Christmas Hearts in July by Marlene Bierworth

Author:Marlene Bierworth [Bierworth, Marlene]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-07-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 8

Late the next afternoon, found Travis, the social convenor, addressing those planning to attend the dance in town as to the proper attire. Pineville took Christmas in July seriously and that evening was the kick off event. The Inn even had accessories to offer guests, in case they hadn’t read the brochure outlining the down-home theme that required country-Christmas attire.

Jolene had packed hers, for she loved line dancing and the idea of learning how to square dance thrilled her. These steps involved groups, and being minus a partner was the perfect solution to her single status. She’d have fun if it killed her, vowing to herself not to give Craig and Selene a moment of her attention.

Jolene stood listening to his spiel close to the front entrance, when the door swung open and royalty stepped inside. The woman appeared to silence the room as she halted to scan the group gathered in the entrance hall. The busboy, concentrating on dragging the enormous suitcase in behind her, nearly bumped into her stationary figure. Jolene covered her mouth to smother a snicker when she saw his shocked expression and the woman’s scant acknowledgment of him cowering behind her.

The woman wore a sweeping hat, littered with silk daisies and daffodils on top of her head, the only thing missing, in Jolene’s opinion, was a bird nesting within the folds of the net. Definitely a trend setter. She did not have to wonder for long if she was the Sheki her father had talked to on the phone.

Selene’s voice shrieked inside the room of silent and mesmerized guests. The new arrival seemed to demand attention without uttering a word. “Mother! What are you doing here?” the daughter yelled as she rushed toward her.

Their embrace was rather comical. Jolene preferred the strong all-encompassing kind of hug to the mere touch of the shoulders and a peck on the cheek.

“Why, dear, I called your office to congratulate you on your promotion only to learn that wretched Cherise Queen gave it to someone else.” She cast sympathetic eyes on her daughter. “You really should get off your high-horse and come work for me.”

“Mother, we’ve been over this,” Selene whispered. “I will make a name for myself without your interference. It’s the only way to gain respect when I arrive at the top.”

“Respect is highly overrated in the work force.”

Sheki looked beyond Selene to where Craig stood waiting. She reached out her hand to him, and as if he were a lowly subject, he inched forward to accept it. Jolene felt immensely grateful that her father had never included her in any social events involving the upper-crust, and as she witnessed Craig touch the glove—ever so gingerly—she could see the humor hiding behind his eyes. Jolene knew him far too well.

“So nice to meet you, Ms. Gabel,” Craig said.

“My naughty daughter has kept us apart, and now I know the reason why. You are quite the catch.” Craig bit his lip to hide the dimples that always betrayed his inner thoughts.

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