Page 33 of Proof

Stillwell Center

Thursday

The Big Event

Ellie, Luna, and Chi-Chi were accustomed to putting events together, but those were their own events, not someone else’s. Still, so far, things were going along as planned. Ellie made sure via social media that people were informed the center would be closed to the public on Thursday beginning at six p.m. for a private function.

Ellie had always considered renting out the space for private occasions, but there was already enough going on all the time. Adding more tasks to the existing workload might put everyone over the top, especially her. But this was an emergency. She remembered when she was in college, many years ago, when a prom or a dance was on the calendar. You spent weeks getting ready. The dress. The shoes. The accessories. Testing various hairstyles. What kind of corsage? Did they still do that, she wondered? Corsages? Today, many went to the events solo, or with a friend. Having a date was not the norm anymore, much to the relief of many. No pressure. Just get yourself dolled up and have a good time with your friends.

Ellie was the first one at the center that morning, with Ziggy and Marley in tow. She opened the large patio doors and let them run to the doggie park. Alex would be along shortly to take care of any messes they might create.

Luna was the next to arrive with Wylie, who immediately headed for the patio to see his buddies. She fired up the coffee machine and walked to The Flakey Tart to meet up with Heidi Dugan. Heidi prepared orders of scones and croissants for The Namaste Café, and Luna sold them. Luna had a placard next to the basket stating where the baked goods came from, hoping to prompt people to buy more. It was that type of camaraderie that made the center extra special, in addition to the unique art and specialties it offered.

Luna always added four extra scones to her order, for Chi-Chi, Cullen, Ellie, and herself. It had become part of their morning ritual. The three women would meet at Luna’s while Cullen was banished to his workshop. He didn’t mind one bit. He’d rather be whittling at something or replacing hinges.

Ellie gave Luna a look of concern. “Are you alright, dear? You look a bit weary.”

“Not enough sleep.”

Chi-Chi floated in like a colorful sunrise, her hair wrapped in a matching scarf that secured the braids down her back. She pulled out a chair and plopped herself down, a very un-Chi-Chi-like move.

“Whoa. What’s up?” Luna asked.

“My brother. He is coming to town this weekend.”

Everyone groaned at the same time. Just the mention of his name conjured thoughts of him with Jennine May. “She is going to be all over you,” Luna said.

“I know,” Chi-Chi moaned. Then she sat up straight. “I have a wonderful idea. I will tell her Abeo is coming, and would she have dinner with him on Saturday.”

“Well, that would get him out of your hair.”

“And we have dinner plans, do we not?” Chi-Chi reminded Luna.

“True. I thought you would invite him to join us,” Luna said evenly.

“Oh, please. I am certain Jennine would be a better option.” Chi-Chi sipped her coffee and eyed the other women over her cup.

Luna burst out laughing. “I couldn’t agree more!”

Ellie, too, was laughing. “I so much enjoy our morning gatherings.”

“I cannot wait to tell her—I mean ask her,” Chi-Chi proclaimed with a devilish grin.

“What do you think Abeo is going to say?” Luna asked.

“It does not matter. He will go with her. I will insist.”

The three women were on the verge of hysterics when Luna noticed Jennine opening her shop. She motioned in Jennine’s direction. “Get to it, girlfriend.”

Chi-Chi stood and smoothed her red and gold dashiki, then adjusted her head wrap. “Excuse me,” she said politely, then turned and glided across the atrium.

Ellie and Luna were giggling. Jennine was known to be a bit like Blanche from The Golden Girls. If there was a man within fifty feet, she would sniff him out. If he was single, she would attach herself to one of his appendages. She had several options depending on how brave or petrified he was.

“I wonder what Chi-Chi is going to do if Abeo and Jennine go back to her place?” Luna rested her chin on her propped fists.

“Maybe they’ll go back to Jennine’s,” Ellie suggested.

“Well, if I know Chi-Chi, she is going to instruct her brother to figure it out.” The two friends laughed as they squinted to see if they could make out what the other two women were saying.

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