Page 62 of Rock Hard
“She’swhat?”
More mumbles.
“Right now?”
Alice squeezed Carly’s shoulders. “Let me talk to your dad before he goes all king of the jungle, okay? We can postpone—”
“No! I mean, I’m fine now.”
She looked into the girl’s eyes and saw the determination she knew so well.
“You’re sure? We don’t have to do this right now, Carly. You’re far more important, and your dad will understand.”
Tears welled up in Carly’s eyes. “Thanks, Alice. But I’m sure. Let’s do this.”
“All right, if you’re sure.” Alice went over to the door and opened it just a crack, revealing Rex and Johnny looking as if they were about to come to blows. “Hey!”
Both males turned toward her.
“Stand down, guys. It’s all good, though we are running a few minutes behind. We’ll be out shortly.”
Rex moved up close, his face only inches from hers. “But the panther just said—”
“We’ll talk about it later,” Alice told him firmly. “Everything isfine. Trust me. We’ll meet you up front in about ten minutes.”
Rex looked like he wanted to say more, but Alice shut the door before he could and turned around to face Carly. “All right, I just bought us ten minutes.”
Carly looked toward the beautiful gowns now lying in crumpled heaps on the floor. “Oh, no ...” Tears filled her eyes. “Alice, I’m so sorry.”
Alice picked up each of the gowns and eyed them critically, assessing the damage. “It’s not that bad. We just have to get a little creative, that’s all. Check that desk over there for a pair of scissors ...”
