Page 62 of Starry with a Chance of Nightshade

“We don’t have any lunch plans,” I returned.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

I glanced at Yolanda for guidance on how to deal with the woman on the phone.

Yolanda was all smiles and no help.

“Marcy, I thought you told me you were having lunch with Maria today,” said Dana, saving me.

“Oh, that’s right,” said Marcy with a giggle. “Silly me. Hmm, I must be thinking of another day that she and I are going to have lunch. I can’t wait for it. It will be so much fun. Yourdogand I are going to get along so great. He’ll love Burgess.”

I cocked my head, staring harder at the phone. “H-how do you know about Torid…my dog?”

“The bees told the hummingbirds, who then told the butterflies, who mentioned it to the ants, who told the cat who hangs on the property all about him,” she said, as if that explanation settled the matter.

I looked to Dana. “Is she all right?”

“Are you asking if she’s nuts?” asked Dana.

I bit my lower lip, wanting to avoid saying the word “crazy.” “Maybe.”

“Oh, for sure,” said Jeffrey. “But you really do get used to her. I need to get going soon. Stratton, I’ll grab a coffee for Brett and a new one for myself. I need to talk to him anyway. Legs, we still meeting for lunch later?”

She nodded and kept holding the phone out. “We are.”

He flashed a wide smile and raked his gaze down the length of her. “Mmm.”

“Can I order a cup of coffee?” asked a gentleman who was in the line to be served after Stratton.

Peggy set her sights on him. “No.”

“Grandma,” scolded Yolanda.

I glanced at the man. “What would you like?”

“Just a plain large coffee,” he said.

Peggy motioned to the end of the counter. “Self-serve today, buddy. Comment. I dare you.”

“Have fun at your dinner tonight with Stratton, Astria. Bye, everyone,” said Marcy loudly.

Dana hung up and then pushed the phone into Jeffrey’s front pocket.

He seemed super pleased with the action.

I was too lost in what had just happened with the phone call to even comment. I didn’t have dinner plans with Stratton.

Dana touched his arm, glancing at Stratton as she did. “So, is Astria staying at your place or are you staying at hers?”

I shook my head. “Neither.”

Everyone ignored me.

“He’ll be staying with her,” said Peggy.

Stratton’s hand moved toward me.

I found myself taking his hand.

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