A Fool's Gold Wedding - Susan Mallery Page 0,4
too important or something, only he’s coming to Fool’s Gold like now. In fact, I’m supposed to go pick him up in a few minutes and I don’t know what to do with him. He’s in town for three weeks! Can you believe it? The entire three weeks before the wedding and I’m responsible for him. Only I have things to do and a couple of surprises for my sister, but Melissa said she needed my help so here I am.”
Simon frowned. “How do I fit in?”
“Oh. Sorry. He’s a gifted surgeon.” She used air quotes and rolled her eyes as she spoke. “I doubt he’s all that, but if he is, I’m not going to be able to talk to him. He’s like supersmart and he went to college even younger than you did. So do you have any ideas on what I should talk about or say?”
“How old is he?”
“Um, I’m not sure. Twenty-eight-ish. Maybe thirty.”
Simon leaned back in his chair. “Now I’m starting to worry about you, Abby. You’re telling me that a single, age-appropriate man who happens to be a doctor needs a little attention from you and you’re not sure what to do?”
“It’s not romantic,” she grumbled. “He sounds awful.”
“He sounds lonely.”
“You’ve never met him. He could be a jerk.”
“Or he could just be a guy who wants to spend some time in Fool’s Gold.”
“Really?”
“You won’t know until you meet him. As for what to talk about? You’re an intelligent woman. You’ll figure it out. Just be yourself. He won’t be able to help being charmed.”
If only, she thought glumly. “You’re not being very helpful.”
“Sorry. Tell you what. Montana and I will buy the two of you dinner one night. That will fill some time.”
She smiled. “Thanks. That would be nice.” She always enjoyed spending time with her aunt and uncle. And if Joaquin was too stuffy to appreciate the evening, then he was a big ol’ butthead.
“So no other words of wisdom?” she asked wistfully.
“Sorry, no. Look, if he’s as smart as you say, and he went to college when he was still a kid, then he’s never had a normal life. Show him what that’s like. Do regular, fun things. Let him into your world. You’ll do fine. If that doesn’t work, flash him a smile and you’ll reduce him to stammering.”
“Unlikely. Need I remind you that Melissa’s the pretty sister?”
“Sorry, no, she’s not. And I’m a doctor so my opinion counts more than everyone else’s.”
She laughed as she stood. “You’re very good to me.”
Simon rose and held out his arms. She circled the desk and hugged him. He kissed the top of her head.
“Love you, kid,” he said.
“I love you, too. Now I’m going to gird my loins and face Joaquin.” She paused. “Why do people gird their loins?”
“To protect them in battle.” He winked. “It’s a guy thing.”
“Nearly everything is. I’ll be in touch to set up that dinner.” Her mood brightened. “Unless he gets bored and goes back to whatever hospital he works in.”
“Your luck’s not that good.”
“Tell me about it.”
* * *
ABBY STOOD IN front of Ronan’s Lodge. The hotel was beautiful—built in the 1800s and, um, there was a lot of carved wood. Sheesh! She’d lived in Fool’s Gold her whole life. She really should learn something about the history of the big hotel in the center of town.
Of course she knew the basics, but the particulars, like who built what and why, had never seemed overly important. She should get a book or something and brush up on her local history. She could figure out a walking tour of the city with lots of fun facts and then give it to her students to complete over winter or spring break. That would be interesting for them and their families. Plus, it would make sure everyone was outside and doing something physical. Sometimes it was too easy to stay indoors on a computer or tablet.
She sent herself a reminder, then returned her attention to the hotel. There was no escape, she told herself. And the sooner she started, the sooner it would be over. Not that she liked wishing away three weeks of her life—especially when they were three weeks she’d been looking forward to. With Melissa working until the Thursday before her big day, Abby had volunteered to take care of anything that came up. Their mom was around to help, as well, which made it even more fun. Plus, there were the special projects Abby wanted