Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold #11)(84)

She thought about how she’d felt when she’d realized what she’d done. Sick to her stomach. But Gideon had been there for her, as had her friends.

“I learned it’s okay to ask for help,” she murmured.

The mayor put her hand on Felicia’s shoulder. “Exactly. You’re one of us now, child. And we take care of our own.” She glanced at her watch. “It’s late. You should get home to your family.”

* * *

THURSDAY AFTERNOON FELICIA checked her diagram against the construction being done in the park. Part of the Dog Days festival included a show ring. The local “best dog” contests would be judged here, and there would be demonstrations by different canine groups. A rancher from Stockton was bringing his herding dogs, and a local agility club would show off their dogs. Montana Hendrix-Bradley would give a lecture on service dogs.

“There you are!”

Felicia turned and saw Pia walking toward her. The other woman, finally showing her pregnancy, grinned as she approached.

“You screwed up,” Pia said, hugging her. “I’m so happy.”

Felicia stood still, not sure what to say.

Pia continued to smile. “Thank God. All I’ve been hearing is how amazing you are, how much better the festivals have been since you took over. I was getting a complex. Now I discover you’re really human, so I can like you again.” She linked arms with Felicia. “Okay, show me what you’re doing so I can coo over it.”

It was a quick emotional roller coaster, but still impressive for all its brevity. Felicia pressed her free hand to her chest. “You’re going to need to give me a minute to catch up.”

“Pshaw. You’re doing great.” They started toward the park. “I have to say this is one of my favorite festivals. You know it’s not just dogs, right?”

“What do you mean?”

“People bring all kinds of pets. They dress them up, too. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve seen a pair of tuxedo cats dressed like a bride and groom.”

“Why would someone do that to pets they supposedly love?” She shook her head. “Never mind. As a culture we want to anthropomorphize everything from cars to animals. I’ve never been able to figure out if it’s because we think we’re the best species or if we enjoy communication so much, we want to pretend everything around us can talk. I wonder if anyone has done a study on that. It would make a very interesting dissertation for a variety of fields of study.”

She realized they’d come to a stop and Pia was staring at her.

“You are so weird,” the other woman said. “But I still like you. I’ll admit, I was reluctant to hand over my festivals to anyone, but you’re the perfect fit.”

“You’re only saying that because I messed up.”

Pia laughed. “In part. When I realized I couldn’t do the job anymore, I went to Mayor Marsha. We each made a list of the five people we thought would do the job best. You were number one on both our lists.”

“But you didn’t know me.”

“I’d heard about you. I asked around.” She started walking again. “Okay, show me where the iguana display is going to be.”

Felicia blinked. “There’s supposed to be an iguana display?”

Pia grinned. “Kidding. You’re so easy. But I happen to know the funnel cake guy is all set up. Let’s go there and I’ll buy you a funnel cake.”

* * *

GIDEON AND CARTER strolled through the center of town. The sidewalks were crowded as people waited for the costume parade.

Carter looked around at all the people with their pets. “I thought it was the ‘Dog Days’ of summer,” he said quietly, pointing. “That lady’s holding a rabbit.”

“It’s kind of a town thing.” Gideon figured in Fool’s Gold people wouldn’t want to restrict themselves to simply celebrating dogs.

“I’ve never been anywhere like this before,” Carter told him. “It’s strange, but still nice. Felicia was saying that in the next festival some guy gets his heart cut out.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s symbolic and not genuine.”

“You mean there won’t be any blood?”

“Sorry. They don’t even use a real knife.”

“Bummer.” Carter grinned at him. “It would be a great threat to use all year.”

“Take out the garbage or I’ll sign you up to get your heart cut out?”

“Sure.”

“I didn’t know you were so bloodthirsty.”

They were still snickering when Eddie joined them. Today her tracksuit was apple-green. She hurried over, her expression determined.

“We’re getting our bowling shirts next week,” she announced. “I saw a sample, and they’re going to look wonderful. They’re fuchsia.”

Gideon stared at her. “Wasn’t I supposed to approve the sample?”

She waved her hand in a gesture of dismissal. “They’re fine. You’ll love them.” Her smile turned sly. “I took the liberty of ordering a couple of extras. One for you and one for Carter.”

“Cool,” Carter told her. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” She looked at Gideon. “He’s a very nice young man. You should get him a dog.”