Page 28 of Definitely (Maybe) Dating
“Next time, I promise girl time will include a kid free location with enough Mommy juice to require a rideshare home,” Darcy said and, at the memory of her last rideshare, Piper’s lips started to tingle.
And wasn’t that concerning.
“Watching the kids race around like little gremlins who’d been fed sugar after naptime was a little crazy.”
“I blame Susan for bringing cotton candy. Every mom knows that red-dye number five causes compulsive laughing, mass hysteria and, in most cases, temper tantrums.”
Piper’s mom didn’t know that. She’d practically been raised on Pop Tarts, red licorice and Kool-Aid.
“The cheer moms were kind of intense,” she admitted, hoping that she didn’t insult the cheer mom in the sundress.
“That was only a local youth league. I can’t imagine what it will be like when Kylie’s in high school.”
“Who knows, maybe she’ll decide she wants to play softball instead.” Piper credited her middle school softball team for her mad bat skills.
“Somehow I can’t imagine her trading in her dance shoes and pom poms for a mitt,” Darcy said. “Anyway, you saved the day.”
Piper took a deep breath and centered herself. Here she went, about ready to blow up any kind of relationship between her and her new boss. “I may need some saving myself.” To her utter surprise, the two women looked at each other, then smiled Piper’s way. Big and bright. “I need help figuring out where to throw a non-profit art event for at-risk teens.”
At-riskalways seemed like a benign word for how risky it was for girls living on the streets. Every day, every night, every time they camped out in front of a store or walked into a coffee shop for a dry place to hang out, they ran the risk of someone calling the cops—or worse.
Piper knew firsthand that there were a lot of things worse than the cops.
“Urban Soul,” Jillian said to Darcy. “It’s amazing. A few months back, Piper had me come in to teach some of the girls how to bake, and one of them is interning for me now.”
“We’re throwing an art show as a way to raise money for the students and save a safe shelter that has been home to so many girls over the years.” Piper looked at Darcy. This was the big moment. “I need a venue for the second or third Saturday or Sunday in October. I know it’s a big ask, and I wouldn’t even think about using Belle Mont Housee if I wasn’t desperate.”
“I’m glad you thought of me,” Darcy said. “And I want to say yes, but the house is booked every weekend for the rest of the year.”
“That’s fantastic. Only a year, and already you’re killing it,” Piper said, feeling silly for even asking. She should have known that Darcy’s place wouldn’t have any openings. Her wait list was eighteen months long, and that included weeknights.
“I said the house,” Darcy corrected. “I have that large grassy area down by the rose garden that you can use. It has a winding brick walkway lined with cheery blossom trees and beds and beds of roses. It’s beautiful and the perfect place to stroll while looking at local art. You’ll need a permit because half of the property lies in city limits and the wedding guests will take up the house, veranda, and parking area.”
“Already on it.” She stuck her hands behind her back and crossed her fingers that Josh came through. “I can’t pay you a lot, but I insist on paying you something.”
Darcy waved her off. “Don’t worry about that. It’s free, so I’m glad someone can use it. The only downside is the rain.”
Piper had thought about that the moment she left Josh’s office. Portland was home to Voodoo Doughnuts, the historic Pittock Mansion, and forty inches of rain per year.
“What about tents?” Jillian suggested. She was dressed in an adorable blue-and-white shirt, capris, and strappy sandals. She looked like an Ann Taylor ad went yachting. “You can rent some of those big white tents that they use at the farmer’s market. Each tent could showcase one or two artists. That way the weather can’t ruin your day.”
“I have contacts with party rental businesses who I’m sure would love to help sponsor this kind of event. I can call them for you,” Darcy offered.
Piper looked at her friends and found herself speechless. What did one even say is such a moment of friendship and generosity? She was used to being on the helping end of this kind of equation. She’d never experienced people offering to help her just because.
“I don’t know what to say,” she admitted.
“Five words,” Jillian said. “All we need you to say is five words.”
Piper racked her brain trying to come up with what that could possibly be.
“Girls’ night is a go,” Jillian said, sticking her pinkie out.
“Girls’ night is a go,” Darcy repeated, linking her pinky with Jillian’s as if they were ten and making a blood pact. Then both looked expectantly at Piper.
“Girls’ night is a go?” she said awkwardly, then linked pinkies. “The kids are going to freak when they see their art displayed in such a classy setting.”
At the thought, a feeling of excitement vibrated through her.
