“Mm-hmm. What do you need from me?”
“Are the ice show costumes easy to get to?” Tasha asked. “I’m not sure where Kristen said you were keeping them.”
“Yes, I can get to them easily. The outfits from the rink are with the off-season dresses we can’t return, or ones that Kristen wants us to keep.”
That took care of one of Tasha’s concerns. Maybe her helping with the show would work out. “Great.”
“When do you need them?” Phoebe asked.
Tasha’s temperature shot up. Hadn’t Phoebe heard her? “N-not yet. I haven’t told them yes.”
“Maybe not aloud.” Phoebe chuckled. “Go on.”
“IfI do this,” Tasha clarified. “I can pick them—”
“You’re on vacation,” Phoebe interrupted. “Email me a list of costumes you need with sizes or measurements. I’ll see what I can find and send them to you. Be sure you give me the address where you’re staying.”
Tension released from Tasha’s body. Gratitude took its place. She should have known Phoebe wouldn’t let her down. Phoebe never had, which took skill when Kristen wanted nothing to do with Tasha. “Thank you.”
“Anything to help a good cause.”
Tasha wondered if that included her.
* * *
Me:It’s Tasha. I’m happy to help you with the ice show.
Me:Since you already had a nativity theme in mind, that can be easily incorporated.
Me:Could you arrange a meeting with the committee to discuss details?
Hunky Lawyer:Yes! You made my day. Thank you!
Me:Don’t thank me yet.
Me:You don’t know what I can do.
Hunky Lawyer:You can do whatever you want to.
Me:You’re good for my ego.
Hunky Lawyer:Meeting on Wednesday night. 6:30 pm. Town hall.
Me:See you then.
As the broccoli cheddar soup simmered on the stove, Tasha reread the text exchange with Elias. She’d typed him into her contacts asHunky Lawyer, and each time she saw the nickname, Tasha laughed. Still, the name suited him. And she would joke about it with Phoebe after the New Year.
Tasha removed the tea bag from her cup of Earl Grey.
Deciding to help felt good, but something else gnawed at her. She’d been in this position before, thinking she was doing the right thing only to have a situation blow up in her face.
Given her current string of bad luck, there was a huge possibility that it could happen again. But she hoped this time would be different.
Please go right.
For her sake. For Elias’s sake. For Berry Lake’s sake.
* * *
