Can't Hurry Love (Sunshine Valley #1) - Melinda Curtis Page 0,110
all that shocking. The fact that it was Wendy was. Put Wendy in a lineup with Mary Margaret, Avery, even Marcia, and people would assume they were playing a game of Which One of These Objects Doesn’t Belong?
Which wasn’t fair. When it came to Randy, Lola was increasingly convinced that her husband didn’t have a type.
“Becky, honey,” Lola said, “go downstairs and tell everyone to line up for makeup. You can go first.”
“Yes, Ms. Williams.” Becky gathered the ends of her toga and scampered off.
Wendy stood frozen, her shoulders hunched and her eyes cast down, as if someone had warned her a T. rex was in the building and it would find her if she moved.
Lola held up her hands. “I’m not mad.”
“Please don’t tell Drew.” Wendy swallowed and rephrased. “Please don’t tell anyone. It was after Jane left and long before you came to town. I felt so alone.”
“Your secret is safe with me.” And Lola meant it. Besides, no one would believe her anyway. “Hold up. Why wouldn’t you want Drew to know?”
“Because he might start asking other questions.” Wendy glanced around, making sure they were alone. “He’s so curious about my life, and I…” Here her voice dropped to a whisper. “I don’t make those Bundt cakes.”
Lola wobbled in her heels and latched on to Wendy’s shoulders for balance. “Get out.”
“I’m a terrible person.” Wendy looked like she might crumple. “I wasn’t supposed to wear that evening gown at the fashion show. I switched it.” She glanced around again, making sure they still wouldn’t be overheard. “And I stole that fairy makeup idea from you. The town saw it on me first so I’ll get the credit when they see it on the kids in the play. I just…I’ve always taken care of my mom, and sometimes I feel like I have to take shortcuts to catch up.”
“Your secrets are safe with me.” Lola righted herself. “I think…I think I’m honored that you shared them with me.”
“Really?” Wendy’s eyes teared up. “And I’m not a terrible person?”
“You’re a fantastic person, deserving of the limelight.” Lola would gladly give it up to her. She handed the bracelet to Wendy. “You don’t wear perfume, do you?”
Wendy shook her head.
“That’s a shame.” Because somewhere, when Lola least expected it, the scent of Joy would ambush her.
* * *
“You’re late,” Rupert said in a low voice on Wednesday morning when Drew made it into Judge Harper’s office at 8:01.
Jane and Oliver were just passing through the open door to the judge’s chambers.
“I’m almost late,” Drew said in an equally low voice. He’d gotten caught in school drop-off traffic. He hurried inside, taking the same seat he’d occupied last week.
Judge Harper sat behind his desk, drumming his fingers together as he studied Drew with beady eyes.
“You feeling okay, Judge?” Drew asked, because if anything, the old man looked worse than he had last week. Cheeks more hollow. Eyes more sunken. Lips paler than…
“I’ll most likely outlive you, the way you’re going,” the judge snapped.
Drew wasn’t sure what that was supposed to mean. A quick glance at Rupert didn’t shed any light on the old man’s comments either.
“I’ll start with you, young lady.” Judge Harper scowled. “I told you what I wanted you to do. I’ve got a report here from the sheriff that says you only did as I asked for two nights.”
“With all due respect…” Oliver leaned forward. “It was cold out there, Dad.”
“It’s Judge Harper in the courthouse!” The old man slapped the flat of his hand on his desk. “I may have forgotten more things than you’ll ever know about the law but I would never forget to give a judge about to hear your case the respect his office deserves.”
Rupert didn’t bother smirking at his brother. He smirked at the dark-green velvet curtains behind the judge instead.
“Sorry, Judge Harper.” Oliver cleared his throat. “My client was cold and sought shelter.”
“Your client was weak and continues to be unemployed.” Judge Harper tossed his hands. “What could you possibly have learned, young lady, when you couldn’t stomach a week alone?”
Jane sat straight, her hands clasped as they’d been last week. “I learned who my friends are in town.”
The judge’s shaggy gray brows wagged up and down. “Go on.”
“I learned who I can rely on.” Her eyes were wide and innocent, and she had a rueful slant to her lips. “And I know who’d rather see me disappear in the cemetery for good.”