Page 44 of Always Meant for You
Mabel releases the M charm and offers the sisters a plastic grin. “I’ve temporarily stepped back from my work in New York City to reassess priorities and develop a long-term strategic business plan for a new entrepreneurial endeavor.”
Sally tilts her head to the side. “Huh?”
Mabel stiffens, her spine straightening, her chin tilting upward. “I’m regrouping. Reevaluating. I’m considering every option on the table. And let me tell you. I have many, many options.”
I cross my arms and catch her eye, silently calling bullshit.
She reads my expression and scowls at me.
“What were you doing in New York City?” Sally continues. “We asked your dad. But you know your father. The man doesn’t say much.”
I keep my gaze trained on Mabel. I’m curious too.
Mabel smooths her skirt and adjusts her watch. “What was I doing in the city?”
“That’s right.” Margaret nods. “We’d love to know. Wouldn’t we, Betty?”
“Mm-hmm,” Betty answers with more hmm enthusiasm than usual.
The old Young sisters are doing the heavy lifting here. Mabel might toss her venom my way if I dare ask about her life. She might have tried to sneak in here under the radar, but she’d never openly disrespect the old Young sisters.
Not a chance.
“I worked as a social media manager for a start-up.”
“Start-up?” Sally echoes.
Mabel adjusts her floppy hat. “An up-and-coming business. Lots of promise.”
She’s hiding something.
Sally frowns, like she’s trying to do the math and coming up short. “What did you do for them exactly?”
“Good question, Sal!” Margaret adds. “It sounds awfully interesting.”
Betty nods.
I nod too, barely hiding the grin itching at the corners of my mouth. Mabel wants to throw eye daggers at me. I know it. But she’s boxed in. She can’t snap while the sisters are here.
Mabel shifts her stance. “I did many things with computers on the internet. I wore many hats.”
Sally inspects Mabel’s hat from every angle. “Was that part of the job? Wearing different hats? Well, I’ll be! Those city folks sure have peculiar ways. Is that your business-planning hat you’re wearing, Mabel?”
Margaret frowns. “I don’t understand needing so many hats. I’ve had two hats since 1984. My red flannel with the ear flaps and a straw sunhat. How many hats does one person need in New York City?”
I press my lips together to keep from laughing. I owe these women big-time.
Mabel glances at me, eyes full of murder.
“Um . . . wearing different hats is an expression. It means I did a range of tasks from business planning to marketing.”
“So, you don’t have a lot of hats?” Sally asks, brow furrowed.
I turn and fake a cough, nearly choking on a laugh.
“No, ma’am. I do have hats. Many hats,” Mabel mutters.
“Are you saying you lost your job at the internet hat factory?” Sally pushes, confusion etched on her face.
