sir! But she’d been consumed with her daughter’s life since the divorce, and now Rebecca was gone. She thought about the empty house with no one to keep her company—well, that was downright scary.
Joanie pointed at her. “You’re awfully quiet.”
“It’s not polite to talk with your mouth full of food.” Diana stood and started putting all the trash in one disposable tray to throw away. They’d run from their empty nests by taking this trip, but they were waiting for them when they got home—Carmen’s maybe even more than the others because she had to face hers with no husband or daughter in the house. But then maybe Joanie would have a tough time, too, since she’d be faced with leaving. Diana had heard all her life about how change was good, but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t be painful.
“I’m plumb worn out,” Tootsie said on Sunday evening when they reached the hotel after the second day of shopping. “I barely have enough energy for our meeting, but we all need it, and besides, the wine will give me a fresh burst. Should we get some pizza delivered to go with it?”
“I’ve eaten too much for two days,” Carmen said with a groan. “But I did buy some pecan tassies from a vendor that will go well with the wine.”
“And I bought some brown-sugar fudge to take home, but if we want to sample it, there’s plenty,” Joanie offered.
“I could toss some chocolate-covered pretzels into the mix,” Diana suggested.
“Y’all save all that to take home and share with Luke. I tucked a package of Oreos into my suitcase, and since they’re dark, I brought red wine.” Tootsie got into the elevator. “We’ll meet in mine and Carmen’s room in half an hour. That’ll give us all time to get a shower and into our comfortable pajamas.”
“I’m glad we’ve got rooms right across the hall from each other. My pajamas are pretty ratty,” Joanie laughed.
“Sounds like that would be a good present for you.” Tootsie was first out into the short hallway when the elevator doors opened. “Which reminds me, Diana and Luke both have a birthday while we’re in Scrap. Luke’s is on Thanksgiving this year. We’ll have a party for Diana on the fifteenth, but we’ll combine Luke’s with Thanksgiving.” She touched her key card to the device on the door. “See y’all in a little bit.”
“You want the first shower?” Carmen asked when they were in the room.
“No, you go on ahead. I’ll sit down and catch my breath. I’d forgotten how tiring two whole days of shopping can be.” Tootsie dropped her loaded bag on the floor and slumped down on the end of the sofa.
She waited until she heard the water running in the shower and then grabbed her phone from her purse. Luke sounded out of breath when he answered on the third ring. “Hello. Y’all havin’ fun?”
“We’re plumb tuckered out,” Tootsie answered. “How’s Dolly? Is she missing me?”
“She sits in your recliner and pouts,” Luke chuckled. “So what’s been going on? Y’all got lots of shopping done?”
“We decided not to talk about our problems for the whole two days,” Tootsie said, “and we haven’t, but I guess Joanie’s move is really happening, because Brett called a real estate agent and got things started. I thought they might back out and he’d decide to get a job in San Antonio, but no.”
“Does that make you sad?” Luke asked.
“A little. I’m happy for her, but it’s going to be an adjustment for all of us, and right here on the heels of their girls all leaving and Smokey’s death. Seems like it’s a lot to handle at once.” Tootsie kicked off her shoes and propped up her feet on the coffee table.
“How would you feel about me buying Joanie’s house?” he asked.
Tootsie almost dropped the phone. “Are you serious? I’d love to have you close by. You don’t even need to ask such a thing.” She wanted to squeal, but if she did, Carmen would come rushing to see if she was hurt.
“It’s just something I’ve been thinking about this weekend. Don’t say anything to Joanie yet, until I make up my mind. But I would like to know who the real estate agent is so I can be first in line to make a bid,” he said.
“Oh, Luke!” Tootsie sighed. “That’s just the best news I’ve had in a long time. I’ll find out for you. Got to go now. It’s my turn for a