Whisper's Edge

by LuAnn McLane

  21

  Say Yes to the Dress

  SAVANNAH LOOKED ACROSS THE OFFICE AT KATE AND frowned. She had been uncharacteristically quiet all morning. “I’m filling up the calendar of events for next month.” When Kate didn’t mention adding Savannah’s upcoming birthday, she was surprised but hoped Kate was honoring her wish not to make a big deal out of her thirtieth. “The dates are filling up quickly.”

  “Good.” Kate didn’t even look up from whatever she was reading.

  “I think I’ll ask Jeff to perform on a Thursday since he’s going to be singing at Sully’s on Saturdays. Gives him a day in between.”

  “Mmmmhmmm.”

  “At first I thought I’d call it Whisper’s Edge Hoedown, but I realized the Camden brothers would have a field day with that.” Savannah tried for humor, but Kate didn’t even crack a smile.

  “I imagine so.”

  “I’m trying to figure out when to schedule the wine- and beer-tasting event. I think the fall would be perfect. Have you and Ben already bought the wine for it?”

  “No.” Kate finally looked over at Savannah. “Maybe you and Tristan could work on that.”

  Savannah angled her head to the side. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on? Did you and Ben have a falling-out?”

  Kate hesitated for a second and then said, “Savannah, he bought me a present. And it’s not my birthday or anything.”

  “And that put you in a bad mood?”

  “Sure did.” She lifted her chin as if daring Savannah to question her strange logic.

  “Color me confused. Was the present crappy or something?”

  “No.”

  “You’re not making any sense.”

  Kate blew out a ragged sigh. “Damned if I don’t know it.”

  “You want to bend my ear?” Savannah asked gently.

  “Not especially.” Kate’s tone remained firm, but she swallowed hard and glanced away.

  “Well, do it anyway.”

  Kate put her pen down but remained silent. Savannah had to wonder if this had anything to do with Ben’s late wife. It was no secret how much he’d loved her. Finally, Kate said, “Ben wanted to get…serious.”

  Savannah frowned in confusion. “And you don’t want to?”

  “Hell no!”

  “Why not?”

  “At my age, Savannah?” Kate scoffed. “I’m too set in my ways to go that route.” She shook her spiky head hard. “Besides, I enjoy my independence. Ben and I need to just, you know, have fun.” She swung her arm in an arc. “Why be serious for heaven’s sake?” Her tone was hard and firm, but Savannah wasn’t buying it. For all of her bravado Kate was scared out of her wits; Savannah just knew it. Ben was a wonderful man, and Savannah was afraid that Kate was making a huge mistake, but didn’t have a clue as to what to do about it.

  “So, did you talk to Ben about how you feel?”

  “Yeah, I explained to him that I wasn’t ready to be in a committed relationship. I like things the way they are. As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

  “And how did he take your suggestion?”

  “Ben was under the impression that we already were serious, but I set him straight. What’s wrong with just having fun? Like I said, why throw a monkey wrench into the whole thing?”

  “Did he buy into that idea?”

  Kate chewed on the inside of her lip for a second. “I don’t think so.”

  “Oh, meaning a great big fat no. So what are you going to do? Break it off with him?”

  Kate nodded slowly. “It’s best.”

  “Oh, Kate…”

  “So what’s going on with you and Tristan?”

  “No fair changing the subject,” Savannah protested.

  “So, in other words, you’re as scared as me.” Kate gave her a knowing look.

  “Well at least you finally admit it.”

  “And you’re in denial?” Kate folded her arms across her chest and waited.

  Savannah finally shrugged.

  “Look, Savannah, your situation is much different from mine.”

  “How so?”

  “Well, for starters, you’re young. You have a lifetime ahead of you.”

  “Are you going to tell me that your ship has already sailed again?”

  “No. More like my ship just sank.”

  Savannah didn’t laugh. “Kate, you’re hardly ancient and besides, age shouldn’t matter when it comes to loving someone,” Savannah said with more emotion than she intended, but she remembered being a lonely ten-year-old hoping to be adopted when all that everyone wanted was cute babies and toddlers.

  “I thought we were talking about you and Tristan?” Kate deftly changed the subject once more, meaning that Savannah had hit a nerve.

  “You seemed to have some reservations about him,” Savannah reminded her.

  “I’ve been known to be wrong, and like I said, I’m overly cautious where you’re concerned. I can tell you that Tristan has approved every expense that I’ve asked for, and we’re finally getting a much-deserved raise!”

  “What?” Savannah sat up straighter. “Really?” Savannah had to wonder if his generosity had anything to do with Tristan being sweet on her.

  Kate nodded. “I’ll admit that I had my doubts about his motives for buying Whisper’s Edge but his heart seems to be in the right place.”

  Savannah felt hope blossom in her chest and couldn’t hold back a smile. “I fully admit that I had my doubts too. He gave up a lot for a struggling retirement community.”

  “Well, so far Tristan has come through for us.”

  Savannah frowned. “But Whisper’s Edge is still struggling. Where is the extra money going to come from to pay for all of this?”

  Kate tapped her pen onto a pile of papers. “Well, I was reading through all of that information. Tristan proposes that we do some creative thinking and rent the community center out for local meetings or events. Things like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts meetings, local craft shows, those kinds of things. He’s been talking to the county about leasing the back five acres for sports fields. The county would put up the cost of keeping it maintained. There’s a real need for soccer fields for practice and weekend games and we currently don’t use the area for anything.”

  “How do you feel about all of that?”

  Kate tapped her pen on the stack of papers. “Well, I don’t want our quiet little community to become inundated with outsiders and traffic, but if we keep it under control I can see how these suggestions could work. We could generate much-needed cash flow without a whole lot of effort on our part. Going this route would eliminate raising the HOA fees and upping the rent for those who don’t own their lots.”

  “Well, that sure is a plus.” Savannah’s brain started buzzing with additional ideas. “Maybe we could offer some craft classes of our own? You know, for other seniors living in Cricket Creek.”

  “A good idea, but Savannah you’re overworked as it is.” She shrugged. “We’ll see.”

  “I’ll keep my thinking cap on.” Savannah smiled. “Well, I say that we should head up to Violet’s later on and spend some of our raise money on something fun. I want a cute cowgirl outfit for the…”

  “Hoedown?” Kate finally grinned if only slightly. “We could call it a barn dance if you like, but if you ask me I like hoedown.”

  “Then Whisper’s Edge is about to have our first ever hoedown! We could have a horseshoe tournament before the dinner and call it the Hoedown Throw Down.”

  This drew a small chuckle from Kate. “I like it. Call Jeff and book him for next Thursday.”

  “So, do you want to go shopping later?” Savannah persisted.

  Kate’s smile vanished. “I’m not feeling all that well, Savannah, and I’m not sure I’d make for good company. In fact, I believe I’m going to call it an early day and head home for a nap.”

  Savannah felt a flash of alarm. Kate never went home early.

  “Oh, sugar, don’t loo
k so stricken. I haven’t been sleeping well and I just need some time to myself to regroup. Hey, why don’t we close the office and you can head on up to Violet’s to shop. Take a well-deserved half day off. Okay?”

  No, it wasn’t okay, but Savannah nodded. “All right, but if you change your mind and want to join me, let me know.”

  “Thanks, sweetie.”

  “I’m worried about you.”

  “Oh, shush. I’ll survive. I always do.”

  Savannah nodded but then said, “You know, Kate, I truly don’t think that falling in love has any age boundaries. We see evidence of that every day right here in Whisper’s Edge. In other words, it’s never too late.”

  “I know that,” Kate admitted. “And I hate that Ben’s wounds are a lot fresher than mine and he’s the one willing to take a leap of faith and not me.”

  “But why aren’t you willing?” Savannah asked gently.

  Kate’s shoulders rose and then fell as she sighed. Finally, she said, “I guess I had resigned myself to the fact that, I don’t know, that my life was going to remain pretty much the same.”

  “But change can be a good thing.”

  “Yeah, and scary as hell.”

  “Maybe we both need to quit running scared and put our big-girl panties on.”

  “No fair quoting me,” Kate grumbled. But when she tried to make a face at Savanna she failed.

  “Talk to Ben, Kate. You owe him that much, at least,” Savannah gently urged. She was fond of Ben and hated to think of him hurting.

  Kate closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. “I hate that I’m acting this way,” she admitted in a shaky voice. “I’m just one big ole hot mess.”

  “That’s where the big-girl panties come into play,” Savannah reminded her.

  “Okay, but if I put on my big-girl panties, you have to do the same. Deal?”

  Savannah scooted from behind her desk, walked over and extended her hand toward Kate. “Deal.”

  Kate came around from behind her desk and shook Savannah’s hand, but then drew her close for a hug. “Ah, sugar, what would I do without you?” Because Savannah had spent her childhood feeling in the way and unloved, Kate’s words felt like a validation of worth. “Feeling needed and wanted is something I’ve never had, and I feel it every day here at Whisper’s Edge.”

  “Because you are, Savannah.”

  Savannah put her hands on Kate’s shoulders. “Call me later, okay?”

  Kate nodded. “I will. Now scoot on out of here and buy yourself something pretty.”

  “Okay. But try to get some rest. You look tired.”

  “I will. Now run along.” Kate made shooing motions toward the door.

  After giving Kate one last worried glance over her shoulder, Savannah left the office. She would have liked to have walked and enjoyed the pleasant weather but didn’t want to have to lug packages home and so she opted to drive up into town. She smiled as she drove past the Cougars stadium. Flags were up, indicating a home game. Cricket Creek continued to build on the success of the baseball complex, and she knew that more development was yet to come. But as Savannah turned down Main Street she was glad that the renovations hadn’t changed the charm of the small town. In fact, City Hall kept a careful eye on the historic buildings, and even the new strip mall had the appearance of old-fashioned brownstones. As luck would have it she found a parking spot on the street right in front of Violet’s Vintage Clothing.

  After getting out of her car she looked down the street, thinking that she’d like to pop into the used bookstore and browse and then perhaps pick up some baked goods at Grammar’s. She paused at the sale rack that Violet always had outside in the nice weather. Fifty percent off would always entice Savannah to pause. When she didn’t find anything that caught her eye she tugged the front door open.

  “Well, hello there, stranger!” Violet shouted when Savannah entered the shop. Spry as ever, she came from around the counter and gave Savannah a quick hug. “Looking for anything in particular on this fine day?”

  “Mmm, well, we’re going to have a good old-fashioned country music hoedown at Whisper’s Edge in a couple of weeks. If you have any cute cowgirl-looking stuff, that would be great. Boots would be even better.”

  Violet waved a hand. “Oh, what fun! I’ll look around for you. And I’ve got some pretty jewel-toned blouses over on the sale rack. Perfect for your gorgeous auburn hair.” She pointed to an artful display of shoes. “And just so you know those shoes were all donated for Mia Monroe’s Heels for Meals charity. All of the proceeds will go directly to needy families right here in Cricket Creek.”

  “Oh, what a great idea!” Savannah knew all too well the importance of charity for those in need and she was so glad that she wasn’t the only one in Cricket Creek who enjoyed giving back.

  Violet nodded her white head. “I’m on the committee and I’m happy to say that we’ve already done a lot of good in the community. I sure hate to think of anyone, especially a child, going hungry.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Savannah said. “If you have a flier or anything like that, I’ll be glad to post it on the bulletin board in the community center at Whisper’s Edge.”

  “Well, now,” Violet said, smiling, “it just so happens that I do! Remind me to give you a few as you leave.” She tapped her red, glossy-tipped fingernail against her cheek. “I don’t believe I have any boots right this minute but I’ll call you first thing if I get any.”

  “Oh, thanks, Violet. I’m a size eight.”

  “I’ll make a note of it. Now, you browse while I look around for some cowgirl attire. Maybe a denim skirt and tank beneath a Western-cut blouse? Oh, and I bet you can pick up a cowboy hat pretty cheap over at Wilson’s. They carry a bit of everything there.” She rubbed her hands together and grinned. “You’ll make such a cute little ole cowgirl, Savannah.”

  Savannah laughed. “Why, thank you.”

  “The dance seems like such a fun time! I wish I could go. There are not many activities for seniors around these parts.”

  “Well, Kate and I have actually been talking about expanding some of our activities at Whisper’s Edge to include Cricket Creek seniors. So, do you think that having craft classes, dances, and, you know, things like that, would go over?”

  Violet nodded firmly. “Oh, without a doubt! In fact, I would have moved there a while ago but y’all didn’t have anything available for sale. I know Whisper’s Edge needs a little updating but the river setting is so pretty and within walking distance of everything up here in town. If you’d add some new homes they’d be snatched up in nothing flat.” Violet snapped her finger.

  “Really?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “That’s good to know.” Savannah felt a surge of excitement. Did Tristan realize this? Savannah knew that there was occasional interest from local seniors but not how much. With a happy heart Savannah walked over to the shoe display and picked up a pair of cream-colored wedge-heeled espadrille sandals edged in black. They were surprisingly comfortable and made her feel tall…well, taller, anyway.

  “Oh, I have the perfect dress to go with those shoes!” Violet hurried over to a rack of dresses with a sign that read: JUST IN. She held it up. “What do you think?” Violet was so excited that she could barely stand still.

  Savannah walked over and looked at the crisscross halter-topped dress in soft cream eyelet lace. Her heart pounded a little bit harder. “Oh…do you think I could pull something like this off?”

  Violet frowned. “Child, whatever do you mean?”

  “My shoulders and, lordy, Violet, half of my back would be…exposed.” Her other dresses were much more conservative.

  “Savannah, this style is classic and feminine. The flared flirty skirt is so flattering. I think it will be a perfect fit too.” She skimmed her hand down the dress. “You could wear this out on a date or dress it down for a picnic. Wear a floppy straw hat!”

  Savannah pressed her lips together and hesitated. “But I�
�m, you know…a bit top heavy.” She rolled her eyes and laughed. “Well, and bottom heavy too.”

  Violet shook her white head so hard that her curls bounced. “Girl, show off what God gave ya. There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of cleavage or some junk in the trunk. Look, there’s even a built-in bra so you don’t have to bother with one of those strapless things that can slide down and be so annoying.” She thrust the garment at her. “Do me a favor and try it on, okay, sweetie?”

  “Okay…”

  “Goody!” Violet ignored Savannah’s hesitation with a wave of her hand. “In the meantime, I’ll look for some cowgirl attire and anything else that I think would flatter your hourglass figure. Who wants to be built like an ole stick anyway? Back in my heyday women were proud of their curves. Marilyn Monroe is a prime example. ‘Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world…’ and that’s a direct quote. Marilyn was a lot smarter than she ever got credit for.” Violet tapped her head.

  Savannah smiled with more conviction than she felt and headed to the dressing room. Developing ample curves at an early age had been uncomfortable for her and she’d always tried to play them down. Being ogled by strangers or, worse, by people you lived with always made her blush hotly and run for cover. She’d dressed in big sweatshirts whenever possible, so showing her body off never really occurred to Savannah.

  Savannah slipped into the dress and looked at her reflection in the mirror. “Oh my.” She put a hand to her throat. The crisscross neckline exposed her collarbone and the soft slope of her shoulders. While the cut was lower than she’d ever worn, it wasn’t too sexy.…Was it? Violet said it was classic. She sucked in her bottom lip and turned to the side. Oh, and Violet was right. The nip of the waistline and flare of the skirt was a style that was tailor made for Savannah’s body. After putting on the shoes, her legs appeared long! Well almost, but it was as good as it was going to get.