Nolan liked the sound of that. Maybe all the wedding planning would have Sally thinking about being a bride. He tried to get back to work, but it was difficult to concentrate with visions of Sally in a wedding dress cluttering his thoughts.
Chapter 31
Afew weeks after Meg’s visit to my shop, I know I can’t wait any longer to get her and Barbara Jeanne together. If I don’t act soon, there’s a chance things could get ugly in public between my friend and my cousin if they cross paths. And what better place to reunite them than the scene of the crime, so to speak. I’ve already talked to Meg about going to lunch. I just didn’t tell her I’m bringing someone with me. She’s meeting me at Tupelo Heat at one. Now to get Barbara Jeanne on board. I press the number for her on my cell.
“Hey, cousin.” Barbara Jeanne sing-songs when she answers.
“Hey back, cousin. How about getting some lunch with me today?”
“Okay. I can meet you at the club. What time?”
“Actually, I’ve got somewhere else in mind. I’ll pick you up at twelve thirty.” I can’t take a chance on Meg spotting Barbara Jeanne’s car in the parking lot. And we need to get there before she does. “Actually, make that twelve-fifteen.”
“Sure. Where do you want to go?”
“Tupelo Heat.”
There’s an extended pause before Barbara Jeanne speaks. “Is there a reason you want to go there today?”
“Yes, there is. We’re meeting Meg and you’re going to apologize to her.”
“Aw, Sally. Does it have to be today? And there of all places?”
“Yes ma’am. No whining. We talked about this already. Now, Meg and Drew are getting married, and I’m helping with the wedding. So, I’m not going to tolerate you two not getting along. Time to put on your big girl panties and do the adult thing.”
* * *
Barbara Jeanne and I arrive at the barbecue shack at a quarter to one and find a table. I take a seat facing the door so I can see Meg when she enters. A few minutes later, the screen door swings open. I wave and Meg spots me, then strolls toward me. Before she reaches the table, Barbara Jeanne turns around. Meg stops in her tracks.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
Meg speaks loudly enough that a few heads turn. I quickly rise and head over to her, taking her arm. “C’mon and sit down. I invited you both. And I know you two have already met.”
We reach the table and Meg straddles the bench part of the picnic table, sitting sideways. She turns her head only slightly toward Barbara Jeanne rather than facing her head on. “Gotta give you credit, Barbie doll, I can’t believe you have the nerve to risk running into me again.”
I give Barbara Jeanne a direct look, but I’m speaking to Meg. “Mycousin, Barbara Jeanne, has something she wants to say to you.”
Meg suddenly bursts out laughing, as if I’ve just told the funniest joke. “Good one, Sally. Your cousin? That’s rich.”
I can’t help but smile. “I can assure you I’m not joking. My father and Barbara Jeanne’s father are brothers. We’re first cousins.”
Meg studies Barbara Jeanne for a few seconds, then looks back at me. “I’ll be damned.”
With no further prompting, Barbara Jeanne clears her throat, then speaks. “Meg, I want to apologize for the way I acted that day with you and Drew. I know I have a reputation as a spoiled brat, and I’ve still got some growing up to do. I meant no harm, and I’m hoping you’ll forgive me.” She looks down as if she’s nervous, then continues in a softer voice. “And I hope we can be friends.”
I give Meg a pointed look, as if to saydon’t mess with my cousin.
Meg smiles. “Apology accepted. But I won’t call you Barbara Jeanne. Barbie doll suits you better.” She then slaps her hand on the table. “Now let’s eat. I’m starving and the smell of that barbecue has me drooling.”
Chapter 32
The vibration of my phone skittering across the bedside table wakes me. Groaning in irritation, I pick it up and bring it to my ear without checking who’s calling. Nolan and I had a late night sexting session last night, so I slept in this morning.
“This is my day off, so if you’re waking me up this early there better be a good reason.”
“Hey, cousin!” Barbara Jeanne’s peppy voice blares through the phone. Scowling in annoyance, I pull it away from my ear, and glance at the time. I’m surprised to see that it’s already twenty minutes to eleven.
“Morning, Barbara Jeanne, to what do I owe the pleasure?” I rub a hand over my face, trying to wake up the rest of the way.
