Page 68 of Secrets Bared
“You make a good point, Raven.” Edith turned to Luke. “How does May sound? That gives us time to drum up donations for the prizes but still before your mom’s bills are due.”
Luke crossed his fingers. “Here’s hoping.”
“If she’s okay with it, I can talk about it on the social media accounts. Get more eyes on it.” Maggie’s blood thrummed through her body with excitement. She’d make this the most successful basket dinner this town had ever seen.
“Why don’t you come over for dinner tonight, Mags, and we’ll ask her? I have a feeling she can’t say no to you.” Luke’s gaze grabbed her own and held on tight. She nodded before she realized what she was agreeing to.
“If we can get her to agree to this, I’ll cook.”
Shouts of “Absolutely not!” and “Oh no, you won’t!” echoed around the table.
Edith laid down the law. “We won’t hear of it. We’ll do the cooking; that’s part of hosting a basket dinner.”
He shifted on his feet. “At least let me order the ingredients through our supplier.” He raised his hands before they could object. “You’re welcome to pay for them, I just want to get you the best deal.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you, Luke.” Anna patted his shoulder as she rose. “I’ll be right back, ladies.” She headed to the back of the restaurant for the bathroom.
“I should get going,” Maggie said, and Edith slid out of the booth to let her leave. “I want to go back to the Haven and change before I go to your place,” she told Luke.
“I’m about done for the day, so just come over.” He took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
“Thanks for the company, ladies.” Maggie waved as she headed for her coat and the back door.
Somehow, they’d turned her terrible day right around.
Chapter 19
Lukehadwantedtopick Maggie up for the Spring Fling, but he’d volunteered instead to take Mom’s place during set up. She was still there, of course, helping to direct, but he was her arms and legs.
“Luke, the sign is crooked!”
He rubbed his hands over his temple. “I told you, there’s a light there. Should we put the sign somewhere else?”
Mom scowled, her dress and walking boot an interesting juxtaposition. “No, we’ll just have to make do.” She wheeled away. “Don’t you need to get changed?”
“Yes, Mom.” Luke rolled his eyes since she couldn’t see him. His shirt was hanging in the back of his car along with his best dress pants.
Here’s hoping Grace had been correct when he asked what color Maggie was wearing.
Looking around the community center, Luke nodded in satisfaction. Then he high-tailed it for his car and his change of clothes.
Changing into the white shirt in the mens’ room, he wrapped the pink tie around his neck and tied a knot. Then he finger-combed pomade through his hair. A dab of cologne, and he was set. He packed up his stuff and took it back out to the car as the lights came on and the DJ, Joe’s cousin, started the music.
Luke wiped the sweat off his palms as he waited for his date. Grace and Felix had promised to get her there right as it started. He leaned against the wall next to the entrance, hands tucked in his pockets as the entire town came out for the Fling. Families with kids always came and left early, as did the older residents. He waved to the people he knew, but kept his focus outside, waiting for his date.
A flash of red hair outside had him standing up straighter. He ignored the flutters in his stomach as Grace and Maggie came into view, Felix trailing behind them. Instead of a coat, Maggie’s only nod to the cool temperature was a green wrap that covered her shoulders and hung down in front of her dress.
Grace found him in the crowd first and smirked. Luke stepped into the flow of people entering, letting them part around him like a rock in a stream. He saw the moment Maggie noticed him, her head tilting up and her smile spreading across her face. Grace whispered something in her ear as she took Maggie’s wrap, giving him a wink as she headed to the coat rack.
Maggie wore a knee-length dress in cotton candy pink, the same shade as the tie Grace had helped him pick out, with dark pink roses throughout. The heart-shaped neckline lovingly cradled her breasts, emphasizing the perfect mounds. Ruffled straps fluttered in the breeze of people rushing past. He held out his hand to her, twirling her around on her matching pink heels, letting the skirt flare out into a circle.
“You look incredible.” He drew her to him.
“You do, too.” She slid her hand down his tie. “How did you know?”
“Grace,” he answered.
“Of course.” She shook her head. “That’s why she told me real men wear pink.”
