Meredith turned to Amy. “You and your fiancé are coming, right?”
“Our first date night for a while. Justin’s been crazy busy with midterms over at the university for the last few weeks.” Amy put the last chair under the table by where we were standing. “You and Neal are married, right? Did you get married locally? What was your venue?”
I giggled and Amy threw me a dirty look. “Sorry, but I’m glad you have a new victim in this whole marriage insanity.”
Darla picked up all three clipboards and tucked them into her tote. “I was going to mention that Matt’s not going to be able to come. He’s in Missouri at his folks’ house doing some sort of farm stuff. Plowing or planting or something. He’s told me, but I keep forgetting. I don’t even have a garden or an inside plant. He really shouldn’t expect me to follow his discussion on crop raising.”
“Darla, a farm wife.” I tried out the image. It didn’t take. Although the girl was so crazy in love with her boyfriend, Matt, I wouldn’t put it past her to at least try.
“Don’t start. Anyway, sorry about the late notice.” She turned away from me and focused on Meredith.
“No problem.” Meredith glanced at Evie. “Do you want to come? We’re set up for ten—the guy who runs the antique shop is bringing his girlfriend and a couple who’s staying at Main Street Bed and Breakfast this week.”
Evie’s eyes widened. “Me? You’re inviting me to the party?”
“Free of charge. I need to get some karma going around here and I’d rather not bring in just anyone.” She looked around the room. “Some of the local artists are kind of touchy when you talk about teaching others how to paint. Everyone has an opinion. Like they’re all Degas or Monet. I’ve visited most of the galleries here, and although they do a great job in seascapes, I’m certain no one is going to break out and take over the art world.”
I decided right there and then that I liked Meredith. I had always thought our artist members of the business to business group were a bit too in love with themselves. Meredith seemed down-to-earth and a great judge of character. “Evie, you need to come. It will be a great way to meet other people in South Cove.”
“I like the people I know. I’d hate to risk fate.” Evie glanced around the shop, now put back together for the day’s business. Her grip tightened on Homer, who’d stopped growling but was still watching Meredith closely. “I’ll think about it. What time?”
“It starts about six thirty. Greg doesn’t like to be out late on a work night.” I glanced over at Toby, who was behind the counter. A line was starting to form. Most of the students from the cosmetology school were here for their morning break. “I need to go help Toby. See you all tonight. Evie, I’ll stop at the apartment if you want to walk over with us.”
“I do need to get out. So, yes, that would be perfect. Thank you.” Evie moved toward the back door to the apartment. “I might have to take a break to check on Homer. He’s having some problems adjusting.”
“Oh no.” I rubbed the little dog’s chin. “Are you homesick, Homer?”
“No, he’s not. Neither one of us are.” Evie turned on her heel and stomped toward the back door.
I watched her leave before asking the group, “Did I say something wrong?”
“Not that I heard. Maybe she’s just a little nervous about leaving the dog?” Amy put her hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. We’re just getting to know one another. You know that process takes some time. She moved from a house on an acre outside of New York City; living here in an apartment must be a total change.”
I glanced at the line, which seemed to be even longer, so I excused myself and went to help Toby. But my thoughts were stuck on Evie. Was she going to fit in? Was this just an isolated incident or would our customer service suffer from her verbal snaps?
Amy turned down meeting for lunch when she came to say goodbye. She was driving into the city to meet Justin that afternoon because Mayor Baylor and his wife, Tina, were off on a cruise. From what I saw, our mayor did a lot of vacationing under the guise of networking and promotion. I wasn’t sure people who cruised were actually