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Bouncing on my toes, I swing my arms doing my best to get rid of the jitters. My dress is thigh-high and low-cut with puffy sleeves and a big flower print.
“They’re dancing on the bar!” Claudette seems to be playing the role of Horrified Narrator for the evening.
“I know,” Miss Gina cries happily. “I wish I could see them.”
I’m still searching, when I hear faint shouts from the pool area. Ice-blue eyes capture mine when I look in that direction, and a softOh!slips from my throat.
I’m on fire—no Fatalii peppers needed. Heat rushes from my core through my belly into my chest up my neck behind my ears and onto my cheeks.
A shy smile lifts my lips, and I barely hear Miss Gina calling my name over the beating of my heart.
“Sorry, what?” I blink away, stepping closer to the booth.
“What would you like to order, dear?” Miss Gina shouts, and I notice Salina Duck curling her nose at me.
“Oh, hello, Rachel.” Her tone is dismissive as usual. “Is it true you became a massage therapist because you couldn’t make it as a real therapist?”
“What?” Claudette frowns, looking up at the girl.
“That’s two different things,” I reply, not in the mood for her jealousy.
Yes, I’ve seen her batting her eyes, and I know she’s got a crush on Zane. She can take a hike.
“I heard it was because you weren’t smart enough.” Her lips curl into a frown. “Is that true? Or is it because you couldn’t take the pressure of other peoples’ problems along with your own?”
“I never wanted to be a therapist.”
“And yet you are one anyway.” She exhales a sigh. “Do you always do what you don’t want to do?”
“I’m confused.” Claudette looks from her to me.
“Get used to it, with ratchet Rachel around.”
My eyes widen, and I’m about to clap back when she walks away without even taking my order. I’m still squinting after her when Gloria joins us.
“Miss G, it’s good to see you. Rachel.”
“Is that my nemesis Gloria Fruit?” Miss Gina holds out herhand. “I’ve decided to forgive you for trying to steal my best handyman.”
“Why is that?” Gloria grins, clasping Miss Gina’s wrinkled hand in both of hers.
“I hear you’re taking good care of my friend Eddie Nashville.” Gloria’s face tilts, and Miss G explains. “Rachel’s younger brother. He’s so smart. He already has hisnom de guerrelocked and loaded.”
“Ah, Edward!” Gloria laughs. “He’s a pool shark in the making all right.”
“Fruit?” Claudette arches an eyebrow. “Bunny and Randolf’s daughter?”
“Guilty!” Gloria rocks back on the heels of her boots, rubbing the back of her shaved neck.
“I haven’t seen them in ages. Do they still have that gorgeous old Victorian home near the polo club?”
“Yes, ma’am, they do!”
“How lovely. Please tell them Claudette Rosario said hello.”
“Are you…” Gloria motions between her and Miss Gina. “Sisters?”
“In law,” Claudette notes.
