by Debby Mayne
“You look like you’ve been wrestlin’ a bear,” Cissy said. “What on earth happened to get your face all puckered up like that?”
Charlene shook her head as she opened her bag and pulled out a peanut butter sandwich. “Alan.”
“Say no more. I don’t get how he’s even in that job, bein’ he’s such a . . . ” Cissy shrugged and made a face. “Sorry. I shouldn’t feed your frettin’.”
“The tone of that office sure has changed since he’s been there, but I’m gonna try not to worry about it.” Charlene took a bite of her sandwich as she stretched her legs out in front of her as much as she could with her five-foot-two frame. She chewed in silence as Cissy gave her a moment to gather her thoughts.
“Let’s change the subject, okay?” Cissy grinned as she pulled a magazine from her tote. “I’ve been lookin’ at bridesmaid dresses, and I found one I think would be super cute for you.”
“Let me see.” Charlene welcomed the diversion as she pored over the dresses. Could Cissy have found anything tackier? “Have you nailed down a color yet?”
Cissy shrugged. “You said you liked purple or cranberry, so I’ll probably pick one of those. It really doesn’t matter to me since I’ll be wearin’ all white.”
“But it’s your weddin’, hon.” Charlene glanced back at the dress Cissy had put “#1” beside and wondered why she didn’t think the embellished jewel neckline and draped lace overlay combination was anything but tacky.
“Yeah, I know, but I have a feelin’ I won’t know up from down that day, and colors won’t matter a single solitary bit.” Cissy giggled. “Tom told me he’d just as soon wear jeans and skip all the fancy stuff.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “But he looks so good in a suit, I can’t let him get away with that. I want some great pictures to show the grandkids.”
Charlene grinned. “You’ll be a wonderful grandma, Cissy, but don’t you think it’s a little early to be talkin’ about grandkids?”
“At least I’m thinkin’ ahead. It took me a while, but between Uncle Forest and Aunt Bootsie workin’ on me I think I’m in the groove.”
Charlene flipped the page to Cissy’s second favorite dress, chewed her bottom lip for a moment, and looked back at her friend. “Maybe you should consider skipping all the fancy stuff.” At least that would save her from throwing money away on either of the hideous dresses Cissy had picked out.
Cissy crinkled her nose. “I don’t think so. Mama expects me to have the princess weddin’ of her dreams.”
Charlene glanced at her watch and groaned. “I sure wish I had longer, but I gotta get back.” She stood up, tossed her trash in the receptacle by the bench, and gave Cissy a hug.
Cissy patted her on the back. “Have a great time and try to forget about that mean ol’ boss of yours.”
“I’ll do my best.”
The remainder of the afternoon Charlene managed to get everything done and in order for her weeklong absence. She was about to leave when Alan appeared at her door. “Got a moment?” he asked.
“Um . . . sure.” What else could she say?
He walked in, pulled the door halfway to, and walked over to the chair where Melissa had sat earlier. “Mind if I sit?”
“Of course not.” She cleared her throat as she realized she sounded rather terse. “I mean, you are the boss and all.”
He flashed one of his rare smiles. “I bet you think I’m an ogre.”
She blinked. “An ogre?” She’d been thinking much worse things than ogre.
Alan shifted in the chair before settling back and holding her gaze for an uncomfortably long several seconds. “I haven’t exactly been Mr. Congeniality since I’ve been the manager here.”
You can say that again. She tightened her jaw to keep from making a snide remark and forced a closed-mouth smile.
“Before you leave for your vacation, I wanted to clear the air between us.”
“Okay. So what did we need to discuss that would . . . clear the . . . you know.”
He laughed. “I’m sorry I ended the meeting before you had a chance to give your report. That had nothing to do with you.”
She glanced down at her desk. “That’s good to know.”
“It’s an issue I need to deal with.”
Ya think? He narrowed his focus on her as though he could read her mind, so she fidgeted with papers on her desk.
He stood. She watched him, hoping he’d give her more of an explanation, but he didn’t. Instead, he edged closer to the door before stopping and turning back to her. “Have a nice vacation.”
After he left, she let out a breath of . . . she wasn’t sure if it was relief or frustration. Surely Alan had come to her office to clear things up, but he’d left her with more questions than answers. What was he trying to hide?
