Page 6 of A Cowboy's Twinkling Lights Lasso
My cowboy boots weigh me down, and each reluctant step feels like an anchor.
What are the odds that Thorn Slater will end up modeling for the same event I’m photographing? A better question is, what are the chances we are paired together? One in twelve. Those chances are low, so I shouldn’t worry about getting teamed with him. Avoiding Thorn Slater this weekend shouldn’t be an issue.
“Flora Rowe!” Arms wrap around me before I can register who it is, but the puff of white tulle sweeping across my forehead and twig of white beads that almost pokes my eye out is a dead giveaway.
Faye Quylt.
She pulls away and forces my eyes to adjust to the extravagant outfit she’s wearing today—and it is extravagant. A giant red mitten is perched atop her felt wide-brim Kentucky derby hat with swirling white tulle and twigs branching off. Her tea dress is a collage of red mittens and snowflakes. She’s aged from my teen years, but she’s pretty and quirky as ever.
“You’ve grown into a gorgeous young lady. Hasn’t she, Wilma?” She glances over her shoulder at her older sister.
Wilma almost smiles at me. Her lips curl up on one side, but she’s never been one to show emotion. She’s as serious as her crisply ironed western shirt and dark wash jeans.
“It’s lovely to see you, Flora.”
“It’s nice to see you both again. I guess your persistence that I partake in this fundraiser was worth it.”
“It will be sweetie.” Faye squeezes my hands. “We have it all planned out.”
I glance into The Enchanted Ballroom and see preparations have started. Piles of lighting, props, and twelve U-shape photo backdrop walls are constructed strategically from sturdy wooden frames throughout the spacious ballroom. Each is a blank canvas waiting for the photographer’s creativity to unfold.
“I think it’s going to be an amazing event,” I agree with Faye.
“Oh, sweetie.” Faye smiles like she knows a secret. “I’m not talking about the event.”
A bad feeling creeps inside me. I’ve only heard the stories of the matchmaking sisters, but I left before they could be victim to their soulmate games.
“Listen, I hope—”
“Flora!” My Aunt Peggy-Ann pulls me under the archway and into the large event room.
Eyes don’t skip over her. Every element of her outfit screams look at me. From her fitted halter top and animal print capris to the chunky bangles and heels so high I don’t think I could walk in them.
“Get in here. They’re announcing who will be working together at each station. You signed up for December, and I have the keys to the props at town hall.”
“Thanks, Aunt Peggy-Ann.”
“Of course. I had to find a way to weasel my way into the event, and you were my entrance ticket.” At least she’s honest.
At the back of the room, there’s a commotion where my Aunt Rita and Mayor Thomas Banks shuffle through stacks of books and pages scattered on a table. Even councilor Grumpy Wayne sits at the end of the table, puffing an unlit cigar. He’s been on the city council for as long as I can remember. The deep lines etched around his mouth and the sandy texture of his skin are a testament to the countless puffs he’s taken. But the most unique thing about Grumpy Wayne is that he only talks quotes from theJohn Wayne and his western film rolls, who he believes he was named after.
My aunt navigates us to the main table.
“It was right here.” My Aunt Rita taps her long nails on the table.
“It didn’t just get up and walk away.” Mayor Thomas seems to be as grumpy as Wayne this morning.
“Life is hard. It’s even harder when you’re stupid.” Grumpy Wayne pretends to blow out a puff of smoke.
“It’s here!” Faye waves a bright red hardcover book in the air.
The older woman zips through the room with surprising speed and energy. Wilma follows behind at a more measured but determined pace.
“I must’ve picked it up by accident.” She holds out the book with a pleasant smile.
“Be more alert, Miss Quylt.” Thomas seizes it with a scowl.
“We would like to start by extending our gratitude to all the cowboys who have agreed to donate their weekend to a good cause.” The microphone cracks under Aunt Rita’s voice, and I wonder why she even has it when only a couple dozen of us are present.
