Read Online Tied With a Bow and No Place to Go (Tizzy/Ridge Trilogy Book 3) by Ann Everett - Free Book Online

mismatched china, crystal, and silver were perfect for the
eclectic group about to arrive. If things got out of hand and dishes started to
fly, at least it wouldn’t ruin a set. After the earlier fiasco with Molly,
Deborah and Kassie, a cat fight was a definite possibility. To lower the risk
of an outbreak, place cards marked each setting to keep the three women as far
away from one another as possible.
    Synola handed Tizzy a clean apron as she and Rayann came
from the kitchen. Slipping the pink pinafore over her head and tying it, Tizzy
said, “Well, we look official now.”
    “The only thing that’d make it better would be to have
guns,” Synola said.
    Rayann rested her hand on her chest and fingered a loose
thread trailing from the logo embroidered across the bib. “Don’t say that. I’m
scared to death this will turn out in a horrible way. We may need security.”
    “We’re way ahead of you,” Pattiecake said, straightening a
Wedgwood Kutani Crane plate.
    “Uh-huh,” Sugarpie said. “Jinx is gonna be here to keep an
eye on the ladies, and he’s bringing cocktails.”
    Synola sighed. “I could use a drink right now.”
    “Speaking of Jinx,” Rayann said to Tizzy, “Did you have a
chance to mention my problem to him?”
    “Yes, and he and I are going to tail Bubba. We just need you
to call us on his next day off, when he leaves to go fishing.”
    Wrinkles lined Rayann’s forehead and her answer came in a
whisper. “Okay.”
    Jinx swaggered in, the afternoon sun highlighting everything
good about him—and it was all good. Black hair slicked into a ponytail at the
nape of his neck—blue polo shirt the exact color of his eyes. He grinned at the
group and went straight to Sugarpie and kissed her cheek. “Hi, Momma, I have
the drinks in my truck at the back door. If you’ll unlock, I’ll unload.”
    Synola wagged her head. “Better to lock and load for this
bunch.”
    “What did you make us?” Tizzy asked.
    “It’s a new drink I wanted to try and it ain’t half bad.
It’s called Hop, Skip, and Go Naked.”
    Everyone laughed and Tizzy asked, “What’s in it?”
    “Limeade, lemonade, lemon-lime soda, vodka, and beer.” He
swaggered over to Synola and put his arm around her shoulders. “Hey, sugar
britches.”
    Synola shrugged away and put her hands on her hips. “Don’t
start with me.”
    “Oh.” Jinx’s baby blues twinkled. “Honey bunch, you know I’m
more interested in the finish.”
    Synola’s lips twisted. She pulled a small notebook from her
pocket, jotted something in it, then glared at him. “Shut up.”
    He stepped closer, and traced a finger along her cheek. “Say
what you want, but ever since you moved back to town, I’ve been your
inspiration—your muse for those snappy hangtags you write for the clothing
company. And just to prove it . . .” He reached into her pocket.
    She swatted at him, but he got the book and flipped to the
last page. “Let’s see here. Ah, from start to finish, Luscious Legs jeans are
perfect for any occasion.” He double-dimpled her. “I rest my case.”
    “Don’t flatter yourself,” she shot back. “Today’s occasion
inspired that.”
    “Sure it did.” He whipped around and strolled through the
kitchen to unload the drinks.
    Tizzy watched him leave, then spoke to her mom. “Who’s
coming today?”
    Pattiecake counted off on her fingers as she named them.
“Kassie, Molly and Deborah will be back, unless they’ve killed one another.
Neely Jean Simpson, Janie Sue Thompson, Stella Chilton, Mary Jo Bryant, and
Lounell Hampton.”
    Jinx and Sugarpie returned, carrying a tray of glasses and a
pitcher of amber-colored liquid.
    Tizzy stared past Pattiecake through the big plate glass
windows at the first arrival. A blue Thunderbird convertible wheeled in and two
ladies exited. “Who’s that?” she asked her mom.
    “Mary Jo and Stella.”
    Tizzy walked to the center table and read the place cards.
“Not at this one.”
    Synola glanced