Read Online Tapestry of Trust by Mary Annslee Urban - Free Book Online Page B

help she’ll be. Charlie shrugged. “There must be a map somewhere.”
    Blowing out a breath, he checked around. Only a maze of aisles stared back. He scratched his head and studied the list in his hand. Two pages of possibilities.
    “May I help you, sir?”
    Help? Yep, that’s what he needed. He glanced in the direction of the voice.
    “I’m looking for a shower gift.”
    “A wedding shower gift, Charlie.” Erica glared at him. “You have to be more specific.
    Charlie restrained from rolling his eyes. “OK. A wedding shower gift.”
    The portly woman finished plumping a tiger striped throw pillow and walked toward Charlie. He tried not to stare, but one look at the sales woman’s leopard print outfit, and he couldn’t help thinking she could have doubled for one of the pillows she’d been sorting. Clearing his voice, he forced the distraction aside. “I have this registration list. I think that’s what this is.”
    “Gift registry.” The clerk, whose nametag read Betsy , stopped in front of him and proffered her hand. “Can I see the list?”
    Charlie handed it over, feeling a bit awkward for shower shopping in the first place. As a youngster, he remembered his mother attended some, but never his father. Something new in the world of weddings, he guessed.
    “This way.”
    Charlie, with Erica at his heels, followed the salesclerk around a bin of plastic utensils. “We’ll start with the bathroom accessories.” Raising her arm, she pointed to somewhere in the distance.
    Great, a tour of the store. Even better than a map. She ushered them through the layaway section and down a narrow, soap-scented aisle. Rubbing his nose, Charlie glanced to the right, then the left. From Texas-shaped sinks to His and Hers monogrammed robes, the shelves were loaded with possibilities. A field day for shopaholics, he’d bet. Which didn’t include him.
    The clerk pointed out each registered item and gave a detailed description, including color options and availability. He’d never heard anyone talk so fast. Before he processed the data, the woman walked on, moving non-stop like a wind-up toy.
    “Wait up lady, I’m in heels.” Erica squealed from behind them.
    Charlie shook his head, not having any trouble keeping up with Betsy.
    From the aisle they were in, Betsy doubled back around the corner and motioned Erica forward.
    Erica caught up, giving both Betsy and him a look of disgust. “You’re not being much of a gentlemen, Charlie.”
    “Hey, I didn’t ask you to come.” Charlie whispered, not wanting to make a scene. “But as long as you’re here, let me know if you see anything Mark and Kate might like.”
    Erica beamed. “And you didn’t think you’d need me.”
    Brother. “Just tell me when you see something. OK?” He hissed under his breath.
    “Is this your first shower?” Betsy glanced back over her shoulder.
    “Yes. First one.” Charlie nodded.
    The sound of high heels clicking against the tile floor kept time with his steps.
    “Actually, we were both invited to another. But he refused to attend.”
    Erica cast him a dark glance.
    He averted her stare and didn’t comment. He would have declined this time if Isabelle hadn’t been involved.
    After they wove in and out of several more aisles, with Betsy pointing out several more items on the list, she stopped and gestured to a display to her right. “These are self-watering planters.” Her eyes glinted. “Since the bride and groom haven’t made a specific selection, you can choose the one you like.”
    Laughing, Erica stared at the happy-grow hippo and frog planters. “They have these on their list?”
    Pressing her lips together, Betsy plunked her fists on her hips.
    Charlie put his hands in his pocket and tried not to cringe. “Betsy, how many more items are on that list?”
    “We’re almost done.” Her dark brows lifted. “Unless, you’ve already decided on something?”
    He glanced at Erica, hoping for once she could help him