Arms wrapped around her from all sides until they were a tangled mess and giggling once more.
Clem detached and rose to her feet, rubbing her hands together in thought. “We’ll send the maid to help you pack, and you can move in today.”
Rhoda gave Winnie a knowing look. “She wants you on hand to help with the gala.”
Winnie stilled. “What gala?”
“You didn’t tell her?” Olive’s mouth dropped open with horror. “Oh dear, what poor timing.”
“Oh, goodness.” A flush crept up Clem’s neck. “It’s just a coincidence, I assure you, but wecoulduse your help.”
Winnie shifted her attention from one woman to the other. “Please, tell me. Don’t let my heartache impede any plans.”
“Aunt Della will host a fundraiser next week,” Clem said. “All the proceeds will go toward the movement. It’s rather spur of the moment, and she’s in a tizzy trying to get everything organized.”
“She has invited the most prominent suffrage leaders of the city, not to mention anyone with deep pockets,” Rhoda said. “Speaking of—my mother’s invitation arrived. She sends her regrets and a fat bank draft in our family’s stead.”
“Aheartilywelcomed donation!”
“The gala will be themed after Demeter, the goddess of the harvest. The decorations are sure to dazzle,” Olive added. “Artists and performers will entertain, and I’m going to play a few songs on the piano.”
“A gala,” Winnie repeated. While part of her wanted to crawl into bed and milk her heartache for another month or two, this was a much healthier means of recovery. A beautiful event would surely distract her from Mack’s betrayal. The last thought had her stomach plummeting. “I don’t have a suitable dress.”
“I’ll have to wear my performance dress,” Olive said. “It’s not special at all, but it will do.”
“You can borrow one of mine,” Rhoda said.
Winnie barked out a laugh. “You’re very sweet, but I don’t think all of this”—she gestured to her fuller figure—“will fit into your clothing.”
“I don’t meanminemine,” Rhoda chided. “I meant from our dress shop.”
Winnie cocked her head to the side. “I beg your pardon?”
Rhoda gave a devilish grin. “What good is being the daughter of the family that owns the largest department store in the city if one can’t raid the merchandise?”
Winnie’s jaw dropped. “Oh, but I can’t afford—”
Rhoda cut her off. “It’s a gift. I so rarely get to play dress up, especially with girlfriends who will let me choose their wardrobe.”
“Ah, so that’s the price I have to pay.” Winnie laughed but shrugged. “I put myself in your devious hands. Anything to stop me from obsessing over a man.”
“Exactly my goal.”
Olive’s longing was glaringly obvious, and Rhoda nudged her. “You too, silly. And Clem. We’re all going.”
Olive squealed. Clem let out a long-suffering sigh.
“Tomorrow morning, we’re going to Carlisle’s, and I’m going to shower you in so many fabrics you won’t be able to breathe, let alone think of the bastard. He doesn’t deserve even a second more of your time.”
“Onwards and upwards,” Clem agreed.
While Winnie knew it would be impossible tonotthink of Mack, since he had occupied her thoughts every waking hour since their last interaction, she would put on a brave face and try her best to find joy with her friends.
Her one comfort was that she never had to see him again.
CHAPTER21
Mack thudded his forehead up and down against the sticky bar at The Unruly Otter. Winnie’s stricken expression played over and over in his mind. He had woken up at dawn and hustled down to the office, determined to sort out the mess before Winnie arrived with her editorial. Instead, everything that could go wronghadgone wrong. Horace was late and then Emil let the truth slip within earshot of Winnie. In a matter of moments, his careful plans were up in flames.
