Chapter 6
Chapter Six
Once inside, I helped Mom out of her jacket and hung it up. My blue A-Line skirt clung to my knees from the static. “All right, where to, boss?” I grabbed and shook out my skirt.
She tipped her head toward me. “So is it true the rooms are themed as different places?” she asked.
“Yep. There should be a few raffles associated with each location too. Like Italy had wine tasting and a cooking class. I think there was a Latin dance class in Spain.”
She fanned out the raffle tickets like a deck of cards. “Please tell me these weren’t cheap.”
I chuckled and shook my head. “Oh no, they were not cheap.” I had spent several hundred dollars on the raffle tickets alone, clearing out more of my bank account than I should have. Probably another result of my guilty conscience.
Mom looked between the two rooms on the main level and the stairs, her lips pinched. “I’m not sure where to start.”
“Europe has great desserts.” I shrugged.
Mom smiled. “Oh, I bet you’re right.”
“Looks like Europe is upstairs and to the left.” I said, looking at the sign posted at the bottom of the stairs .
She grabbed my hand and led me up the stairs. I kept my face tilted as low as I could without falling.
At the top of the stairs, Europe was to the left and Africa to the right.
We stepped into a dimly lit room draped in soft white curtains with little round tables and an accordion player in the corner. The room was elegant and romantic. Mom’s eyes sparkled. “This is gorgeous, Em!”
I gave her a soft smile. “Dessert or raffle tickets first?”
“Let’s waste your hard-earned money first.” She winked at me and led me through the room, her Spanish skirt swishing as we made our way to a set of long tables with large glass containers and descriptions of each raffle item. Cooking classes, dancing classes, language lessons, wine, and weekend trips. Mom put several of her tickets into the jars. I hoped she’d win something; she deserved it.
“Dessert?” She squeezed my hand.
“Always.”
She led us to the dessert tables and grabbed two small plates, handing one of them to me. After grabbing some pastries, I followed her to a lace-covered table with a candle and a vase with fresh flowers set in the middle. People mingled in groups of five or six, adding a soft murmur throughout the room.
She picked up a small chocolate pastry, put it in her mouth, and sighed. “Absolutely divine.”
I followed suit. I would be more than happy to sit at this table and watch Mom have fun, but I didn’t mind the mini desserts either.
I took another bite of my tartlet. “If you win the pasta one, can I come? That sounds so fun.”
Mom scowled. “No, I think as punishment, you can’t come to anything I win.” She placed her hands on her hips.
I nodded. “Fair.”
“Hannah?”
I jumped at the male voice behind me and covered my face .
“Hannah Peters, is that you?”
“Robert?”
I watched as Mom gasped, lips parting. She rushed over, giving the stranger a hug.
“Gosh, it’s been ages. How are you?”
I hadn’t heard anyone call her by her maiden name before, and I had never seen her blush like that.
Robert held Mom’s shoulders and smiled down at her, awestruck. “I’m well enough. And you?”
“I’m good.”
“It’s so good to see you.” Robert grinned and looked into Mom’s eyes. Robert had gray hair, blue eyes, a large smile, and square jawline.
Oh my gosh! This was actually happening. I tried to stop my feet from stamping in excitement and was unsuccessful.
Don’t meddle… Don’t meddle.
I bit back my smile and stood. Maybe I could sneak away and give them some privacy. I set my plate on a tray and went to slip out.
Looking toward the doorway, an angry Greek god with a pair of frustrated brown eyes met mine.
Crap! I flinched and ducked my face behind my cap. Not him again!
I turned back to see Mom sitting at the table, now with Robert by her side, laughing at something he said.
No way I was breaking that up. I made a quick decision to run for it.
Ok, not run. I was in heels, after all. I didn’t even run in tennis shoes.
Weaving through people and tables, I made my way deeper into the room.
Maybe I could find another exit? There was nothing but walls and windows, and the windows wouldn’t open. I’m not sure what I would have done if they did .
Ugh!
I stood behind a wooden pillar and peeked toward the door. Muscles wasn’t looking in my direction.
Now, if I could wait for the opportune moment. Just then, a man with a cane grabbed Muscles’ arm and pulled his attention down to him.
Now!
I crouched down and scurried to the curtains on the side of the wall. If I could make it to the group of tables holding raffle items, I could hide behind them.
I slipped behind a group of women, then dove behind the tables. Hard carpet met my knees.
Ow. My knees heated and burned.
The table was close enough to the wall that I could shimmy between it and the wall on hands and knees to the end of the table. I snuck out from under the tablecloth. There was still a good six to ten feet to the exit and no tables left to block my path. I eased around the corner to check on Muscles, but I couldn’t see anything from that angle. I crouched higher, looking out from behind a tiered tray of cupcakes.
Found him. He was at the back of the room.
I could make it!
I bolted for the door, my eyes focused on Muscles. Unfortunately for me and the woman in the muumuu dress I nearly tackled, I was not watching where I was going. The lady threw her hands in the air, sending her Mary Poppins bag flying in an explosion of tissues, medicine, peppermint candies, and cracker packs. Her arms waved desperately as she tried to steady herself.
“I’m so sorry!” I reached for her and held her steady. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” I checked her up and down for emerging bruises.
“Oh, it’s fine.” The woman gave me a sweet smile as she released her grip on my arms. “That sure works to jump-start the ticker though.” She chuckled, placing a hand on her heart .
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t watching where I was going.” I wrapped my arm around her. “Here. Let me help you sit, and then I will get your bag.” I led her to the first empty chair. Once she was sitting, I bent down to see her eyes. “Are you sure you are okay?”
“Yes, dearie. I’m fine.” She placed her warm hand on my cheek.
I smiled, glad she wasn’t showing signs of a heart attack. I returned to the Mary Poppins bag and began the hunt for peppermint candies and Advil. Scooping up the items, I was surprised at the distance some things flew. I took a last look around.
There!
The last package of crackers was a few feet away, and I bent down, but before I grabbed it, another large hand picked it up. I looked up to a set of fiery brown eyes and muttered a curse under my breath.
He smirked. “My thoughts exactly.”
I rolled my eyes. “At least let me return her bag first.” I didn’t wait for his answer as I grabbed the crackers out of his hands, my fingertips trailing along his palm. I returned the bag and apologized once again.
I looked between Muscles and the door. There would be no outrunning him now.
“I really didn’t expect to see you again,” he growled, and brought my attention back to his trimmed beard and wavy brown hair.
“I had hoped you wouldn’t see me too,” I replied with a grin.
His lips pulled down in a frown. “That is not what I said.”
I waved him off. “Let me guess. I can leave or you will call security.” I raised an eyebrow.
Muscles nodded.
“Figured.” I shrugged. “Let me get my mom.”
His forehead wrinkled in confusion. “You’re here with your mom?”
I tipped my head, “Yeah, she was with me last time too.” I side- eyed him. “Don’t you remember? She walked out with me…” I made my way farther into the room.
His scowl deepened, “Honestly no, I remembered someone being beside you, but I didn’t really look at who.” He paused. “It was a very long day.” His voice lost some of its edge and I didn’t push. I headed toward the table where Mom sat. She reached over and patted Robert’s arm.
Dang. I wish I didn’t have to cut this short.
“Hey, Mom, sorry to interrupt,” I smiled at Robert, “but I guess we’re leaving.” I motioned my head to Mr. Muscles looming over my shoulder.
Mom leaned and looked at the man behind me. She grinned. “No thanks.”
“What?” My eyes opened wide.
“I think I am going to stay until the drawing of the raffles, in case I win something.” She motioned for Muscles to come closer with her hand. “Excuse me, can you help me?” Mom met my eyes and mouthed, “My turn.”
Wait, what?
I stepped back and felt the warmth of Muscles’ chest close behind me.
Whoa!
“That’s fine. Text me when you are ready for a ride. I’ll be nearby.” I had no desire to break up the reunion between Mom and her friend anyway.
“How can I help you?” Muscles’ voice was full of caution.
“Well, you see, my phone battery has died.” She lifted her phone and shook it dramatically in the air. “Now, I know my daughter isn’t supposed to be here,” she shook her head at me with a look of shame, “but she can’t leave or I won’t have a ride home.” Mom’s lips formed a slight pout.
Really, Mom? I quirked a brow.
“It’s okay, Hannah,” Robert spoke up. “I would be happy to give you a?— ”
A distinct thump came from under the table, followed by a look of pain and confusion on Robert’s face. I coughed to cover my laugh.
Mom looked at Muscles before flashing her grip of raffle tickets. “I purchased all these raffle tickets, and as a paying customer, I’m sure you’re okay with my daughter waiting in the foyer for me, just so I can see if I win anything. Right?”
“I’m not sure that is a good idea…” Muscles’ voice had changed, the hard edge melted just a fraction. I peeked up at him over my shoulder. His lips were in a straight line.
“What if she doesn’t talk to anyone attending the party?” she continued to beg. “Just so I can have a ride home? I’m sure you’d want your mother to be treated kindly as well.”
Wow, she was good.
Mom tapped her chin. “I know!” She smiled. “You could stay with her and make sure she obeys the rules.”
Muscles shifted beside me.
Okay, game over.
I was not being babysat by a grown man. “I will be in the car.” I waved goodbye to mom.
“Come, now,” Mom called. “You will freeze, and I know you.” She raised a brow. “You’ll starve.”
I gasped. “Mom!”
Muscles cleared his throat in what was surely an attempt to hide a laugh.
“I can just start the car if I get cold. It’s fine.” I turned to leave.
Mom tsked. “I’m sure the ozone layer would not approve. It’s everyone’s job to care for the Earth. Surely you’d rather sit patiently where it was warm and bright rather than irreparably ruin the environment, dear.” Her lips pinched down in a frown as she shook her head.
If Muscles wanted to stay and listen to Mom he could, but I was leaving. “Let me know when you are ready, Mom. I’m sure you will find a way. After all, you’re nothing if not creative.” I grinned back at her as I walked toward the exit. I passed the dessert table and snagged a chocolate cupcake for the road.
No need to be cold and hungry.