Blossom Street Bundle

“So,” Jacqueline said, swirling the wine in her glass. “What’s new with your Twenty Wishes?”

The last time they’d met for lunch, Lillie had been full of enthusiasm about her list. She’d talked nonstop, extolling the idea and describing her wishes—starting with the red BMW.

“The widows are meeting next week. We’re going to talk about our wishes and the progress we’ve made.”

Jacqueline sipped her wine. “This is such a good idea. Ever since you told me about it, I’ve been planning to make my own list.”

“You should,” Lillie said, nodding vigorously.

“It’s certainly given you a new lease on life.”

“You think so?”

“I haven’t seen you look this happy in years.”

She wanted to say something, to explain that the Twenty Wishes weren’t entirely responsible for this “new lease on life.” But she couldn’t; she had to accept that she wouldn’t be hearing from Hector again. Ironically, he was the embodiment of her most longed-for wish—a decent, honorable man. A man she couldn’t have. A wish she might never fulfill. The whole thing was just so hopeless.

“Actually, I’ve met someone.” Lillie couldn’t imagine what had made her say that. She wanted to snatch the words back the instant they left her mouth.

Jacqueline nearly tipped over her wineglass. “When? How? Who? You haven’t said anything about this!”

“It’s just that, well…”

“Yes?”

Lillie drew in a deep breath. “Before you get all excited, let me say this isn’t anyone you know.”

“He’s not a member of the club?” Much of their social life revolved around the country club, although both had plenty of friends outside it.

“No.”

“Why the big secret?”

“It isn’t a big secret. I should never have mentioned it.” Lillie could feel her face heating up. “Forget I said a word.”

“No way! You’re dying to tell me, I know you are. Spill it.”

“I’ve never been on a date with him, so there’s nothing to tell you.”

Jacqueline frowned. “Why not?”

“For one thing, he hasn’t asked and…and, well, I doubt he ever will, so there’s no point in discussing this any further.”

“He’s younger, isn’t he?”

“No! Wipe that silly grin off your face, Jacqueline Donovan. It’s not like that at all. He’s shy and I think he’d like to ask me out but he hasn’t.” She was saying more than she’d ever intended and desperately wished she’d never introduced the subject.

Jacqueline leaned back in her chair and a smile quivered at the edges of her mouth. “You should ask him out,” she insisted.

“What?”

“I mean it. In our generation, the men always did the asking, but times have changed. If you’re interested in this man—this stranger you refuse to tell your very best friend about—then all I can say is that you need to take the initiative.”

Lillie stared across the table at her, and Jacqueline stared right back. “I can’t!”

That went against every dictate of her upbringing. Ask Hector out on a date? It was a preposterous suggestion. An outrageous idea.

Jacqueline simply shook her head. “You can ask him, and you will. Or…or I’ll do it for you.”

At that Lillie giggled. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“Why is that ridiculous? You’re a lovely woman, Lillie, and a beautiful person besides. You deserve happiness. Isn’t that what the Twenty Wishes are all about? Going after the things you want in life. Places to see, people to meet, experiences to live. Don’t hold back now. Go for it!”

Could Jacqueline be right?

Without some kind of pledge from her, Jacqueline was never going to shut up about this. “I’ll consider it.” That was the best she could do for now.

“Good.” Jacqueline nodded, obviously pleased.

Lillie relaxed, wondering how she could possibly approach Hector. Oh, for heaven’s sake, what did she know about such things? If David was alive, she could’ve asked him. He was the one with all the dating experience. That thought produced a hysterical giggle that she tried, unsuccessfully, to swallow.

Jacqueline regarded her closely. “What’s so funny?”

Embarrassed, Lillie shook her head. “You—saying I should contact my friend and ask him out.” She waved her hand. “I was just thinking—Never mind.”

“No, tell me,” Jacqueline insisted.

So she did, and soon they were both laughing.

The waiter brought their lunch and automatically refilled their glasses.

“You’re going to do it,” Jacqueline said firmly, leaving no room for argument. She reached for her fork.

“I—”

“Yes, you are,” Jacqueline returned. “You want to see this man, don’t you?”

Lillie gave a barely perceptible nod.

“If you need me standing by to encourage you, then that’s what I’ll do.”

Lillie felt a moment’s hope. No, it was impossible. Even if she did find the courage, she didn’t know what kind of outing to suggest. Perhaps a movie? Barbie seemed to be going to the movies a lot these days.

“You’re looking serious now,” Jacqueline said.

“He might refuse,” she blurted out. “I might’ve completely misread him.”

“So what?” Her friend shrugged as if this was an insignificant concern. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”