A Contest for Christmas by Patricia PacJac Carroll

Author:Patricia PacJac Carroll [Carroll, Patricia PacJac]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: PacJac Publishing
Published: 2020-07-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Adelaide had just gone outside to sit on the porch when she saw Jennifer and Diane talking.

Then Jennifer walked up the porch and smiled at her. “Good evening, Adelaide. I had a lovely dinner with your friends. I’d love to stay and chat, but I’m tired. Working at the general store does wear me out.”

Adelaide didn’t say a word to the woman. Eating dinner with her friends, who could that be? Then she looked and saw Diane stop in the middle of the street and walk back to Angus. Her friends? Some friends.

The more she thought about it, the more she stewed. Finally, she walked out to Diane and called out for her.

Diane saw her and smiled. “Adelaide, did you enjoy your dinner?”

“Yes, did you?”

Diane looked at her. “Yes. I had stew and biscuits. But I skipped dessert.”

“I suppose you ate alone.”

Diane fidgeted.

Adelaide knew Diane was a lousy liar and wondered what she’d tell her.

“Actually, I had dinner with Jennifer and Angus. He came into town early.” She took hold of Adelaide’s arm. “And I have wonderful news.”

“What, that you have two men now, Jeff and Angus?”

“No, oh, Adelaide. I told Angus that you liked him, and he said he liked you too. He plans to make up for the last time when he went after Jennifer, and this time spend the dance with you.” Diane looked pleased with herself.

“Diane, please tell me you didn’t tell him that I liked him and that he’d hurt my feelings.”

“Well, yes, I did.” She pulled Adelaide aside. “That Jennifer, she is after all our men. I don’t know what she plans to do, she can’t marry them all, but watch her. She’s a menace.”

Adelaide shook her head. “I can’t believe you interfered with Angus and me. That was not your place at all. Now you’ve ruined things beyond repair. How will I know if he likes me for me or because he feels bad because of what you said? Why did you do it?”

Tears streamed down Diane’s face. “I was trying to help. Don’t be mad at me. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. Even when we were both going after Angus, I couldn’t take him from you.”

Adelaide folded her arms. “Well, maybe you’re right. I know you’re my friend, but it does hurt me that you went behind my back.”

Diane stared at her.

Adelaide studied her friend’s face and eyes. The look on Diane’s face told Adelaide volumes. She was leaving something out and wanted to tell her but was afraid to. Facing Diane, Adelaide concentrated on looking pleasant and, in a gentle voice, said, “What else?”

Diane blushed and looked away.

“What are you not telling me, Diane?”

With a heavy sigh, Diane nodded. “Jennifer was at the same table as Angus. They were eating together, and it bothered me so bad that I got up and joined them. To protect you.”

Adelaide hugged. “Thank you, Diane. Jennifer already told me she had dinner with Angus. She is a woman to watch.”

“I think she’s going after Jeff at the social.

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