When We Met (Fool's Gold #13)(84)

The assessment of them as a couple and of her individually was both kind and unexpected.

“I’m not feeling especially powerful today,” Taryn admitted.

“It’ll come back.”

Taryn leaned against her car. “So if not Angel, is there someone else?”

“I don’t think so. I’m not ready to date.” She ducked her head. “And I’d have to lose thirty pounds. I think I’d rather eat cookies.”

Taryn watched Bailey and for a second thought she saw a blush on the other woman’s cheeks. Was it possible Bailey had someone in mind? She’d made it clear that she wasn’t interested in Angel, which was good. Taryn didn’t need another kick in the gut right now.

“You don’t need to lose any weight,” Taryn told her. “You’re gorgeous.”

“Thanks, but we both know that’s not true.” Bailey shrugged. “Right now I don’t care enough to deal with my weight. I have enough stress in my life what with job hunting.” She tilted her head. “I never thanked you for the dress.”

Taryn cleared her throat. “You mean the party? I didn’t do any of the work. Trust me, Dellina took care of most of it and Isabel handled the rest. My skill is delegating.”

Bailey’s green gaze settled on Taryn’s face. “You bought me the dress, Taryn. I know you did. If I had a bigger ego I’d say you arranged the whole clothing exchange party so you could give it to me without me thinking it was charity.”

“Uh, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do, but you can pretend if it makes you feel better. You’re a really good person. Thank you. I know you’d never accept money for what you did, so I’m going repay you by doing something like that for another person, when I get the chance.”

Taryn felt her eyes burning again. There was no way she was going to cry out in the Score parking lot, but Bailey’s words touched her.

“It wasn’t me,” she said firmly. “But I’m glad you have the dress for your interviews.”

“I do, and shoes.” Bailey smiled. “I signed up for a computer refresher course at the community college. It’s three Saturdays and by the end, I’ll be familiar with the new versions of the popular spreadsheet and calendar programs. Then I’ll be getting résumés and starting the job hunt.”

“Getting on with your life.”

“I am.” Bailey paused. “I know you hear this all the time, but I have to say it. You’re an inspiration, Taryn. I admire all you’ve accomplished. You’re successful and tough, but you do it with your own style. I mean, seriously—look at how you dress. It’s fantastic.”

Taryn glanced down at her Dolce & Gabbana silk brocade dress. It was sleeveless and bright with a floral print. “This old thing?” she said with a grin.

Bailey flung her arms around her. “You know what you like and you go after it.” Bailey released her. “We could all learn from you.”

“I don’t understand why my clothes are such a big deal.”

“They signify who you are. You don’t care if it’s Fool’s Gold or Los Angeles. You’re going to wear what you want and do what you want and live how you want. You have style and you’re good at your job and you’re a great friend. I guess I’m saying I want to be like you when I grow up.”

The tears were back. Taryn didn’t try to stop them. Instead she sniffed. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me. But I have to tell you, I’m a complete mess. Just so you know.”

“We’re all a mess, Taryn. But you always look good.”

Taryn laughed. “Style over substance.” She wiped away her tears. “I’m glad about Chloe. She’s wonderful.”

“Thanks. I can’t take all the credit, but I think she’s pretty amazing, too.”

The women hugged. For a second Taryn thought about creating a position for Bailey at Score. Only they didn’t need anyone and she knew Bailey would prefer to find a real job on her own. There was a difference between getting a little help—like a dress—and living the life of a fake job.

“Let me know if I can help in any way with the job search,” Taryn told her.

“I will. In fact, I’d appreciate you looking over my résumé.”

“Happy to.”

Bailey waved and headed back to her car. Taryn walked into the office. There was still a giant hole where her heart had been, but she thought maybe, just maybe, she’d taken the first step in what would be a long journey to healing.

* * *

“I NEVER THOUGHT anything like that could happen here.”

“I’ve never heard about anything like that!”

“The water came up so fast.”

“I couldn’t stop screaming, which wasn’t helpful.”

Angel had already endured far too many hugs and pats since showing up at the Grove Keeper meeting. Everyone wanted to know if Taryn and the Acorns were okay. Then it seemed there was going to be a real-time recounting of the night’s events.

Denise finally got them all to sit down.

“We have a lot of end-of-year business to discuss,” she said. “Next Saturday is the parade. All the groves will be marching together. Once again Plants for the Planet is kind enough to donate the wreaths for everyone to wear. So if you need a new plant or want to take someone flowers, please give them your business and tell them how much we all appreciate their support.”