Margaret chuckled. “Oh, how I remember that feeling. Seeing you so excited does me good. Now, I’d better get back to my shop so my assistant can go to lunch.”
Bart followed Margaret. “We have other stops, too. Ellie’s going to help me pick out a new recliner for my apartment.”
Margaret turned back and raised her eyebrows. “I remember from when she was in my store that she loves shopping. She went right to the very best buy in the shop.”
Bart glanced at Ellie then turned his attention to Margaret. “I hope she does that for me. I moved into those apartments you can see from your shop’s front door. They’re really nice but I found the chair and couch are not built for me.”
Margaret smiled fondly at Bart. “No, I see you’re built like my George was. He was tall and broad shouldered like you.”
Bart put his arm around Margaret’s shoulders. “I remember what a nice man he was and I know you miss him. I’ve never heard a bad word about him and that says something.”
“Nice of you to say so, Bart. We were always happy. I miss him every day.”
Her expression was so wistful that Ellie wanted to cheer her. “You have such a nice shop. I hope mine will be as inviting as yours is.”
Margaret’s smile returned. “I’m sure you’ll be a success. I hadn’t considered online sales, but I understand now how important they can be. I suppose I’ll need a website too.”
“When you see mine, you can see how you like it. If you think it works, I’ll give you the name of the designer. The shop’s going to be called The Bee’s Knees.”
“Oh, that’s perfect. It has a vintage sound plus it’s so cute it will attract people. Well, you two get on your way and I will too. I certainly enjoyed speaking with you.”
When Margaret gone, Ellie shut the door then grabbed the front of Bart’s shirt and pulled him to her. “Don’t you think you should kiss me?”
He covered her hands with his and shook his head. “Uh uh, I don’t think so. One kiss would never be enough, Ellie. More when we’re here all alone would get us into big trouble. We’re better off leaving and staying where we’re chaperoned.”
She pretended to pout but admitted to herself she admired his will power. The men she’d known before him were always ready for heavy petting or sex with any female. Bart was a far better man than any of her acquaintance.
Still, she pretended to be miffed. “I’m going to have to call you Father Bartholomew. You’re trying to be a monk today. Okay, if you insist, we might as well go to the furniture store.”
Chapter Fourteen
Ellie was full of curiosity about the latest styles of furniture. So much had changed since 1921. Some styles she recognized as copies of early twentieth century or even earlier designs. Others confounded her as to why anyone would choose them.
She nodded toward an ultra modern chair. “That looks uncomfortable as well as ugly.”
“I agree. Oh, here comes a salesman.” He stuck out his hand. “Hello, Max. I’m here to check out your recliners.”
Max sent her a questioning look but Bart didn’t introduce them. “They’re grouped at the back. I guess you want one with a high back.”
“You have that right.”
Max sent her another glance. “I see you brought your own shopping consultant.”
Bart put his hand at her waist. “This is Ellie St. Eaves. She’s going to weigh in with her opinion. Ellie, this is Max Montgomery.”
They reached the area of the store reserved for recliners. Ellie scanned them and picked out the one she thought would best fit Bart.
She asked, “You want my opinion right away or do you want to try some on your own?”
He met her gaze. “Give me your suggestion now and save time.”
She walked over to the one she liked best and put her hand on the high back, caressing the texture. The leather was supple and smooth.
“Try this one.”
From the smile on salesman’s face, she must’ve chosen the most expensive. That didn’t matter because she knew Bart could afford whatever he wanted. What was important was getting the most comfortable chair for Bart.
He sat in the chair and exhaled then leaned back and smiled. “This is really comfortable.”
Max went into all the features such as heat and massage with electric controls for raising and lowering the feet. He confirmed Ellie’s suspicion when he added, “This is our premier recliner.”
Bart crossed his legs. “I may be here for the rest of the day.”
Ellie moved to another chair. “You can’t take the first one you try. You need to sit in at least two others for comparison.”
Bart appeared reluctant but he stood and moved to the chair she indicated. He moved his shoulders side to side as if trying to nestle. He shook his head and got up.
“That was not nearly as comfortable. Where’s the next one?”
She moved to the next choice, which she didn’t think he’d like but was her third choice. “See how this one feels.”
Bart sat down and immediately stood up again. “Naw, I want the first one. What color should I get?”
Ellie examined the samples and showed Bart the one she thought would be best, a warm brown. “This will go with your apartment but the shade is neutral and will blend with anywhere you choose to move.”
Bart stood with his hands on his hips. “While we’re here, I might as well get a more comfortable couch. One that’s long enough for me to stretch out for a nap.”
She looked at the salesman. “Lead the way.”
Max directed them to a part of the store with an array of small seating areas designed to look, no doubt, like living rooms.
She surveyed the area and nudged Bart. “You need to look way back there at the one that will coordinate with your chair.”
He stared at her. “Amazing. How can you tell from this distance in one glance?”
“You wanted an expert shopper, Sheriff.” She weaved her way to the couch she’d spotted to get a closer look.
Bart walked around it as if sizing up the piece of furniture.
Max had dollar signs in his eyes. “Go ahead and stretch out on this one, Sheriff. You’ll find it’s long enough to accommodate your height. The leather is exceptionally soft but strong enough for a lifetime of wear.” He put down a piece of cloth to protect the material from Bart’s boots and another for his head.
Bart lay down and adjusted his position until he appeared satisfied. “Now this is comfortable.” He turned his head to meet Ellie’s gaze. “Do I have to try two more?”
“You bet, Sheriff. You don’t want to be second-guessing yourself later. Move over here.” She gestured to another selection.
He pretended to grumble—at least she hoped he was faking. “I see why you wore out Penny the other day.”
“Penny doesn’t like to shop. If you wanted dash and go, you shouldn’t have asked my help.”
“Okay. This one is nice but not quite as much as the first one.” He stood. “Where next?”
She pointed to one and Max hastened to move his protective cloths.
Bart lay down only a few seconds then sat up. “I feel like Goldilocks in reverse. The first one was just right.”
She patted his arm. “All right, Goldilocks. Go pay the nice man.”
He grinned at her. “You’re not going to help with that, huh? Some helper you are.”
“Sorry, but shopping is my specialty. I leave banks and goldmines to you Knights.”
“Very funny.” He took out his checkbook. When Max supplied what seemed to her a staggering total, Bart wrote out a check.
Ellie didn’t want to get into a discussion of finances until hers were secure with the proper paperwork. Hopefully, she could do so without being arrested.
On the way out of the store, she stopped and gestured to an arrangement with a gray camelback loveseat. “That’s what I’ll buy for my shop when everything is ready.”
He frowned. “Hmph. Looks kind of old-fash
ioned, doesn’t it?”
“Bart? That’s the point. Vintage store. Get it?”
He laughed. “Yeah, I just did. Let’s go grab something to eat. You’ve exhausted me.” He steered her toward the pickup.
She leaned near. “A little shopping is nothing. If you’d have cooperated with me in the apartment, then you’d have known exhaustion.”
He grinned at her with mischief dancing in his deep blue eyes. “I’d probably be in the ER by now.”
She sent him a flirty glance. “Glad you understand, Sheriff. What are you going to feed me?”
He opened the door of his truck. “You like hamburgers?”
Did she? She didn’t remember having one but didn’t want to admit her lack of experience.
She climbed onto the seat. “I like everything except liver.”
“Me, too. I know just the place.” He closed her door and hurried around to climb behind the driver’s wheel.
They were soon driving along city streets. He pulled in front of a dilapidated building with a flashing sign that said “Heavenly Burgers” and stopped. The parking lot was crowded but Bart caught a car backing out and he garnered that spot.
As if he read her mind, he said, “Don’t be turned off by the exterior. This guy makes the best hamburger you’ll ever eat.”
Ellie frowned at the peeling paint on the exterior. “Pity he doesn’t believe in keeping up appearances.”
Bart guided her inside. “Reserve judgment until you’ve eaten.”
Inside, the interior was more promising and looked as if it had been painted in this century. The tantalizing aromas sent promises. They seated themselves and she picked up the menu. When the server asked for their drink order, Bart also ordered fried dill pickles.
She wrinkled her nose. “I’ve never even heard of fried pickles. Is this a local dish?”
“Might be a Southern thing. I don’t know. You’re the one who’s well traveled, not me.”
The waiter delivered the pickles along with a dipping sauce for each of them. Certain she wouldn’t like them, she tried one, following his example of dipping the thinly sliced and breaded pickle circle into the sauce before eating it.
“This is delicious. I’m hooked. What is this sauce?”
He grinned. “Just ranch dressing.”
By the time the waiter delivered their hamburgers, the pickles had disappeared.
She looked at the thick hamburger set in front of her. “I’ve never eaten anything like this. How can you even get enough into your mouth to take a bite?”
“Don’t try to be neat.” He demonstrated.
“If you say so.” She picked up the burger, took a deep breath, and bit off a small chunk.
Chewing slowly, she savored the taste. “This is the berries. No wonder you wanted to come here.”
A man entering headed their way. He signaled the waiter he’d have what they were. “Bart, how are things going? Any jail breaks lately?”
“Not today. Ellie, this is Chip Gordon, who should be behind bars for being in the protection racket. Chip, meet Eleanore St. Eaves.”
He stuck out his hand. “Don’t let him fool you, Miss St. Eaves. I sell insurance, all above board.”
She laughed. “That’s a relief. I wondered if I’d have to fork over clams to keep from being framed.”
Chip sat down at the table and grinned at her. “Don’t mind if I join you, I hope?”
Bart tapped him on the shoulder. “You didn’t ask me.”
“I had no doubt you’d tell me to get lost. I’ve never seen you with a woman before so you can understand why I’m curious.”
Bart sent him a glare. “And you can understand why I’m not eager to share details.”
Ellie laid a hand on Bart’s arm. “There’s room for all three of us.”
Bart asked. “How’s Ariel?”
Chip winked at Ellie. “He’s letting you know I’m married.” Turning to Bart, he said, “Today’s her book club and they eat lunch at one of those lettuce places—you know the type.”
Ellie dabbed her mouth with a napkin. Perhaps Bart’s comment meant he was at least a little jealous.
“I’m a friend of Penny’s and new in town. Tell me, where is this ‘lettuce place’ in which your wife’s book club meets?”
“Place called the Secret Garden in the antique mall. Not that it’s a bad place, but they specialize in salads and high teas and that sort of thing.”
She smiled. “Sounds lovely. I’ll ask Penny to go there with me soon.”
Chip sent a triumphant look toward Bart before addressing Ellie, “You said you’re new in town?”
“I am. I’m staying at the ranch with Penny and Jake until I get my business set up. Of course, then I’ll need insurance.”
Bart held up his hand. “Whoa there, wait until the building is ready. In the meantime, Chip, seeing you saves me a call. I need to find out if I have to insure the contents of my apartment since you’ve insured the complex.”
“You’re living in one of the units but your major insurance won’t cover the contents of your apartment unless you add renter’s insurance.”
He shook his head when it looked as if Bart was going to protest. “I know you’re the owner, but you’re renting from yourself.”
“Okay, you’d better write it up. I just upgraded the furniture from when you saw it.”
Chip leaned back. “I’ll bet there’s a big screen TV included in the upgrade. Am I right?”
Bart nodded. “And the most expensive leather recliner and couch Wayland’s Furniture Store had.” He nodded at her. “You’ve probably guessed that Ellie helped me shop.”
Chip smiled at her. “What kind of business are you opening?”
“A vintage clothing store in the former barber shop and I’ll live upstairs.”
Chip frowned. “Vintage clothing? Is there enough demand to support a business?”
His attitude worried her. “I certainly hope so. Of course, I’ll sell online as well as locally.”
He nodded. “Yeah, everything is online now. Have to have a good website or you can’t compete.”
Bart set down his soft drink. “She’s getting a good site. Dan’s designing one for her.”
Chip said, “Dan’s the best, no doubt about that. What’s the name of your business?”
“The Bee’s Knees.”
He smiled. “Cute. You specializing in any decade?”
“No. I have a few things from the 1920s so far but I’ll be collecting all eras. There are all types of re-enactment groups and historic societies that use period clothing.”
Bart’s eyes widened as he regarded her. “That’s right. A Civil War group meets near here every summer.”
Chip shook his head. “Imagine wearing those wool uniforms in a Texas summer. No thanks.”
She said, “Hey, don’t belittle a possible source of my income.”
Chip held up his hands. “Not condemning them, just don’t want to be a part. I’m not fond of the heat. Makes me wonder why I live here.”
Bart leaned back and smiled. “You wouldn’t leave Terry Springs.”
“Naw, I wouldn’t—except July and August. Those months I always wonder why I don’t live in Alaska.”
Ellie grinned at him. “Fond of shoveling snow, are you?”
Chip pointed a finger at her. “Oh yeah, that’s why I live here.”
The three of them laughed.
Chapter Fifteen
Two days later Ellie sat in Sally’s car, reluctant to release the seat belt. Her stomach threatened to rebel and lose its contents. “You’re sure I can do this?”
Sally patted her hand. “We’ve practiced. You’ve been driving for years. This can’t be that different.”
“I suppose you’re right. This is just so important to me. What if I fail?”
“Ellie, we’ve gone over that book a dozen times and you know every question. You’ve practiced driving and can even parallel park. If you fail, we simply come bac
k again. Now, come on.” Sally opened her door and climbed out.
Ellie bucked up her courage and followed Sally toward the building. Inside the driver’s license office, she stood in the short line. When her turn came, she filled out the written part of her test and handed it to the highway patrol officer.
He quickly graded it and motioned her to follow him. “Did someone drive you today or did you drive here?”
“My friend drove me and is letting me take the test in her car.” She wondered if he tried to trip up everyone who took the test.
Fifteen minutes later, she greeted Sally with a triumphant smile. “I did it, I passed.”
“What was your score?”
“A hundred, but he cautioned me that my foot is heavy. I’m so relieved. Does this mean I can get a car?”
“As soon as you have a bank account and Penny releases the money. She’ll take you to the bank herself.”
“We plan to go after lunch. I’m so grateful to you and Penny. I couldn’t have managed without you.”
“I’m sure you’d have found a way, Ellie. Certainly you were lucky that Bart is the one who found you, though. There’d be too many unanswerable questions for anyone not in our family.”
“As soon as I have money, I want to take you and Penny to the Secret Garden Tea Room in the antique mall. I heard that’s a place tailored to women.”
Sally’s face split in a wide smile. “It’s a lovely place. I haven’t been in a long time, but I do enjoy it.”
“You and Penny aren’t going to get in trouble when I use my papers, are you? I’m unsure where they’re from, but I know not to mention anything to anyone, especially not Bart.”
“Or Caleb. If you keep mum about them to everyone, we’ll be fine. You’ll need the papers to open your bank account.”
After lunch, Penny drove Ellie and Sally tagged along. “First, we’ll get you a cell phone. You’ll need a phone number on your account information.”
As they left the store, Sally said, “That took longer than necessary. Why were so few of the clerks helping people while others stood around?”
Penny sighed, “Remember, it was the same when I got my phone?”
Ellie didn’t mind the delay. She could hardly wait to use her phone. “I’ll put in your names and Jake’s and Howard’s and Bart’s and Margaret’s. Isn’t it sad those are all the people I know?”
Texas Rainbow Page 9
