Page 34 of A Cozy Christmas Blizzard
“Of course! In fact, I’d enjoy it.”
“Thank you, then. I’d appreciate it.”
They set up a time on Sunday afternoon and went their separate ways.
K.O. started walking down to Pacific Place, the mall where she’d agreed to meet Vickie and Diane, when her cell phone rang. It was Wynn.
“What day?” he asked. “I want to get this cocktail party idea of yours on my schedule.”
“When would you suggest?”
“I don’t think we should wait too long.”
“I agree.”
“Would Monday evening work for you?”
“Definitely. I’ll put together a few appetizers and make some spiked eggnog. I’ll pick up some wine—and gin for martinis, if you want.” She smiled, recalling his comment about receiving a “psychic” message from the olives.
“Let me bring the wine. Anything else?”
“Could you buy a cat treat or two? That’s in case LaVonne brings Tom or one of her other cats. I want her to concentrate on Moon Puppy, not kitty.”
Wynn laughed. “You got it. I’ll put in a call to Chef Jerome, although I don’t hold out much hope. Still, maybe he’ll say yes because it’s LaVonne.”
“All we can do is try. And there are certainly other nice places.”
Wynn seemed reluctant to end the conversation. “Katherine.”
“Yes.”
“Thank you. Hearing my father’s message after such a lovely evening put a damper on my Christmas.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Have fun today.”
“You, too.” She closed her cell and set it back in her purse. Her step seemed to have an extra bounce as she hurried to meet her friends.
Ten
Saturday afternoon, just back from shopping, K.O. stopped at LaVonne’s condo. She rang the doorbell and waited. It took her neighbor an unusually long time to answer; when she did, LaVonne looked dreadful. Her hair was disheveled, and she’d obviously been napping—with at least one cat curled up next to her, since her dark-red sweatshirt was covered in cat hair.
“Why the gloomy face?” K.O. asked. “It’s almost Christmas.”
“I know,” her friend lamented.
“Well, cheer up. I have great news.”
“You’d better come inside,” LaVonne said without any real enthusiasm. She gestured toward the sofa, although it seemed to require all the energy she possessed just to lift her arm. “Sit down if you want.”
“Wouldn’t you like to hear my good news?”
LaVonne shrugged her shoulders. “I guess.”
“It has to do with you.”
“Me?”
