Page 79 of Conquering Oz

Elodie rolled her eyes, grabbing the phone and tucking it into her pocketbook. Why did she volunteer for this?

She walked up to the stand. Fortunately, there was only one other person in line. The woman was looking at the array of jellies. There had to have been at least fifty different kinds. It was a hard choice, but none of them ever disappointed.

“You can’t go wrong,” Elodie said.

The woman smiled. “I’m sorry?”

Elodie waved her hand over the table. “My best friend loves these jellies, and I’m pretty sure she’s tried all of them. She’d buy them in bulk if she could. She said she’s never tried one she didn’t like.”

The woman nodded, eyeing the jars. “Which is her favorite?”

Elodie leaned across the table and grabbed two jars of the jalapeno. There were only three left, proving they were a lot of people’s favorite. The woman immediately grabbed one for herself.

“Any tips on what to get at that stand?” The woman pointed to the bakery tent.

“Rosemary garlic bread.”

The woman laughed, turning to Elodie. “You’re like a tour guide. You must come here a lot.”

Elodie chuckled. “I try to avoid it, but my friend isn’t able to come, so I offered to grab her some stuff. Her list is long.” Elodie held up the bag. “And so is my uncle’s.”

The woman snickered, eyeing the large bag. Her Uncle Hank’s list wasn’t quite as long as Madalyn’s but not too far off. Both women paid and moved over to the line at the bakery tent.

“I hope they still have some left.”

Elodie smirked. “Tell you what? If they don’t, you can have one of mine. The owner always keeps two loaves aside for my friend.”

As the line moved, they stepped forward.

“There you are.” A loud boisterous shout came from behind, and the woman spun around, smiling.

“I was getting worried about you guys when you wandered off.” She said.

Elodie peered over but couldn’t see who she was talking to in the massive crowd, and she turned to face the line again.

“Had to show Tom those signs they’re making at the other end. Gonna have to grab one next time for the center. But I know time is of the essence today.”

“He’s only saying that because Cassanova over here has got a long-standing date with the new gal.”

Elodie muffled her chuckle. She had her back turned and couldn’t see the men, but from their voices and reference to the center, she assumed they were seniors. They definitely seemed to have spirit.And one has a date.

“I shouldn’t be much longer. I’m just grabbing the bread. My new friend” —she paused, turning to Elodie— “I’m sorry, I didn’t even introduce myself. I’m Karia.”

Elodie smiled. “I’m Elle.”

Karia looked at the men and waved her hand, “This is my father Tom.” As Elodie started to turn, Karia spoke again. “And our friend, Sal.”

Elodie locked eyes with Sal a few feet away, and she felt her smile fall and the blood drain from her face. She’d only encountered him once, and it had been months ago. Elodie had made the mistake of letting her anger get the best of her last time. Her parting words, though not rude, were meant in the form of a threat. She wasn’t sure why she’d done it. Maybe she’d wanted him uncomfortable, especially since he’d looked so happy and calm during their first meeting.

Sal smiled, showing no signs of recognition. Maybe there was a chance she could walk away without him remembering her. When Karia’s father offered his hand, she quickly shook it and then stared down at Sal’s when he reached out.Just shake his hand. She swallowed the lump in her throat, forced a smile, and clasped his hand.

Sal chuckled but didn’t release her. “It’s nice to see youagain, Elle.”

Shit!Her heart raced, and she tugged at her hand. He let go immediately.

“You two know each other?” Karia asked.

“We do. I had the pleasure of meeting Elle a few months ago. She’s a friend of Quinn’s.” Sal smiled. “Small world.”

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