Page 36 of The Merry Matchmaker

“I have half a mind to give him a chance,” Frankie said. Of course, the other half was solidly against it.

Viola studied her. “Because you’re into him or because you’ve got something to prove to Mitch?”

“I don’t have anything to prove to Mitch,” Frankie insisted.

“You know he’s bound to be jealous.”

“That’s ridiculous. There’s no need. Me seeing Brock wouldn’t affect our friendship.”

“Yes, it would. You start seriously dating Brock, and things will change between you and Mitch, mark my words.”

Frankie didn’t want things to change between her and Mitch. She liked what they had and valued his friendship. “Nothing’s going to change between us, no matter what,” she vowed.

“Okay,” said Viola, but she didn’t sound convinced.

Adele waltzed into the shop her usual ten minutes after their Sunday 11:00 a.m. opening time.

“Thought I’d see you at church this morning. Did you still have company?” Frankie teased.

Adele didn’t take the bait. “I just took my time over breakfast.” She pulled her apron out from under the counter and started tying it on. “How was your date last night?”

Frankie would much rather have talked about her mom’s social life. “It was okay,” she said, and started fiddling with the little display of Natalie’s candies near the cash register. She wished she had something to unpack, but Elinor was already on it upstairs, unloading the last of the ornaments they’d gotten in. Maybe a customer would show up.

No customer entered, and Adele was far from finishing this conversation. “Just okay? He seems like a nice man.”

“He is. But there’s such an age gap. I don’t know.”

“So what? He’s not that young, and you’re not that old. Get out and have some fun.”

Fun was one thing, but letting her emotions get all tangled up was another. “Speaking of fun, I’m going over to The Coffee Stop. Want a latte?” Frankie asked, putting an end to the conversation.

“Sure. Make sure they give me a double shot of caramel,” said Adele, accepting defeat.

“Will do,” Frankie promised, and made her escape.

When she returned, Adele was helping a customer, which meant Frankie was safe from motherly lectures. Elinor returned from upstairs a minute later, and Adele thankfully turned the spotlight on her as their shopper left the store with a bag full of goodies.

“Did you do anything fun last night, Elinor?” Adele asked.

“I started that book you loaned me,” Elinor replied. “It’s really good. I loved the scene where Jock first sees Amanda in the sexy red dress.”

Adele nodded. “So true to life. Men often have to see us in a new light—or a new dress—before they really see us.”

“I loved the makeover scene,” Elinor said, nodding.

A hot dress and some equally hot lipstick, and Elinor would become a whole new woman. “My offer of a shopping spree still stands,” said Frankie. “Have you ever had a makeover?”

Elinor’s cheeks turned pink, and she shook her head. “I really appreciate the offer, but I don’t think I’m the makeover type.”

“Everyone’s the makeover type,” Frankie assured her. “Come on. What do you say? I bet you’d look awfully cute in something Christmassy.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Elinor began.

“Look. The store’s closed tomorrow. I think an employee bonus is in order. Come on. How about we go shopping?”

“An excellent idea,” Adele approved. “Getting a new look can be such a confidence builder.”

At that moment, Mitch entered the store on the heels of a new shopper. He was carrying a cardboard tray with lattes in it, a man bearing a peace offering.

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