As she drove back to Kathleen’s house, Lynda tried to untangle the emotions of the afternoon. The easy teamwork with Matt, the way her heart had raced when he’d almost called her beautiful—it all pointed to something she hadn’t experienced in years. Something she wasn’t sure she was ready for.
Yet when she thought about the fundraiser, about dancing with Matt under the twinkling lights they’d hung together, she couldn’t deny the flutter of anticipation in her chest. It wasn’t a‘date’ date, as Matt had so adorably clarified. It was only a dance between friends. Colleagues.
But as she turned onto Kathleen’s street, Lynda wondered if it could be the start of something more.
CHAPTER 6
Lynda held two dresses in front of the mirror, trying to decide which one to wear. The navy blue dress had subtle silver threading and was her go-to for Denver fundraisers. It was sophisticated, understated, and comfortable to wear. The other pale periwinkle dress had flowy sleeves and was purchased on impulse during a shopping trip with Isabel.
“You’re overthinking this.” Kathleen walked into Lynda’s bedroom holding a glass of white wine in each hand. “I’ve never seen you this concerned about what to wear to an event. It’s only the shelter fundraiser.”
Lynda took the glass Kathleen held toward her and placed the dresses on the bed. “I know. It’s ridiculous.” Taking a sip of wine, she let the crisp liquid cool her frayed nerves. “I’m a sixty-seven-year-old woman fussing over clothes like a teenager.”
Kathleen sat on the edge of the bed, picking up the periwinkle dress. “I’ve always liked this one. The color brings out your eyes.” She studied Lynda over the rim of her glass. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain veterinarian who’ll be at the fundraiser, would it?”
Lynda smoothed nonexistent wrinkles from the navy dress. “Don’t be absurd. I don’t know what to wear because I haven’t been to any other fundraisers in Sapphire Bay.”
“Is that why you’ve tried on four different outfits and redone your makeup twice?”
“Three outfits,” Lynda corrected automatically. “And I only redid my eyeliner once because I smudged it.”
Kathleen laughed, the sound warm and familiar in the cozy room. “Whatever you say. But for what it’s worth, Carol told me Matt’s looking forward to seeing you.”
Lynda bit her bottom lip. “If I tell you something, do you promise not to breathe a word of it to Isabel or Susan?”
Kathleen’s eyes widened. “Don’t tell me you’ve been seeing Matt without telling me.”
“It’s nothing like that,” Lynda said quickly, setting her wine glass on the nightstand. “It’s just... he asked me to save him a dance tonight. Only it wasn’t the words he used, but the way he looked at me.” She sank onto the edge of the bed. “It’s ridiculous, I know. It’s just a dance at a community fundraiser, not a marriage proposal.”
“It’s not ridiculous at all,” Kathleen said, sitting beside her. “It’s perfectly normal to feel excited about dancing with an attractive man who enjoys your company.”
“That’s just it,” Lynda confessed. “I haven’t felt this way in... well, longer than I care to admit. Even before the divorce, Ray and I were only going through the motions.” She picked up the periwinkle dress again. “I came to Sapphire Bay to reconnect with my oldest friends, not to develop feelings for the local veterinarian.”
Kathleen smiled. “Sometimes the best things in life are the ones we don’t plan for.” She nodded at the dress Lynda was holding. “Wear that one. It’s perfect for a barn dance.”
Lynda considered it, running her fingers over the soft fabric. It was more casual than she usually wore to events, but it could be more appropriate for a small-town fundraiser. “You don’t think it’s too... I don’t know, young?”
Kathleen snorted. “You’re not wearing a mini skirt and go-go boots. It’s a lovely dress that happens to make you look radiant.” She stood up and handed Lynda the navy blue dress. “Try both dresses with your jewelry and see which one you prefer.”
Lynda slipped into the navy dress first, adding a simple pearl necklace she’d brought with her. The reflection staring back at her was familiar—polished, professional, safe. It was the version of herself she’d crafted after the divorce, a shield against vulnerability.
“It’s nice,” Kathleen said diplomatically.
Lynda nodded, already unzipping it. “But not right for tonight.”
When she stood in the periwinkle dress moments later, even she had to admit there was something special about it. The color warmed her complexion, and the cut was flattering without being overly formal.
“Now we’re talking,” Kathleen said with satisfaction. “You look beautiful.”
Lynda twisted to see the back of the dress in the mirror. “Are you sure it’s not too casual for a fundraiser?”
“It’s perfect for a barn dance in Sapphire Bay,” Kathleen assured her. She rummaged through Lynda’s jewelry box. “What about these silver earrings?”
Lynda took the dangling earrings, simple silver leaves that caught the light when she moved. They were another recent purchase, bought on the same shopping trip as the dress. “I’ve never actually worn these,” she admitted. “They seemed a bit flashy for wearing during the day.”
“Which makes them perfect for tonight,” Kathleen said firmly. “Put them on.”
As Lynda fastened the earrings, she caught Kathleen watching her with a curious expression. “What?”
