* * *
The last client hurried out the spa door with a wave.
“Whew!” Lizzie sighed, dropping onto the sofa. “What a day! I think everyone was in a hurry.”
“I know I am,” Gloria said as she closed the storage closet door, then returned to the front desk to gather her things. Shopping had taken up the whole day before, and she was way behind. “I have just enough time to run home and change before pageant practice.
“How are all your projects coming along?” Lizzie asked, propping her boots on the ottoman, one at a time, to cross one ankle over the other. Her head dropped back onto the pillows. “My feet are killing me. You must be tired too.”
Gloria tossed the strap of her purse over her shoulder. “I’m okay. The costumes are nearly finished.”
“That’s good. Maybe you’ll have a little time to finish up your Christmas shopping.”
“Probably not.” Gloria sighed. “I keep thinking I’m finished, but then I decide to pick up a few more things. Besides, I promised Julia I’d help with decorations.”
Lizzie shook her head in wonder. “You’re amazing. I’m on babysitter duty for Tara, and it’s all I can manage, I don’t know how you do it.”
Gloria laughed. Truth be told, she was looking forward to the practice. Every time she was in public lately, it was like a game to try and figure out who her secret letter writer could be. Besides, Ned would be there, and he always made her laugh. Between her new outfits, seeing her friends, and fantasizing about who her dreamy undercover lover may be, the night ahead filled her with excitement. “I have to admit,” she chuckled, “compared to shopping with your mother, the pageant is a piece of cake.”
“I’m so sorry about all that—” Lizzie began.
Gloria raised a hand to stop her friend. “Don’t be. Your mother is a case, for sure, but she has been so generous. The whole shopping thing has been a real eye-opener.”
“I can only imagine…”
“No— no really,” Gloria protested. “I had no idea which fabrics and styles would suit me. And I didn’t understand how the cut of a garment could be flattering without being tight and low cut. I’ve learned so much.”
Lizzie appeared dubious, but she didn’t comment.
“Really,” Gloria continued. “It is exhausting though. Not gonna lie about that.”
“Oh, I know.” Lizzie nodded. “If anybody knows, I do.”
“Yeah, I suppose you do,” Gloria agreed, heading toward the door. “Well, have fun with Isabelle,” she called over her shoulder.
* * *
“Whoa, whoa, what are you doing?” Justin cried, struggling to keep his grip on the edge of the awkward backdrop. Crowds of people surged through the park, old, young, and everyone in between, probably half of the total Smithville population was there, which made carrying the sets a real challenge.
Ned’s head whipped back to his friend. “Sorry, I’ve got it,” he assured. Now watching where he was going, he and Justin placed the backdrop on the bandstand. But as soon as the set was on solid footing, he couldn’t help looking past Justin, his gaze searching. When Gloria had walked past a moment before wearing a red sweater, he’d about lost his mind. It hadn’t been especially bright, and it wasn’t tight, but it looked soft and warm, falling long past her hips. The day was chilly for sure, and she’d worn gloves and a matching scarf to ward off the wind. It had been the tumble of red curls falling down her back that had first caught his eye. He hadn’t seen her wear her hair down for months.
“You haven’t heard a word I said, have you.” Justin chortled, shaking his head.
Ned’s head whipped back to the front. “Huh?”
“Never mind.” Justin laughed, waving his hand. “Go find her.”
Color flooded Ned’s cheeks. “Find who?” he asked as he tugged off his cap to sweep his hair back from his forehead.
Justin didn’t comment, just smiled and turned away, so Ned took the opportunity to hurry down the steps and into the crowd. Looking to the left and right, he yanked once on the bottom of his uniform jacket, making sure he looked his best, then headed in the direction Gloria had disappeared.
* * *
Gloria’s eye caught sight of Nadine. The woman frowned and turned to come in her direction, but Gloria didn’t care, she was too busy scanning the crowd. “Who could be writing those letters?” she muttered, biting one side of her lip. Would he be tall or short? Muscular or wiry? Did he have facial hair?
Nadine was obviously heading directly toward her now, but Gloria stubbornly doubled down her effort to spot the man who could be her secret love. Unfortunately, all she could see were the same people she saw every day. It couldn’t be the sheriff - he was too old. And it better not be any of the married men in town.
Just as Nadine got within hearing range, Winnie jumped between the two women. “Hi, Gloria,” she said, with a twinkle in her eye. The old woman tossed Nadine a quick ‘don’t come one step closer’ glare before returning her attention to Gloria. “Don’t you look pretty. That sweater makes your hair absolutely glow!”
Gloria blushed under Winnie’s praise, ignoring the dagger glares Nadine threw her way. “Thanks. Beatrice bought it for me. It feels amazing.” She put out one arm. “Here, touch it, it’s so soft.”
Winnie reached out a wrinkled hand and smoothed it down the sleeve of the sweater. “Oh, my. What is that made of?”
Gloria pretended to look over her shoulder, then put up one hand to guard her words. “I was afraid to ask.”
Both women giggled, and Nadine turned away in a huff.
“I’m so glad Beatrice is making you happy,” Winnie said. “But I have a hunch you’ve pleased her as well.”
Gloria’s eyes softened. “Oh, I hope so. She’s amazing. Not quite the fairy Godmother I’d imagined as a child, but she’s been so generous.”
Winnie’s eyes followed Nadine’s back as she marched, or more accurately, waddled away, then she turned her attention back to Gloria. “Well, dear, you have a lovely evening.”
“You too,” Gloria said, her grateful smile thanking Winnie for helping her avoid an altercation with Nadine.
As Winnie headed off to find Tara, Gloria once again searched the crowd in speculation, but she knew that the choir would be waiting to try on their robes at the steps of the bandstand. Since she’d worked on alterations all week, everyone’s robe should fit.
A hand reached out to snag her elbow, and she lurched to a halt, her thoughts of robes and letters scattered. For a moment she thought maybe it was the letter writer, or even Nadine but—
“Who ya lookin’ fer?” Willie asked, his beady eyes sparkling like the Christmas lights surrounding the park.
“Oh, Willie,” she gasped, “I didn’t see you there.”
“No, you didn’t.” He chuckled, his raspy laugh sounding more like a cough. “You was off in space…” the old man’s voice died off, but something about his countenance felt as if he knew exactly what she’d been up to.
He jerked his head to one side. “This crowd ain’t nothing. I been in mobs of a billion people.”
“A billion?” she asked, with one eyebrow raised.
“Well…” he hedged. “Close to that, fer sure. Who you looking fer anyway?” He stared at her from under bushy eyebrows. “Redheaded women is the easiest to read, ya know.”
Flustered, she shook her head. The only way Willie could know about the letters was if… she shook her head. Surely not. The lovely and charming notes she kept under her pillow could never have been written by someone so old, could they?
“Well, get on with you then,” Willie admonished, shoeing her along with his knobbly hands.
Gloria felt shaken as she turned away. What if the notes had been written by someone like Willie?
“Hi, Gloria,” Ned said, falling into step beside her.
“Oh, hi, Deputy.” She grinned, relieved to think about anything other than Willie.
“Wh—what’s up?”
/> Feeling a blush creep up her cheeks, Gloria shook her head. “Nothing, I was just heading over to help the choir try on their robes.” She motioned in the direction she was walking.
“I saw the thr—three wise men run past a minute ago. Th—they looked very authentic.”
“Thank you,” she said with a grin. Ned was always one to put her at ease. “I take it you didn’t notice that all three costumes started out as thrift store bathrobes?”
A grin bloomed across his face. “Now that I didn’t n—notice.”
“I cut a few corners with the wise men and the shepherds,” she admitted. “I’m glad you approve.”
He beamed down at her in silence, enjoying the glow in her eyes.
“Did you know Isabelle is going to be baby Jesus?” she asked, her eyes dancing.
“She is?” He laughed. “Is that s—sacrilegious or just feminist?”
She shrugged one shoulder and chuckled. “We’re short on babies around here, so we’re hoping no one will know the difference once she’s tucked into the swaddling clothes.”
I’m sure it’ll be fine,” he drawled, his easy grin making Gloria feel like she was standing in sunshine.
“Well, I hope so. If they don’t care that baby Jesus is six months old, they shouldn’t care about her gender either.”
The couple gazed at each other for a moment more, then Gloria gave herself a shake. “I better get over to the choir now.” She motioned vaguely with her hand in the direction of the bandstand. She nearly forgot she shouldn’t be talking to Ned in public.
“Yeah, I b—better get busy as well. You h—have a good night.”
She smiled, thankful for his support and kindness. Having Ned around was becoming the highlight of these practices. “You have a good night too.”
* * *
Ned pulled off his uniform cap and swept the curly shock of hair back off his forehead, then tugged the hat back into place as he watched Gloria walk away. Things were moving along nicely with her, he supposed. They could talk now, that was something. Still, he frowned. By his recollection, if the pageant practices lasted another two years he may actually make some progress toward dating her. He was going to have to step up his game. Maybe he could walk her home.
“Right,” he scoffed under his breath. “Because this is eighteen fifty. Besides, she lives five miles out of town.”
“What did you say, Deputy?” the woman standing next to him asked.
He tugged on the bottom of his jacket in irritation, ignoring her.
She shrugged and turned away.
So how was he going to spend more time with Gloria? There were only a few more practices. Plus there was the issue of telling her he was the one writing the letters. Did she even like them? He’d have to ask Justin if she’d mentioned them to Tara. He shook his head. That idea was no good either; this wasn’t the fifth grade. He’d have to come up with something to sweep her off her feet, get her attention. Something that would make her want to spend time with him, in a girlfriend kind of way.
An idea sprouted in the back of his mind, budding and growing, twisting and blossoming into a full-blown plan. But, he realized, if he followed through with the idea, there would be no going back. Up to this point, he’d kept that part of his life completely separate. Could he open up and let someone from Smithville into that world?
He rubbed his jaw, deep in thought, while the residents of Smithville strolled and talked around him. His mind swirled, concocting daydreams he’d never before allowed, and the scenes in his mind swept him far away from the small-town pageant practice.
Chapter Nine
Ned carefully placed the box on the old man’s step, then turned and ran back to his patrol car. He had no idea Willie lived so far out. It was a wonder he made it into town so often. Maybe he was even more lonely than everyone realized.
Careful not to gun the engine, he backed down the long drive until he could turn around. He’d have to be a little more kind to the old guy, he thought. The real problem was time. Between running errands for his mom and Christmas shopping, not to mention the pageant craziness, he hadn’t taken much time to chat with Willie. He hadn’t taken much time to sleep either. What was it about the holidays that made your whole life feel out of control?
* * *
“I guess there’s no hope of finding a better parking spot.” Gloria sighed, pulling her car into the side of the road three blocks from the park. “At least I don’t have a lot to carry,” she muttered, glancing up at the heavy clouds as she locked her door and turned to head toward the park. The costumes were finally finished, and now she was helping Julia with decorations. It was a relief to be finished with her part of the project. It freed up time for her to complete her other Christmas tasks as well as help her friends.
A cold gust of wind took her breath away, and she reached back to tug the fur-rimmed hood of the leather jacket up over her head. The beautiful jacket had caused an argument between her and Beatrice at the mall in Pittsburgh few days before, due to the cost. But Beatrice, being the unflappable woman that she was, had won that fight. At some point, Gloria had resolved to accept the woman’s generosity and enjoy the gift. Not only was the jacket pricey, it was the most beautiful thing she’d ever owned. Just wearing it made her feel like a princess. She would have to try harder to be kind to Beatrice, she decided.
Walking in her new high heel boots didn’t faze her. She’d spent years on stiletto heels, and these were far more practical. They were made of supple, dark leather, like the jacket, and in her mind, they made the outfit. She’d never dreamed that clothes could make her feel so classy. The tight, low cut clothes that she used to wear, got her attention, for sure, but this was different. Wearing these clothes made her feel like she valued herself. If she’d only understood that all along, she could have saved years of reveling in negative attention instead of feeling this confidence that came from within.
As she neared the park, a light snow began to fall. More people joined her, walking along the narrow roads, hunched into coats and sporting caps and gloves. Children bounced excitedly beside their parents, full of holiday spirit and anticipation. Some were wearing their costumes under their coats, Gloria could see the bottoms of the brightly colored getups hanging from underneath. Others carried their costumes as they hurried along. The whole town was excited for the pageant dress rehearsal evidently, because the air cracked with excitement.
Only one thing still weighed heavy on her heart. She was beginning to think there was no hope that the women of Smithville would change their mind about her, no matter what she did. But even as the depressing thought spun in her mind, she knew she could do more. Deep down, she acknowledged that at some point, she’d have to reach out to the people who hated her. Talk to them, allow them to know her, to see that she was no threat. But how would she ever have the confidence to start up a conversation, let alone insert herself into those women’s lives? Especially since she was so obviously unwelcome.
She picked up her pace. That prospect was far too daunting to contemplate now.
* * *
“Ten feet, three inches,” Tara called from the top of the ladder.
Gloria noted the length in a notebook. “Do you think you’ll have enough pine boughs to reach all the way up there?” she asked Julia, who was holding the other end of the tape measure. Waiting for the answer, she squinted through the falling snow lit by lights on the top of the bandstand, to judge the distance for herself.
Julia glanced from the box of boughs to the bandstand and back. “Come on down, Tara.” She turned to Gloria. “I don’t know if I’ll have enough, but I can get more. I guess we’ll have to spread these out and measure them to know for sure.”
Tara climbed off the ladder and brushed her hands on the front of her jeans. “I can help you do that. Gloria, would you go see if Winnie needs help with the bake sale ladies? I worry that those women will drive her to drink.”
Gloria giggled at the thought of Winnie guzzling mo
onshine from a quart jar, then smacking her lips in satisfaction. “Sure, we wouldn’t want that to happen, would we.” Busy with thoughts of Winnie and the bake sale ladies, she hurried across the park.
Ahead of her, she could see Nadine standing in a shadow by a park bench, where her three small children sat lined up in their costumes. The woman looked decidedly unhappy, if the scowl marring her pretty face was any indication.
Gloria had dated Nadine’s husband, Robert, years ago, when she was new in town, but he was now the epitome of the perfect husband. And better yet, he appeared to be contented and happy as a family man. She wondered for the hundredth time why Nadine hated her so much. She was no threat.
A tiny voice in the back of Gloria’s mind reminded her that this was the perfect opportunity to say hello, but the pregnant woman looked so unhappy, she didn’t know if she had the courage to speak to her. Surely there would be a better time to approach Nadine than when she was with her children.
Just as she moved to step past Nadine, she caught sight of the look in the woman’s eye, and it wasn’t anger she saw there, but fear. Shock made her pause, causing a hitch in her step, and she did a double take. This time, she looked Nadine straight in the eye, and the fear she’d seen a moment before changed to pain. Then the woman winced, hunching over to grab her swollen belly.
Concerned for Nadine far more than she was worried about herself, Gloria reached out to take her arm. “Are… are you okay? Nadine?”
Nadine tossed her a frantic look, filled with uncertainty and reluctance, but finally, she spoke. “No, something’s wrong. I’m—” Her words broke off, and she bent again, moaning.
Afraid the woman would fall, Gloria motioned for the children to move over and she helped Nadine lower to perch on the end of the bench. “How long have you been hurting?” she asked, but Nadine seemed lost in a world of pain and didn’t reply. Panic jumped in her stomach, and she turned to the children. “Rodney, honey, how long has your momma been hurting?”
Hometown Series Box Set Page 90
