leaned back in her chair. “Do we have to talk about that?”

“It was wonderful,” Heidi said. “Charlie’s fiancé is very inventive and totally crazy about her.”

“That’s nice.” Isabel sounded wistful.

“You should give him the big wedding he wants,” Annabelle said.

“I’m not the big-wedding type.”

Patience wondered if her reluctance was because she really didn’t like big weddings or if she was uncomfortable with the whole idea of it: the feminine dress, being the center of attention. Charlie was the most capable person Patience knew, but like everyone else, she had her demons.

“It’s the dress thing,” Heidi announced, confirming what Patience thought.

Isabel studied her. “I have a great selection of gowns that would look pretty fabulous on you.”

Charlie glared at her. “I find the word gown off-putting. We’ve just met. Why aren’t I intimidating you? Most people are frightened by me when they meet me.”

“Oh, sorry.” Isabel’s grin was impish. “I’ll tremble next time.”

Charlie glanced at Patience. “Okay, I like her.”