Three Little Words (Fool's Gold #12)(62)

“Officially after the first of the year, but I came early to get things ready.” She raised her eyebrows. “I was promised you weren’t especially nice and I’m hoping that’s true.”

Charlie chuckled. “Next time sit by me.”

“Sure,” Taryn said as she sank into her chair.

“I’m going to go around the table and introduce everyone,” Isabel said. “Then you’re on your own.”

“Great suit,” Heidi said when Taryn had been introduced to them all. “I never get to dress like that. It wouldn’t be practical.”

“What do you do?”

“Raise goats. I make cheese and soap.”

Taryn blinked. “Seriously?”

“Sure. I sell goat milk and manure, too.”

“Do we have to shake hands?” Taryn asked.

Heidi grinned.

“You are really beautiful,” Patience said. “That’s trouble. We’ve barely gotten used to Felicia.”

“My attractiveness is offset by social awkwardness,” Felicia reminded them.

“She’s really smart,” Consuelo added. “It’s a weird combination. But she’s fun. I, on the other hand, am only a pain in the ass.”

“That’s not true,” Annabelle told her. “You were seen with a certain someone recently. Going out to dinner with Kent. There was no report of kissing, but rumors are flying anyway.”

“So it’s true?” Isabel said. “You’re really dating him? His sisters said something at the family dinner, but I wasn’t sure.”

“Dating is a strong word,” Consuelo mumbled. “We’re seeing each other. It’s early.”

Isabel turned to Taryn. “Kent is part of the Hendrix family. They’re one of the town’s founding families. There are six kids, including Kent. Three boys and triplet girls. They’re all married now. Except for Kent and Ford.”

“Tell her how you’re fake-dating Ford,” Charlie called from across the table.

Isabel winced. “Don’t say that so loud. This is Fool’s Gold. What if someone reports back to Denise?”

Taryn’s eyes glazed over. “Fake-dating?”

“It’s complicated,” Isabel said, glaring at Charlie. “And a long story.”

“She’s sleeping with him, too,” Charlie added with a grin.

“What’s the point of fake-dating if you aren’t getting laid?” Taryn murmured.

Jo came up in time to hear the last comment. “Nice,” she said. “I’m going to like this one. What’ll you have, ladies?”

There were orders for diet soda and iced tea. Chips, salsa and guacamole were ordered for the table.

“I have specials,” Jo told them and explained what they were, then left.

“So what is your company?” Annabelle asked.

“PR and marketing,” Taryn said. “We handle a lot of sports-based companies, not surprising considering the boys. We have a couple of microbrewery accounts, but I swear it’s just so they can go off and taste samples.”

“The boys?” Patience asked. “They can’t be your sons?”

“Oh, sorry. I get so used to calling them that. Not boys in age, although a case could be made in emotional maturity. My business partners. I work with three former football players.”

“Anyone we would have heard of?” Charlie asked.

Taryn sighed. “Jack McGarry, Sam Ridge and Kenny Scott.”

Even Isabel had heard of Jack McGarry. “Wasn’t he some famous quarterback?”

“Unfortunately.”

Consuelo laughed. “Why unfortunately?”

“Because it goes to his head. Jack is very much the guy walking around thinking, ‘But hey, it’s me.’ Sam was a kicker and one of the best. Kenny’s a receiver. Good hands and he runs like the wind.” She smiled. “They are good-looking, handsome and single. Women are everywhere. One of the reasons I agreed to move here is because I thought it would be quieter. Fewer fans to interfere with work.”

“They’re all single?” Heidi asked. “What about you? Not interested? I mean, if they’re all you say...”

“They’re all that,” Taryn told her. “They’re also spoiled, petulant and disgustingly good at their jobs. Sam handles the money. I want to complain, but I can’t. Jack and Kenny are the rainmakers. There’s not a client alive they can’t charm into signing.”

“Which makes you what?” Charlie asked.

“The one who holds it all together. They bring me the client, I do the presentation. We have an in-house graphics team and account reps who are assigned various clients. That’s why I’m here. To find us office space that doesn’t include a basketball court or isn’t across the street from a strip club.”

“I don’t think we have a strip club in town,” Annabelle said.

“That’s a blessing.”

“CDS—the company where I work—remodeled an old warehouse,” Consuelo told her. “You might want to look by us. There are other old warehouses available. They have plenty of room and aren’t too expensive. You’re going to have to remodel anyway.”