Saving Tess by J. Lynn Bailey

Author:J. Lynn Bailey [Bailey, J. Lynn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: contemporary romance
Publisher: J. House Publishing
Published: 2021-05-17T18:30:00+00:00

20

The Ladybugs

Winter is almost upon them, and the planning for the holiday fundraiser is moving right along.

Delveen and Pearl have been on their best behavior. Maybe Clyda scared the dickens out of them or they are really trying to do better. Either way, it’s made their group time far more enjoyable and more productive.

“Colt said he’d donate a jersey,” Delveen says. “I hope you don’t mind, Clyda, that I asked him.”

The group of women, aside from Delveen, are taken aback by her apology.

As far as they can remember, the last time Delveen apologized was in 1972 after an indiscretion that everyone talked about. But that’s for another time, another book.

“Whaaaat?” Delveen asks.

Four sets of eyes divert to plants, books, the restaurant windows as they shake their heads, murmur, “Nothing,” and shrug.

“Anyway,” Pearl says, “the Talcombs said they’d donate a two-night stay at The Shaw Inn.”

“Adam donated music lessons at The Steeple,” Mabe says.

Clyda almost blushes. But what’s more, Erla notices, is there’s a twinkle in her old friend’s eyes. Her husband has been gone for an awful long time, and Clyda has never taken up with another other man. “Carl donated a gift certificate from the Blacksmith Shop.”

Now, Erla thinks, that would be a couple—Carl and Clyda.

Pearl Harvey lets out an awful scream that carries right out of Dillon Creek Pizza, down Main Street, and to the world’s tallest living Christmas tree at the end of Main.

“What is it, Pearl?” Delveen’s face is full of concern.

“Something just brushed against my leg, and I’m … I’m too terrified to look!”

Mabe scoots back in her chair. “It’s just Mayor Charlie.”

He meows and wanders over to Mabe in search of treats.

Charlie is a tabby cat, and the unofficial mayor of Dillon Creek. He finds that it is his business to keep in everyone’s business and beg for treats, all while keeping the town running smoothly as well as a cat can—hence the name Mayor Charlie.

Everyone loves Charlie.

Officially owned and well cared for by the Boyton family, Charlie is also loved by the community of Dillon Creek. In fact, one year, he was the grand marshal in the Christmas tractor parade.

“Shoo, Charlie. The Ladybugs are trying to get some official business done.” Junie comes out, probably from Pearl’s god-awful scream, and picks him up. “Sorry, ladies.”

“It’s no bother, Junie,” Clyda says. “Us crazy, old ladies scare easy these days.”

Pearl is clearly embarrassed. “Sorry, folks. It was just Charlie,” she says, primarily to The Lunch Guys because they’re the only other patrons in the restaurant. She takes a sip of her water and shakes her head. “Now, where were we?”

Delveen looks at the time. “I’ve got to run, ladies. I have a hair appointment with Pixie.”

“You have your to-do list?” Erla asks.

“I do.” Pearl puts on her coat.

“Watch out for furry felines. I hear they’re ferocious these days!” Mabe calls as Pearl leaves.

But Pearl does something that makes the group of old women howl.

She turns around and flips them the bird.

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