“I…okay.” Cassie had no idea what had come over her. A breathlessness, yet her pulse raced. A smidge of trepidation, but mostly excitement—an impulse to jiggle her hips in a celebration dance. This gorgeous man had asked her out for dinner. “What time?”
“Seven? I’ll pick you up.”
“I’d like that.”
“Okay. Good.” Hone shuffled his feet, his gaze not settling. “I’d better go. I’ll see you tomorrow at seven.” He made his escape, almost running to his vehicle. He lifted a hand in farewell and sped from the parking lot.
Cassie waved goodbye. The man acted as if he were torn about the idea. Weird. She could ask Emma—no. Emma had warned her about Hone, and here she was, stepping out on a date. She’d take things slow, enjoy the getting-to-know details. Keep her heart protected. Have fun. Everyone should spice their lives with fun.
Her phone buzzed, and she shut the door before checking the text.
Shopping tonight? L8 night at mall.
She rang Emma. “I need Katie-Jo outfits. Will the mall have something suitable?”
“You told me you were on holiday.”
“Kevin rang with an offer of two shows for the vineyard tour. One of the acts canceled due to illness, and they needed a last minute replacement. It will give me a chance to sing my new material, so I agreed.”
“Don’t you wear a wig for your act?” Emma asked.
“Yeah, I’ll have to buy one.”
“Sounds like fun. You want me to pick you up?”
“Yes, please. I still don’t have a vehicle.”
“Sorry, I forgot. It’s been a weird day. Are you feeling up to going shopping?”
“I not only have inclination to shop, but I’ll spring for dinner.”
A brisk knock sounded on the door. “Gotta go, Emma. Someone at the door.”
“I’ll be there soon.”
Cassie slipped the phone in her pocket and answered the summons.
“What was Hone doing here? I thought you were going out with my son.”
Cassie blinked at the steely disapproval emanating from June Taniwha. “I was in an accident earlier today. Hone came to pick me up because Emma and Jack were busy. I left my phone in his car.” She wasn’t sure why she tacked the lie on the end of her speech, but it seemed to appease June.
“I wondered where you’d left your vehicle.”
“I have to ring about a replacement,” Cassie said and pulled out her phone in a subtle hint for June to leave. Those eyes of hers were freaky.
“Manu will help you if you ask.”
“Yes, thank you. I saw him today.”
June’s instant smile dazzled. “I’ll let you get on with your call. I’m glad you’re all right.”
“Thank you for dinner last night.” Eyes.Still creepy.
“You’re welcome, dear.” June patted her arm and left her alone.
Well, that was weird. Alone in her room, Cassie scowled, tapped the top of the couch in a one-two, one-two beat. Should she seek Emma’s advice? Or at least tell Manu his mother was acting strange about her spending time with Hone. Yeah.Nah. She’d let life happen, go with what felt right.
The shopping excursion—a huge success. Thanks to Emma’s brilliant suggestion, she now owned a bright pink wig to wear with jeans and sparkly tops. Instead of her trademark cowboy boots, she’d purchased two pairs of pink shoes. One with chunky heels. One with spiky. She’d still appear like Katie-Jo instead of plain Cassie Miller-Pope, but she’d sport an edgy look to match her new, upbeat songs.
