“It wasn’t a very nice suit,” she retorted.
I saw Bud’s lips twitch from the corner of my eye. Was he actually smiling? Close. Not quite there, but close. This was certainly a whole new side of him. Perhaps he’d accept being my friend.
“Fine,” Lisa said. “I will pay for a new suit for the redhead. I’ve always had a thing for redheads.”
“No, you haven’t,” I protested instantly. “Richard Basanelli was as Italian as they come.”
“Yeah, he had a little bit of red in his hair,” she said.
No, he hadn’t, but the argument wasn’t worth it. “I think Spencer’s single.” He and Lisa seemed to be about the same age.
“Yeah? Maybe I shouldn’t have gotten so angry. I mean, his brother was the dope that let Imogen get away. Spencer didn’t do anything wrong. He’s a lawyer, right?”
I nodded. “Yes. I believe tax law, maybe estate planning, over in Montana.”
She crossed her arms, wearing dark jeans and a light green sweater that somehow made her look softer and more approachable today than she had the other day. “If he’s a lawyer, why are you here?”
“He’s licensed in Montana, not Idaho.”
“Oh,” she said. “I figured y’all could practice everywhere.”
We did have reciprocity with some states, but it took paperwork and effort. “No, different states have different laws.”
“I see. Tell you what, I’m going to counter your offer.”
I cocked my head to the side. “All right.”
“You tell that Spencer that I will buy him a new suit if he doesn’t sue me,andif we can go out to dinner for Valentine’s Day on Thursday.”
Spencer wanted a new suit and not a date. But I could promise to ask. “I like that idea. I don’t suppose you have a friend who could go out with Wayne?” It was time for the guy to move on from his deceased wife, but not with me.
She chewed on her lip. “You know, I do. We could make it a double date. Yeah, let’s do that. That sounds like fun.”
“I’ll see what I can do.” Sometimes, a meeting just worked out better than planned.
Lisa kicked a marble across the floor. “I still haven’t picked all of these up,” she said. “They keep coming out from under the furniture. I guess I should also offer to buy you a new coat.”
“Nah.” I waved a hand in the air. “That’s okay. I like this gray one. I understand it’s been an upsetting time for you. I don’t suppose you’ve gotten any of your stuff back from the robbery.”
“I have,” she said, brightening. “I was just going through it all in the back.”
No wonder her mood had improved from the other day. “What was returned?” I asked.
“All of the Depression glass, some of the Belleek, a couple of the hunting knives…none of the cash,” she said. “I’m still going through the boxes, but they didn’t break any of the stuff they took, although they made quite a mess of some of the cheaper vases I had. They weren’t worth much, though.” She shook her head. “They think they’re acting like they’re such great Robin Hoods, but honestly, they kept plenty of my glassware and cash.”
“Yeah, that’s their MO,” I said. “Sorry about that, but I am glad you received some of it back.”
“Me, too,” she murmured. “Not only that, but that article about you in the paper has brought in tons of business. I know nobody’s here right now, but it was busy like crazy this morning.” She winced. “I should get back to work so I can get everything on the shelves again. Do you need anything else?”
Good to know my embarrassing picture in the Gazette had helped somebody. “Nope. I’ll talk to the Wilson brothers and then give you a call.”
“Great.” She rattled off her number.
Spencer already knew about Lisa’s temper, and the guy did sound like he could use a good romance. “I’ll be in touch, Lisa.” I turned for the door, but Bud didn’t move. I paused. “Bud?”
He cleared his throat. Lisa looked at him.
“Do you have any antique watches?” he asked.
