Where Azaleas Bloom

Raylene shook her head. “I’m glad it turned out okay and you’ll make a nice commission, but I hope those two learned a lesson.”

“I doubt it,” Lynn said with a shrug. “You grew up in this town, same as me. People talk. It’s not going to change.”

Raylene sighed. “I suppose, but I don’t have to like it, especially when I see one of my friends hurt by their thoughtlessness.”

“I’m not hurt, not really,” Lynn said. “In fact, it was eye-opening. I assumed everyone was going to take Ed’s side, so I’ve been avoiding people. He’s the big wheel in town. He prides himself on knowing everybody and taking real good care of them.”

“He’s not taking such good care of you, though, is he?” Raylene said knowingly. “That will matter to people, Lynn. Family counts in this town, and the way a man treats his family says a lot about his own moral character. It wouldn’t surprise me a bit to see him lose business over the way he’s handling this divorce. Carter was saying just last night that once the insurance policy for the police department is up in a few months, he wants to negotiate with another company.”

“You’re kidding,” Lynn said, astounded. “Because of me and the kids?”

“Because a man who screws up his personal life can’t be trusted with other people’s business,” Raylene said. “And that’s just about a direct quote. Of course, Carter is one of those stand-up guys with a strict moral code, which makes him a fantastic police chief but a little tough for those of us with flaws. You remember how we met, the day Sarah’s little boy ran off while I was supposed to be watching him? Carter didn’t think much of me then.”

Lynn recalled the terrifying incident all too well. “Give the man a break. He didn’t understand about the agoraphobia at that point. And he did apologize for his judgmental attitude after Travis filled him in.”

“He did,” Raylene said, smiling, “And proved he had plenty of redeeming qualities.”

“The man adores you,” Lynn said. “Flaws and all, assuming you have any. He certainly stuck right by you while you were fighting the agoraphobia and couldn’t leave the house. I think we all marveled at that.”

“He was a saint, no question about it. And he’s been a rock for his sisters since their parents died, but he has his judgmental moments. Of course, when it comes to dealing with Ed, I happen to agree with his decision. I’m moving all my policies the first chance I get, too.”

Lynn gave her a wry look. “Much as I love the idea of retribution, you do realize that if Ed’s business goes under, my situation will get even worse.”

Raylene stared at her with dismay. “Well, fudge! I hadn’t thought of that.”

“Believe me, I have,” Lynn said. “I have nightmares about it. One second I want the man to wind up a pauper, the next I realize he could drag me and the kids down with him.”

Raylene’s expression turned thoughtful. “Okay, then, we need to find you another job, something better than what I can offer you for now. You’re smart. You’ve been running a household for years, without a lot of help from Ed, I imagine. You have skills that can be used in the workforce. We just have to focus on creating the perfect resume.”

“I did snag another part-time job just yesterday,” Lynn admitted.

Raylene’s eyes lit up. “Really? Tell me.”

“Mitch hired me to handle his billing and payroll. I just started learning his system this morning. We’re going to go over a few more things later this afternoon when I get home from here.”

A grin spread across Raylene’s face. Lynn suspected that the twinkle in her eyes had nothing at all to do with Lynn having found more work.

“Mitch, huh?” Raylene said, clearly fascinated. “How’d that happen?”

Lynn didn’t want to mention her foolish decision to check out a clerk’s job in a dangerous section of town, so she said simply, “He knew I was looking for something part-time and mentioned that he could use some help. The best part is I get to work from home.”

Raylene’s grin spread. “The best part, huh? I’d have thought that would be spending more time with Mitch. The man is a serious hunk.”

“So Grace has mentioned,” Lynn said wryly. “That seems to be the consensus in certain circles.”

“And you hadn’t noticed?”

“I’ve known Mitch since grade school. He’s an old friend, that’s all.”

“Maybe that’s what he was in school, when you were gaga over Ed, but circumstances have changed,” Raylene reminded her. “You could do a lot worse. And don’t forget I’ve seen the way he looks at you when you’re both at the house for dinner.”

“That’s concern, nothing more. He’s worried about the toll the divorce is taking on me and the kids. That’s the kind of man he is.”

“And there’s something wrong with being thoughtful and compassionate?”

“Of course not, but it’s not exactly the basis for some big romance, the way you’re hinting.”

Raylene laughed. “Honey, I’m not even hinting. I’m telling you flat-out you need to take another look at the man before someone else comes along and snaps him up. He’s been immune to most of the passes I know have been directed his way, but you can’t count on that resistance to last forever.”

“Come on, Raylene,” Lynn protested. “How can I even think about him that way? He’s still grieving for Amy, and my divorce isn’t even final. For all I know, we could wind up losing the house and having to move to be closer to one of my sisters. Why start something that doesn’t have a chance?”

Raylene gave her a chiding look. “I am way too familiar with that defeatist attitude. I kept trying to let Carter off the hook. I worked really hard not to fall in love with him, because I thought my situation would never change and I refused to have him tied down to a woman who couldn’t even leave the house. The thing was, he didn’t want to give up. He fought for what we had. I think you and Mitch could have that same kind of staying power.”

“Based on the way he’s looked at me at dinner?” Lynn said skeptically. “You’re still lost in some romantic fog. Not every situation has a fairy-tale ending.”

“I’m just saying you shouldn’t give up without a fight. Assuming you’re even the tiniest bit attracted to him, that is,” she said, regarding Lynn slyly. “Are you?”

Lynn hesitated, then said, “Okay, I am the tiniest bit attracted.” She held two fingers maybe an inch apart. “This much, anyway.”

Raylene laughed. “Couples have started with a lot less. Come to dinner tonight. Mitch usually stays, as you know. Let me get the lay of the land.”

“No way,” Lynn said, shuddering at the thought. “I do not want to sit there with you studying us like we’re specimens under a microscope. It would be too embarrassing.”

“Are you saying that you’ll never join us for dinner again?” Raylene asked with a frown. “The last thing I meant to do was scare you off.”

“You didn’t. Not entirely anyway. I just don’t think I can pretend it’s simply another casual dinner after all this talk of attraction and looks and such. Maybe in a couple of weeks, but not tonight.”

Raylene relented and backed off. “If you change your mind or Mitch talks you into it, the offer’s open. You’re always welcome.”

“What makes you think Mitch will even attempt to talk me into it? When would he do that?”

“You did say he’s coming over when you get home from work, right? I imagine I can plant the idea in his head before then,” Raylene said with confidence. “I promise I’ll be more subtle about it than I was with you.”

“Have you caught some kind of matchmaking fever? I hear it’s been going around in Serenity.”

“What can I say? It’s a community curse,” Raylene said unrepentantly. “Now go on home and freshen up so you’ll be stunning when Mitch drops by. You’ve done more than your share of selling in here this morning. You’ll have a nice fat commission in your check this week.”

“I am not setting out to impress Mitch,” Lynn said with what she hoped sounded like suitable indignation.

“Of course you’re not,” Raylene said innocently. “I’m just thinking a little eyeliner to go with that mascara you put on this morning, a touch of gloss on your lips and maybe another swipe of that blush.”

Lynn groaned. “Was I that obvious?”

Raylene laughed. “Not to Mitch, I’m sure. He probably just noticed you looked more beautiful than ever. Only women pay attention to the little, telltale details like extra makeup.”

“I am so humiliated,” Lynn said. “I feel like a teenager who got caught drawing hearts and initials on the front of her school notebook. And I know exactly how that felt, because it happened way too often when my crush on Ed first developed. I do not want to be that lovesick girl ever again.”

“How about a strong woman going after what she wants?” Raylene asked. “I think that would demonstrate a whole new level of maturity and intelligence.”