Page 133 of The Merry Matchmaker

“Funny.”

“You can’t force her to fall in love with someone she’s not interested in,” said Adele.

True. And so far William had not managed to make himself interesting. But then, how hard had he tried?

“He needs to get proactive. And make himself interesting. He just comes in here and...buys things.”

“Good for business,” said Adele.

“But he can’t be so timid.” Frankie was sure William could be interesting. All he needed was a little coaching.

Elinor came back down. “I have all the Valentine merchandise arranged,” she said to Frankie. No smile. She was like a black cloud roving all over the store.

“Thank you,” said Frankie.

“What else do you want me to do?” Elinor asked, and her tone of voice added,You bitch.

Cheer up?Frankie decided to buy a little love. “I think it’s time for a morning pick-me-up. Would you mind going to The Coffee Stop and getting some lattes?” She fished a twenty from the petty cash drawer. “I’ll take eggnog if they have any left. And Mom will want a caramel. Extra—”

Elinor cut her off with a snapped, “Caramel. I know.”

“Okay,” Frankie said, handing the bill to Elinor. “And get whatever you want for yourself.”

“I don’t want anything,” Elinor said curtly.

“So much for buying her affection,” Adele said after Elinor left. “You’ll be lucky if she doesn’t slip poison in yours.”

“I don’t care about buying her affection.” Although that would have been nice. Frankie hated having people mad at her. “I want her to be happy.”

“She’ll get there eventually,” Adele said.

Sooner than eventually would be good. How was Frankie going to get Elinor and William together?

New Year’s Eve was right around the corner. Did William have plans? Maybe he would like some suggestions.

The shop was quiet save for one of their regular customers browsing the merchandise upstairs. Adele could handle the cash register. It was the perfect time to slip over to Carol Reads and give love a helping hand. Frankie needed something to read anyway.

She took off her apron and went to the back room to fetch her coat and charge card.

“Where are you going?” Adele demanded when she came back out.

“I have a quick errand to run,” Frankie replied.

“Where?” Adele was looking at her suspiciously.

“I need a book.”

“Since when? You haven’t read a book in ages.”

“So, it’s time.”

“You are up to something,” Adele accused. “Are you about to start meddling in people’s lives again?”

“I just want something to read. Sheesh. Keep an eye on things here while I’m gone.”

“I’ll keep an eye on things here, but who’s going to keep an eye on you?” said Adele.

Frankie ignored the remark.

---