“I’m good.”
“It’s so good to see you.” Robert grinned and looked into Mom’s eyes. Robert had gray hair, blue eyes, a large smile, and square jawline.
Oh my gosh! This was actually happening. I tried to stop my feet from stamping in excitement and was unsuccessful.
Don’t meddle… Don’t meddle.
I bit back my smile and stood. Maybe I could sneak away and give them some privacy. I set my plate on a tray and went to slip out.
Looking toward the doorway, an angry Greek god with a pair of frustrated brown eyes met mine.
Crap! I flinched and ducked my face behind my cap. Not him again!
I turned back to see Mom sitting at the table, now with Robert by her side, laughing at something he said.
No way I was breaking that up. I made a quick decision to run for it.
Ok, not run. I was in heels, after all. I didn’t even run in tennis shoes.
Weaving through people and tables, I made my way deeper into the room.
Maybe I could find another exit? There was nothing but walls and windows, and the windows wouldn’t open. I’m not sure what I would have done if they did.
Ugh!
I stood behind a wooden pillar and peeked toward the door. Muscles wasn’t looking in my direction.
Now, if I could wait for the opportune moment. Just then, a man with a cane grabbed Muscles’ arm and pulled his attention down to him.
Now!
I crouched down and scurried to the curtains on the side of the wall. If I could make it to the group of tables holding raffle items, I could hide behind them.
I slipped behind a group of women, then dove behind the tables. Hard carpet met my knees.
Ow. My knees heated and burned.
The table was close enough to the wall that I could shimmy between it and the wall on hands and knees to the end of the table. I snuck out from under the tablecloth. There was still a good six to ten feet to the exit and no tables left to block my path. I eased around the corner to check on Muscles, but I couldn’t see anything from that angle. I crouched higher, looking out from behind a tiered tray of cupcakes.
Found him. He was at the back of the room.
I could make it!
I bolted for the door, my eyes focused on Muscles. Unfortunately for me and the woman in the muumuu dress I nearly tackled, I was not watching where I was going. The lady threw her hands in the air, sending her Mary Poppins bag flying in an explosion of tissues, medicine, peppermint candies, and cracker packs. Her arms waved desperately as she tried to steady herself.
“I’m so sorry!” I reached for her and held her steady. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you?” I checked her up and down for emerging bruises.
“Oh, it’s fine.” The woman gave me a sweet smile as she released her grip on my arms. “That sure works to jump-start the ticker though.” She chuckled, placing a hand on her heart.
“I’m so sorry I wasn’t watching where I was going.” I wrapped my arm around her. “Here. Let me help you sit, and then I will get your bag.” I led her to the first empty chair. Once she was sitting, I bent down to see her eyes. “Are you sure you are okay?”
“Yes, dearie. I’m fine.” She placed her warm hand on my cheek.
I smiled, glad she wasn’t showing signs of a heart attack. I returned to the Mary Poppins bag and began the hunt for peppermint candies and Advil. Scooping up the items, I was surprised at the distance some things flew. I took a last look around.
There!
The last package of crackers was a few feet away, and I bent down, but before I grabbed it, another large hand picked it up. I looked up to a set of fiery brown eyes and muttered a curse under my breath.
