Page 121 of Out on a Limb
The bride beamed. “Can I get on a list for that?”
“Absolutely.” Collette smiled back at her, looking just as happy about the explanation.
The explanation that was currently a complete lie.
But I’d teach a million classes if it was what made her happy.
“We should leave Andrew to finish his work.” Collette held one hand toward the central portion of the garden. “Next we will look at where your tent and dance floor would be set up.” She led the couple out toward the grassy area that used to host all sorts of events.
And might again soon.
I followed them out, keeping a little distance, intending to head to the building Julia and I shared so I could get the clippings soaking and in dirt.
But all of us were stopped in our tracks.
“There you are, Collette.” Alan stood directly in our path, a woman at his side. “I just hired Linda to help you in the gift shop.”
Collette looked from Alan to the woman who had to be in her mid-fifties. “I don’t need any more help in the gift shop.”
“I’m sure that’s not true.” Alan turned to me and leaned in. “She’s always overwhelmed with how much work her job requires.”
If Alan thought he would find an ally in me, then he was wrong as hell.
Luckily it took me a minute to decide between responding with my words or my fists. Just long enough for Collette to step in between us, her spine straight and chin tipped as she stared Alan and the woman at his side down.
“I am sorry for the misunderstanding, Linda, but we don’t actually have any open positions in the gift shop.” The words were smooth but firm and carried an air of authority.
Linda scoffed, turning to Alan. “You said it was a sure thing.”
One of the gardeners picked that exact time to drive past, thank God, because the sound of the engine in his cart muffled Collette’s sharp inhale.
Linda’s voice was one we’d both heard before.
While hiding in my truck.
“It is a sure thing.” Alan’s eyes snapped to Collette. “I’m not sure when you forgot your place here, young lady, but you are not in charge of anything besides stocking shelves.”
Now Alan and I were definitely going to have a fist-based conversation.
Right in front of a Sweet Side cop.
At least this time I’d earn my trip to the station.
And it would be worth it.
I had one hand on Collette’s shoulder, intending to move her out of the way, when Linda glanced at the couple beside her. When her eyes landed on Dennis they widened and her skin paled.
Dennis tipped his head in a nod. “Linda. Nice to see you’re looking for legal work.”
Alan’s skin went as white as Linda’s and his mouth clamped shut.
But Collette’s did not. Her head tilted to one side. “Legal work?”
I leaned into her ear, keeping my voice low enough that the rest of the group would assume I was explaining the situation to her. “Finish him.”
She gasped a little, her eyes going wide in fake shock. “Oh.”
Alan started to sputter, his eyes bulging out of his head as he snarled at Collette. “You’re making some wild accusations.”
