but I'm afraid the space for the cocktails will be cramped. It's too bad that other section is already booked.”
“I'm glad you cut out the turkey station,” Anita countered, raking her short, layered white hair. Her fingernails flashed with bright red polish, a color that would look garish on Kate. “That was totally unnecessary. I still think you could have negotiated a better price on the liquor.”
Although younger, Kate colored her hair an attractive auburn that complemented her fair complexion. Dalton's mother had liked how Marla feathered her hair about her face while on their cruise aboard the
Tropical Sun.
Kate had gotten her hairdresser in Maine to maintain the style.
“I told you cost wouldn't be an issue,” Kate said. “John and I are very willing to pitch in.”
“Actually,” Anita retorted, “the kids could use any money saved for more important things, like better window treatments in their new house. All they get are those standard white blinds. Drapes are so much more insulating.”
Yeah, as well as being dust magnets.
“Thanks for your generous offer, Kate, but you've got your own investment in a condo to consider.” Marla dug out her car keys from her purse.
“You're right, but we're still willing to contribute.” Kate rustled in her handbag for a tissue and wiped her face. “Whew. Is it always this hot in November? Maybe we should stay in Maine until December next year.”
Marla unlocked the car doors and slid into her seat. “We're supposed to get a cold front tonight. That counts as our change of seasons. It should be refreshingly drier in the morning.”
“How is your house hunting going?” Anita asked Kate. She sat on the passenger side, while Kate folded into the rear.
“I like the condo we're renting,” Kate said, “but it's too expensive to buy, especially with all the other bargains out there. We're taking our time. Insurance is the other issue. Homeowners policies in South Florida are wickedly expensive.”
“Tell me about it.” Marla started the engine. Soon she'd be paying insurance on two places—her townhouse, which she hoped to rent out, plus their new residence. Not to mention property taxes. Ma was right. She should pare back the wedding costs to save money for future expenses.
“What's next on the list?” Kate fastened her seat belt as Marla drove toward the exit.
“The florist. I want to show you his sample arrangements.” This was the first day she'd been able to get both of the elder women together. Previously, she'd made the rounds with Dalton to sign the contracts and make their basic choices. “Then we'll go to the bridal shop to look at dresses.”
“I hope you're not looking for anything too extravagant,” Anita commented. “Gowns can be awfully expensive.”
“I know. There's one I like, but I want your opinion on it before I decide.”
“You'll look lovely in white,” Kate said dreamily.
Anita clucked her tongue. “Ivory goes better with your complexion.”
Uh, oh.
Marla sensed another argument brewing. “Kate, I wonder if your real estate agent knows Kevin Rhodes, Jill's cousin? Or are you still using that woman from Tampa?”
On their recent cruise, Kate and her husband, John, had met a Realtor with connections in the art world. Dalton's retired father hoped to exhibit his stained-glass designs at shows around the country, a plan that didn't earn Kate's enthusiasm.
“We're working with someone local now. I can ask her. Why? Does it have anything to do with that bride's sister who died at the wedding?”
Keeping her eyes on the road, Marla nodded. “Remember how I told you that Jill and Torrie co-owned a piece of commercial property? Kevin is trying to find them a new tenant.”
“Did Jill inherit her sister's share?” Anita cast an innocent glance in Marla's direction.
Marla smiled inwardly. Anita rarely encouraged her crime solving, usually warning her against getting involved. However, Ma wasn't about to let Kate
“I'm glad you cut out the turkey station,” Anita countered, raking her short, layered white hair. Her fingernails flashed with bright red polish, a color that would look garish on Kate. “That was totally unnecessary. I still think you could have negotiated a better price on the liquor.”
Although younger, Kate colored her hair an attractive auburn that complemented her fair complexion. Dalton's mother had liked how Marla feathered her hair about her face while on their cruise aboard the
Tropical Sun.
Kate had gotten her hairdresser in Maine to maintain the style.
“I told you cost wouldn't be an issue,” Kate said. “John and I are very willing to pitch in.”
“Actually,” Anita retorted, “the kids could use any money saved for more important things, like better window treatments in their new house. All they get are those standard white blinds. Drapes are so much more insulating.”
Yeah, as well as being dust magnets.
“Thanks for your generous offer, Kate, but you've got your own investment in a condo to consider.” Marla dug out her car keys from her purse.
“You're right, but we're still willing to contribute.” Kate rustled in her handbag for a tissue and wiped her face. “Whew. Is it always this hot in November? Maybe we should stay in Maine until December next year.”
Marla unlocked the car doors and slid into her seat. “We're supposed to get a cold front tonight. That counts as our change of seasons. It should be refreshingly drier in the morning.”
“How is your house hunting going?” Anita asked Kate. She sat on the passenger side, while Kate folded into the rear.
“I like the condo we're renting,” Kate said, “but it's too expensive to buy, especially with all the other bargains out there. We're taking our time. Insurance is the other issue. Homeowners policies in South Florida are wickedly expensive.”
“Tell me about it.” Marla started the engine. Soon she'd be paying insurance on two places—her townhouse, which she hoped to rent out, plus their new residence. Not to mention property taxes. Ma was right. She should pare back the wedding costs to save money for future expenses.
“What's next on the list?” Kate fastened her seat belt as Marla drove toward the exit.
“The florist. I want to show you his sample arrangements.” This was the first day she'd been able to get both of the elder women together. Previously, she'd made the rounds with Dalton to sign the contracts and make their basic choices. “Then we'll go to the bridal shop to look at dresses.”
“I hope you're not looking for anything too extravagant,” Anita commented. “Gowns can be awfully expensive.”
“I know. There's one I like, but I want your opinion on it before I decide.”
“You'll look lovely in white,” Kate said dreamily.
Anita clucked her tongue. “Ivory goes better with your complexion.”
Uh, oh.
Marla sensed another argument brewing. “Kate, I wonder if your real estate agent knows Kevin Rhodes, Jill's cousin? Or are you still using that woman from Tampa?”
On their recent cruise, Kate and her husband, John, had met a Realtor with connections in the art world. Dalton's retired father hoped to exhibit his stained-glass designs at shows around the country, a plan that didn't earn Kate's enthusiasm.
“We're working with someone local now. I can ask her. Why? Does it have anything to do with that bride's sister who died at the wedding?”
Keeping her eyes on the road, Marla nodded. “Remember how I told you that Jill and Torrie co-owned a piece of commercial property? Kevin is trying to find them a new tenant.”
“Did Jill inherit her sister's share?” Anita cast an innocent glance in Marla's direction.
Marla smiled inwardly. Anita rarely encouraged her crime solving, usually warning her against getting involved. However, Ma wasn't about to let Kate
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