Page 58 of Worst Nanny Ever
No one can talk smack about her sense of timing. Briar was right—Dottie really does know how to rule a room.
I give Eugene a sharp look, trying to telepathically remindhim of the beginning of our conversation, but he must be immune to telepathy, because he frowns at her. “It’s dishonest to tell people you can read their fortunes from a clump of wet leaves.”
“Eugene,” I say.
“Oh, it’s fine,” Dottie says, seeming genuinely undaunted. “This dear man hasn’t been given any reasons to believe lately.” With that, she sits down at our table as if invited. She’s wearing a pretty blue dress that makes me think of a sunny summer day and a crystal hair clip that probably has some deep symbolic meaning.
“Don’t you work here?” Eugene asks her uneasily.
“I do,” she says sweetly. “I also own the place. I like to connect with everyone who pays us a visit.
“She didn’t know how to retire either,” I joke.
His sighs are a language all their own, because this one is almost empathetic.I know how that feels.
His eyes linger on mine for a moment, and I feel another pulse of sympathy for him. This man is so lost in the weeds when it comes to making the connections he needs.Just like Travis.
I smile and nod and try not to think about Travis anymore.
“Okay,” he says. “Why not. You can look at my wet leaves.”
“First you’ll need to finish the tea, my dear man,” Dottie says. “Bottoms up.”
He slurps down the rest of the tea, wetting his bottlebrush mustache, then passes the cup to her.
She does her tea-leaf routine, and Eugene and I watch with healthy skepticism. Smiling down at his teacup, she says, “Yes. Yes, indeed. This is exactly what I was hoping for.”
“Well?” Eugene says.
“You’re going to fall in love again, my dear man, deeply,madly, and truly. Oh, I’m so excited for you. Your whole life is about to be transformed.”
He gives me a quizzical look, and I nearly burst out laughing, thinking about what Briar said the other day.
“Don’t look at me, Eugene,” I say, lifting my hands. “I’m not the lucky lady. I have commitment issues, not daddy issues.”
His cheeks go scarlet.
“Oh, it won’t be with Hannah, of course,” Dottie says. “Hannah’s already met her great love.”
“Excuse me?” I say, my heart pounding even though I know it must be BS.
“All of you girls are going to find new love. Sophie’s already found Rob, of course, but you, Briar, and Nora will all be happily settled before long. I’ve known that from the beginning of our journey.”
“Nora?” I scoff. “She wants nothing to do with us.”
Dottie gives me a knowing look. “She’s going to be part of your little group before long.” She pats her chest. “I feel it here.”
Eugene gives me a pointed glance, reminding me of the wholelet’s be tolerant of other people’s weird quirksspeech I gave him.
She beams at us. “Now, why don’t you finish your breakfast? I’m meeting with my Wise Elders group this morning, Eugene, and I would simply love it if you’d join us once you’re ready. We’re having a riveting conversation.”
“Eugene would be thrilled,” I answer for him, because I can already hear he’s gearing up for a no.
“Splendid,” she says, then gets up to return to her friends.
“Why’d you have to say that?” Eugene grouses.
“She changed the name of her club just to include you. It’s usually the Wise Women Group. Besides, you’re looking for connections, and I’m guessing they won’t kick you out for beinga rigid…” I let my worlds trail off, because I can’t think of a kind word forprick.
