"Hey, leave her alone."
They all turned to see Delaney had come to join them.Callie appreciated the diversion, but she wasn't sure she was thrilled to see Delaney.
"I thought you were going to give me a call," Delaney said.
"Yeah, sorry.Things have just been kind of busy."
Delaney gave her a knowing smile."So I hear.I have to say, I'm happy for you.Ollie's a good guy, and you two seem like you'd be a good match.But have you given any thought to what we talked about?I'd love to market your work, you know.We could rebrand you, and you'd make a fortune."She laughed."I don't know that you could ever make a fortune that would match Ollie's.I don't know that any of us would ever be able to do that.But you could go big-time.I know that much."
Callie was starting to feel uncomfortable.Delaney had that effect on her anyway, but she didn't like talking about Ollie's money.It didn't seem right.She wanted to just come out and say no — she wasn't interested.But for one thing, it was good of Delaney to offer, and for another, it might not be the worst idea in the world.If she and Ollie were going to get together for real, she'd like to feel as though she had money of her own.
"Can I think about it and call you?"
"Sure.If you really are going to call me this time."
Callie gave her a wry smile."I will.I promise."
"Okay, then.But I'll check in with you again before I leave tonight, okay?"
Willow rolled her eyes."You'll get used to her, you know.Most people think she's pushy, and she's an acquired taste, but she has a heart of gold once you get through the tough shell."
Callie was a little more inclined to like Delaney when she saw the smile that she and Willow exchanged.Willow herself could be described as pushy and having a hard outer shell, but Callie was already familiar with her heart of gold.
She was grateful when Becca caught her arm and said, "If you ladies would excuse us, Callie and I have a tradition we need to follow through on."
Callie laughed as Becca dragged her away toward the bathroom."Do you need to go, or is this just...?"
Becca smiled."Tradition, as usual.And I thought I should get you out of there."
"Thanks, Becs.But I can hold my own with them, you know."
"Oh, I know," said Becca."I just thought if Delaney pushed any more, you might get sick of it and say no, and I don't think you should.I really think you should think it over.Not that I'm pushing," she added hurriedly.
"I know.And I think maybe you're right."
As they made their way toward the bathrooms, she spotted Margot from Laurel & Vine talking to another couple of women.When they came back out, she steered Becca over in that direction.She wanted to thank her for her help earlier — and to show her how great the dress looked — despite Margot having pushed her toward the other, far more expensive one.
But she slowed down as they approached, hearing Margot's friend say, "I heard Delaney Morgan offer to market her pottery, and she said no."
Callie scowled at Becca.They couldn't be talking about anyone other than her.
Her scowl deepened when Margot said, "I don't blame her for not wanting to work.I mean, why would she need to?She's with Ollie Stratton."
Becca's eyes grew wide, and she grabbed Callie's hand and dragged her away.
"They're just stupid people talking, Callie.It doesn't make any difference what they say."
Callie took a few deep breaths."You know what?You're right.It doesn't.But where's Delaney?"
Becca looked around."She's over there with Hannah now.Why?"
"Because I want to talk to her.I'm going to tell her yes."
Delaney grinned when she saw them approaching, and Hannah chuckled and said, "Uh-oh.This looks like business.I'll catch up with you guys in a little while."
"Have you thought about it?"Delaney asked.
"I have," said Callie."What would it take to just test the water?"
