LLucy’s Revenge(Divine Creek Ranch 15)(79)

Tabitha gaped. “How–how did you know I was even showing—”

Madeleine tilted her head and looked at Tabitha as though she were a little touched in the head. “Miss Lester, I’m not sure you’re qualified to be showing properties of any kind. Especially ones that aren’t yours, that you haven’t been contracted to show, and that aren’t available.”

Tabitha was struck speechless, at least for the moment. Lucy stood and watched events unfold with amusement. She could tell Madeleine was enjoying herself.

Miss Wilkinson said, “I was at your spa this morning, Madeleine, but I thought I’d just missed you.”

Madeleine chuckled and gestured at Tabitha. “I was just leaving my office when I heard this one talking to someone about Lucy’s adorable little retreat here and I could tell what she was up to. You mustn’t believe her.”

Madeleine patted Lucy’s forearm and said, “This is one of the best, if not the best, licensed massage therapist in this area. I tried my best to keep her at my spa but she truly wanted to be self-employed. I really couldn’t blame her. You know how a salon full of women together can be,” she added, giving Tabitha a significant glance that made her huff and cross her arms indignantly. “They gossip and make each other miserable. I miss her terribly.”

Claire nodded and smiled at Lucy, “Well, if I do wind up in the area, perhaps I’ll pay you a visit here, Lucy. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Claire glanced at Tabitha looking as though she’d been rooked into something she hadn’t wanted at all. “She told me this space and the space next door would be perfect for my offices. I can see though, that they’re already perfect.” She looked closely at Lucy’s eyes and asked, “Are you related to the man next door? I caught a glimpse of him through the storefront window.”

Lucy grinned as Tabitha rolled her eyes. “Yes. He’s my brother, Seth Carter.”

Madeleine nudged Claire gently with her elbow, a grin on her face. “World famous tattoo artist, Claire. Immaculate shop. Wonderful work. Adorable wife and son.”

“Oh. Well, you know, I was thinking about having the color redone on my roses,” Claire said in a whisper. “Too bad he’s married. He’s hot!”

Tabitha gasped and Lucy covered a giggle as she walked to the door and held it open and gestured with a wide sweep of her hand for Tabitha to exit.

“I’m not done here yet,” Tabitha said testily.

Claire smiled. “Tabitha, it was delightful to chat with you while we sat next to each other at the hair dryers this morning, but I don’t think I’m interested in continuing the discussion. Have a lovely evening.”

Tabitha’s jaw dropped at being dismissed but she obviously realized when she’d been outclassed and made a hasty exit. At the door, she growled, “You haven’t seen the last of me, you hussy. You and your friends will get the message eventually.”

Lucy held up a hand to Tabitha to stop her from saying anything else, not that it would do any good. “Look. I know what you’re doing, Tabitha. You’ve tried it with others. It hasn’t worked. You’re supposed to be a Christian lady. When will you learn to live peaceably in Divine and stop judging?”

Why am I even bothering to ask? She just doesn’t understand and never will.

“I will never give up until all you sinners either acknowledge your sin or get out of town.”

“Do you know what? I was told by a good friend that ménages were among the first settlers in this community. You’re going to have a hard time digging up roots that deep.”

“Doesn’t matter, you hussy. I’ll never give up. What you’re doing is unholy and unfair.”

“Unfair? Being treated like a whore is somehow preferential treatment? I don’t know what it is you think I do here, Tabitha, but my business is completely above board, just like my brother’s.”

“Don’t even get me started on that tattooed heathen brother of yours. It’s unfair of you to be depleting the number of available males in this community by taking two for yourself.”

Males? Someone’s been reading too many paranormal romances.

“Because…one of them was actually ‘intended’ for you?”

Tabitha made a grand sweep with both hands, sending a plume of cat hair into the air from her cardigan. “Exactly!”

Lucy caught the fluff of hair as it floated in the air and looked at it. “Well, I know it’s not my men. This is Persian. They’re partial to my pussy.”

She closed the door in Tabitha’s face, locked it without flipping her the bird like she wanted to, and turned back to Madeleine and Claire.