She could never replicate Harper’s expertise, but being gussied up would be fun for a night.
“I’m going to get a bottle of water,” Harper said, grimacing as she slipped out of her heels. “I love these shoes, but they kill my feet. Do you want anything?”
Anita shook her head, surprised Harper was complaining about wearing heels since she wore them all the time. “No, thanks.”
“Be right back.”
As soon as Harper walked out the door, Anita’s phone sounded.
She groaned and picked up the cell. There was definitely something wrong with this thing. As she’d waited for Harper to pick her up, she’d turned the ringtone back on and tried to change it, but it kept defaulting to this one.
Looking at the screen, she didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?”
“Hey, Anita. It’s Tanner.”
Stunned, she gripped the phone. He’d never called her before. “Hi,” was all she could manage to say.
“I’m sorry this is last minute, but is there any way you could help me cater Harper’s party tonight? Bailey has a family emergency.”
“Sure,” she said quickly. Too quickly. She should have given his request a second or two of thought since this was her day off. But this was also Tanner, and she couldn’t think of a time she’d ever told him no when he asked her to do something.
“Awesome,” he said, sounding relieved. “I’ll pick you up after I get the food from Sunshine.”
“Actually, I’m already at Harper’s.”
“Oh? Are you helping her get ready for the party?”
“No. I’m a guest.”
“I didn’t know that. I’m sorry.” He paused. “Really. If everyone else wasn’t working or busy, I’d say never mind.”
Her spirits sank. Not only did he automatically assume she would be Harper’s assistant instead of attending the party, but she was also his last resort. “It’s okay.”
“I knew I could count on you. See you there.”
She shut off her phone and tossed it onto the vanity.Good old dependable Anita.He hadn’t said that, but he might as well have. She shouldn’t be surprised or disappointed, but she was both.
Harper entered the room, holding a bottle of sparkling water. She stopped when she saw Anita’s face. “What’s wrong?” she said, hurrying over to her.
“Nothing.” Anita stared at her lap.
“Right, and I’m Martha Stewart’s long-lost twin.” Harper set the bottle on the vanity and sat on the edge of her large bed. “I was only gone for a few minutes. What happened?”
“Tanner called. He wants me to help him cater tonight.”
Harper’s brow shot up. “And you told him no, right?”
“There wasn’t anyone else available.” She explained the phone call, hoping Harper didn’t catch on that he’d called Anita last. Then she got up from the chair. “I brought my original outfit with me,” she said.
“In case you didn’t like what I picked out for you?”
“Yeah. But I should have known you would find something beautiful. If real estate doesn’t work out, you should be a personal shopper.”
“I actually thought about that at one time. But I like real estate a tad bit more. There isn’t much of a market for personal shopping in Maple Falls, anyway.”
Anita was glad her friend wasn’t offended. “I’ll change and then wait in the kitchen for Tanner.”
Harper stepped in front of her, blocking her way. “You can wait for Tanner, but you’re not changing out of this dress.”
