on one side of Emma. On Emma’s other side was Edna Baker, the chief of police’s grandmother. Emma knew all the women in the room. They frequented the café and felt like family to her. Tonight, there was Kaitlyn, Josie, Sophie, Edna, Nina, Halona, Brenna, Dawanda, and Janice Murphy. Everyone was keeping a close eye on Janice to make sure she didn’t get near the beverages that Brenna had brought. Janice had an uncontrolled inclination to spike drinks.
It was a small group tonight and not all the usual women could make it, but it was no less lively.
“Everyone, please make sure you go to Emma’s website and sign up for her 5K walk/run event with the Women’s Wellness Center this summer,” Kaitlyn called out to the group.
All the women turned to look at Emma with interest.
“It’s in honor of my mom,” she told those who didn’t know.
“Where can we sign up?” Josie asked, pulling her briefcase to her. She’d come straight here from work. She placed her ever-present laptop on her legs.
“Jenny’s Wellness Walk for Women dot org,” Emma rattled off. “There’s a twenty-dollar entry fee, but you get a T-shirt and all the money benefits the Women’s Wellness Center.”
“That is so wonderful. My fudge shop is a sponsor. You other entrepreneurs need to think about doing so as well.” Dawanda clapped her hands together and looked at Emma again. “Your mom would be so proud of you.”
Emma’s gaze fell to her lap. She wasn’t so sure. There were some things her mom would be happy over. But Jenny St. James would likely be disappointed in Emma for cowering away from taking care of her own health right now.
“Don’t worry. We will all be signing up,” Edna told Emma, gazing over the group with a stern motherly look that told those around her they better agree. She was just as tough as her police chief grandson.
“I appreciate it.” Emma offered a smile to her friends, hoping the subject would turn to someone else because she didn’t necessarily like being the center of attention.
“So,” Edna said, loud enough to gain everyone’s attention, “tell us about your new beau, Emma.”
Emma squirmed as everyone faced her once more. So much for not being the center of attention tonight.
“It’s not what you think, everyone,” Sophie told them before Emma could figure out what to say.
Emma felt her heart stop. She spun around to look at Sophie behind her, hoping to catch Sophie’s eye and stop her from spilling what was supposed to be a secret. Sophie wasn’t looking at her though.
“It’s all pretend,” Sophie told the ladies. “Jack is caring for his nephew this summer. He’s worried about his sister, so Emma and Jack let Amanda believe that they were dating for some reason. I don’t really get it, but it’s just pretend.”
Emma let her face fall into her hands. “Sophie,” she said, “I told you not to tell anyone.”
Sophie looked over. “You did? I thought you were only keeping it a secret from Sam so he wouldn’t tell Amanda, who doesn’t even live here.”
Emma shook her head. “No, but Jack and Amanda’s mom does. And his aunts and uncles. And word travels at light speed around here.”
Edna put a hand on Emma’s shoulder. “Oh, I was so thrilled when I heard that you and Jack were the town’s newest item. I’m sad to hear it isn’t true.”
“I’m sorry, Edna. But this secret stays in this room.” Emma looked around. She could trust Kaitlyn and Josie to keep her secret. Brenna too. It was mainly Dawanda, Edna, and Janice that worried her. Between the three of them, they’d told her many a secret that she wasn’t supposed to know.
“Jack has always been overprotective of his sister,” Dawanda told the group. “He’s such a sweetie. Handsome too. If I were you, I’d milk this pretend relationship for all it’s worth,” she told Emma. Then she pretended to zip her lips. “Don’t worry about me. I won’t tell a soul. I promise.”
Emma exhaled. “Thank you. It’s just a few weeks, and neither of us are interested in dating anyone or having a real relationship anyway. It’s kind of fun having someone I can call to do things like Music in the Park with.”
“That is the nice part of being half of a couple. You’re never alone. That’s also the downside,” Kaitlyn said. “Especially when you own a bed and breakfast.”
Everyone laughed.
Then Dawanda stood and got everyone’s attention. “Notice the table set up in the back? I’m