Page 22 of Small Town Prince Charming

Once the customer left, Eileen turned to Tracey. “I got news on Jim for you. I forgot to mention it earlier, but he’s getting better every day. The meds are working, and he’s eager to get back to work.”

“That’s wonderful.” She tucked the gift box into a paper bag. “I hoped things would start working out for him.”

“I’m thrilled, too.” Eileen elbowed Tracey. “What about you? Ryan Greene is a handsome man. Did he bring you something tasty for lunch?”

“He did.” She fiddled with the bag. The tips of her ears burned, and she swore her cheeks did, too. Giddiness filled her heart. “He’s a nice man.”

“And handsome.”

“Very handsome.”

“Is his arm tattooed all the way up?”

She hadn’t checked. “I’m not sure.”

“Kathy Tucker and I have a bet it does, and that he’s pierced somewhere, too.”

“Eileen!” A bet? He hadn’t been kidding about being the object of conversation and rumor.

“What? I don’t know any men who have something besides their ear pierced, and he looks like he would...you know, have a piercing.” Eileen arranged the display of earrings. “I bet he does, and his ink goes all the way up his arm.”

“When I find out, I’ll discretely let you know.” Eileen was the mother she wished she’d had growing up—a little feisty, involved, sweet but also nosy. She loved Eileen dearly.

“Anyway, I hear you’re dating. I hope so. He needs a good girl, and you need a family,” Eileen said. “Maisey needs a mother, too.”

“She has one.” She tucked the bag into her shoulder bag. “I’m taking that to Ryan to give to Maisey tomorrow after the recital.”

“That’s wonderful, but I didn’t know she was dancing. He has time to let her take part? He has so many responsibilities,” Eileen said. “He’s got a lot going.”

“I helped him and sponsored Maisey. I made sure, with his approval, that she got warm-ups, can take part in the classes, and I paid for her to be in the recital. She’ll be in the troupe for the remainder of the year.” She leaned on the counter. “I hoped she’d be happy with the lessons, and she is.”

“Good.” Eileen wiped down the other part of the counter. “We’ve had brisk sales. Lunch time was good for us—all of us.” She swept her gaze over Tracey. “What happened to your skirt?”

“I spilled ketchup on it.” She’d lied, but who was keeping score?

“Ketchup?” Eileen crooked her eyebrow. “Want to tell me the truth? You’re not clumsy, and I’ve never seen you spill.”

“It happens.” The blush and heat crept from her hairline to her chest. Her cheeks burned, and she couldn’t look Eileen in the eye.

“Ah. I thought so.” Eileen pinched Tracey’s arm in a motherly gesture. “Good. I hoped that was what you were doing.”

“Eileen.” She didn’t want to think she’d been figured out.

“What? I’ve got three sons. You don’t honestly think they were created on account of immaculate conception, do you? Jim and I were young and the fire in the oven never died.” Eileen grinned. “If he stokes your embers, then go for it.”

“Thanks.” She checked her watch. She needed something to do with her hands. “I should head over to the theatre to meet with Donnah. The girls will have one last rehearsal tonight, and the musical has a run-through as well.”

“Then go. I’ll close up at five and stop by afterward to tell you I’m leaving,” Eileen said. “I hope it all goes well, even if it’s been terribly scheduled.”

“Thanks. Wish me luck.” This wasn’t her opening night, but she felt a sense of ownership. She wanted the costumes to be correct and for the players to shine.

“Luck,” Eileen called.

Tracey grabbed her bag, phone and keys, then jogged across the alley to the theatre. When she walked onto the stage, she spotted Donnah, who paced the length of the boards.

“Is everything okay?” she asked. Now that she’d taken the next step and slept with Ryan, she relaxed. “Can I help?”

“I’m just going over the routines.” Donna joined her at the edge of the stage. “Keelan is coming in early to go over the cues with us, and Ryan should be here when Maisey gets out of school. We need all the help we can get, so if you want to run through the cues with us, then thanks.”

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