Page 231 of Banter & Blushes

“Everything.” She leaned in closer ready to hear all her secrets.

“We don’t need to interrogate her,” Mitch picked up a sandwich, prompting Beatrice to hand him a small plate to hold underneath.

“It’s okay,” she smiled politely. “What would you like to know?”

“Why are you single?” Agnes asked instantly, making Mitch nearly choke on the bite he just took.

“Ag!”

Holding in a laugh, Elva had to admit this was amusing. “Well, I just am. Married to my work all these years, you could say.”

“Hmm, sounds like someone else we know,” Beatrice crossed her leg over the other.

Knowing they wouldn’t let up, she relented to tell them some things about herself. “My parents were immigrants. We settled in the Landings after my father passed away. My mother insisted I go to college even though the only jobs for women aside from being a seamstress were as a secretary, teacher, or nurse. I knew I wanted to open a restaurant.”

“Strong, independent,” Beatrice counted off on her fingers, keeping track of the things she liked about her. “What about a man?”

“A man?”

“Bea, I don’t think that’s appropriate,” Mitch interjected, taking a drink of the sweet lemonade.

“I’m sorry. You don’t strike me as easily embarrassed, though, do you?” She asked Elva directly.

Elva was quick to answer, “of course not.” The very directness of these sisters was hilarious. Looking around the porch she was impressed by the gorgeous woodwork details. Scrolls and trim painted to match the wide plank flooring. She changed the subject. “Everything is so well coordinated.” She glanced at the large wicker chairs and sparkly clean glass-top table now holding the tray of tea and snacks. “It’s just lovely!”

“Thank you.” Beatrice took the bait but not before trying to sell her cousin a little more. “We couldn’t do it without our Johnny. He is very handy.”

“So I’ve seen,” she smiled at Mitch. “He’s doing an amazing job at our station in North Shores.”

“Um,” Beatrice smoothed down the edges of her floral skirt before crossing her feet at her ankles. “Johnny, did you invite your lady-friend to the Harvest Dance yet?”

Gritting his teeth as he took another drink, he shook his head back and forth, “Bea, that’s still a while from now.”

“Not really,” Agnes argued, “we have rooms booking already. It will be here before you know it!”

Rocking back and forth in her chair, she took in the late afternoon breeze. “What is the Harvest Dance?” Elva wasn’t sure she followed along.

Mitch looked from one cousin to the other and sighed. “It’s just an annual event in Red Bird. Main Street closes, lots of music, vendors, all things fall.”

“AND,” Agnes smiled at them both, “a big dance in the town square that night.” Turning to only Elva, she patted her knee, “you should come!”

“That’s very kind,” she smiled back. “It sounds like a wonderful event.” She answered without answering. The fair and dance did sound nice, but it was obvious that these cousins were pushing the matchmaking a little too hard. If or even when, Mitch wanted to actually ask her to go, she’d consider it.

“I’m going to leave a room open for you,” she winked at Mitch, “just in case.”

“Okay,” he stood up, clapping his hands together before intertwining his fingers together, “on that note, I think we should be heading back to the Landings.”

“Thank you so much for hosting us,” Elva’s hands cupped Bea’s. “You have a lovely home.”

“That’s so kind. Thank YOU for allowing us to crash your date.” She winked at Agnes as they followed the couple to their truck.

Mitch let out a sigh before hugging Beatrice and Agnes. “I’ll call you,” his hand gently found Elva’s back as he guided her toward the opened passenger door.

They rode in silence, driving down Main Street. After they took the exit South, he finally spoke. “Thanks for hanging out with me today and letting me show you around my little town.”

“I had the best day. I don’t think I remember the last time I took a day off from the restaurant.”

Glancing from the road to his passenger, he smiled. “Relaxing looks good on you. Though everything looks good on you, I’d guess.”

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