Bold(22)

They had finished the last of their beers when Vic joined them. “Tabby wants to know, since you guys are here, if you can take the tent with you?”

“You mean she isn’t going to help us install it?” he asked.

“No. She said, and I quote, ‘The instructions I pinned to each panel even dummies could follow.’ So you boys should be good to go.”

“Ha-ha. Funny, Tabby,” Devon yelled across the room.

She flashed a strained smile and turned away.

Dammit. Reece fumed. She couldn’t just ignore him.

Pushing back his chair, he rose to his feet. Tabby must have heard the scrap against the wooden floor because she hightailed it straight to the bathroom.

Coward.

When he glanced at Vic, her friend and the local hairdresser, she cocked a brow, her eyes simmering accusingly.

Tabby wouldn’t have told Vic about them. But it didn’t take a genius to see something was said to the woman, who spun on the balls of her feet and headed over to where they were still sewing pillows.

Devon looked up at Reece. “That was strange.”

“You’re telling me.” Reece licked his lips. “Maybe we should get those damn curtains and get the hell out of here.”

His conscience mentally poked him in the side. Now who was the coward?



Knock. Knock.

“It’s safe to come out.” Vic’s muffled voice bled through the locked bathroom door.

Feeling twice the fool, Tabby turned the handle and stepped beyond the door. But who could blame her? The second she sensed Reece rising, the need for escape had throbbed in her veins, pounded in her heart.

Concern burned in Vic’s eyes. “You okay?”

No. But it was “Yes,” she opted to say. “I just had to use the restroom.”

“Yeah. Like I’m going to believe that.” Vic paused. “He’s gone.”

Tabby inhaled a shaky breath. “Thanks.”

“You know you can’t elude him forever.”

“I just need breathing space today.” After waking up depressed and weepy, she was on edge. When this booth was complete, she’d be fine. At least that’s what she kept telling herself. She just needed to keep busy and keep as much distance between her and Reece as possible until she was stronger. “Let’s get back to work.”

They worked until four o’clock, with many people coming up and asking them what they were doing. Strangely, it had been a good marketing ploy to use the Seafarer. Their activities hadn’t only aroused interest in the festival, but for Madame M, the psychic. She came highly recommended by Josie Wells who just happened to stroll into the restaurant at that moment.

The kindergarten teacher’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the progress they had achieved. “Tabby, I can’t believe you accomplished all this. It’s going to be a fantastic festival.” She tucked a strand of her silky blonde hair behind an ear.

“I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help. Even Mrs. Thomas stepped up to help. And Vic has been a lifesaver.” In more ways then one.

A grin spread across Josie’s face. “So when will we get a sneak peek?”

Tabby fussed with the buttons on a pillow. “If you want to help Vic set up, you can do that right now. I also need someone to string the vines and flowers on the cottage. Oh, and don’t forget the wind chimes.” Yeah. She might be delegating a lot of things she would have done herself, but today she needed her friends—their help and support.

“Where are you going?” Vic frowned.

“I’m a little concerned about Harold. He’s been forgetful of late.” After he sent both Reece and her to the high school, he had also forgotten some of her supplies. Then this morning she had to tell him twice what to do with the plans she had created for the sultan’s tent, which had been the clincher. She knew there was something wrong. “I thought I’d swing by Andie’s—just make sure Harold’s okay.” She couldn’t bear the thought that he might be sick.

“I’d love to help.” Josie looked at all the colorful pillows, smiling. “Where do we start?”

“Maybe you can drive my Jeep over to the site. It’s loaded with Hannah’s jewelry trees and other knickknacks.”

“Won’t you need your vehicle to go to Andie’s?” Vic asked.

“No. I think I’ll walk.” A long stroll would give her the opportunity to unwind and the fresh air would do her good. “Just leave my Jeep at the site with the keys tucked beneath the tire well.” Tabby brushed her palms down her jeans. “I’ll help you load this stuff and then be off.”