Betty rolled her eyes and glanced at Emma, who looked … discouraged. So the two of them had discussed this.
“Why did you try to set her up with me, Emma? And why haven’t you stopped?”
“I had nothing to do with it.” She put down her pizza slice. “After the Elton disappointment, she launched straight into her admiration of you. I was shocked and didn’t know what to say. I’d promised myself I wouldn’t meddle anymore. So, I didn’t tell her not to, but I swear to you I didn’t encourage her. I told her I had to stay out of it.”
“But you gave her my number and told her where I work and when I take my lunch break.”
“No, I did not.” Emma glanced at Betty. “In fact, I think I offended her when I bowed out of helping her. Harriet and I barely talk anymore. Sometimes I hide out here in the mornings before my appointments start.”
“So, you didn’t…” George rubbed his mouth. He did jump to conclusions and wrongly judge, didn’t he? So convinced of Emma’s guilt, he’d assumed the worst about all her motives. He felt like a jerk.
“Then you have no interest in Harriet?” Betty asked. She gave Emma a smug smile, almost an I-told-you-so.
“Of course not.”
“Because you’re in love with someone else?”
His eyes darted to Emma, and then he looked away. He didn’t deserve her. “Betty, I think you’re enjoying this too much.”
She laughed. “More than you know. It’s okay though, because Emma’s in love with you, too.” She got up from her chair. “I’m just gonna go check on Mother.”
Chapter 19♥I Happen to Like Idiots
“And I thoughtyouwere the matchmaker.” George shook his head. Emma loved the splash of red overtaking his face and the twinkle in his eyes that told her Betty, that little imp, had been right about both of them.
Emma’s heart was going to beat right out of her chest as they stared at one another.
“So,” she said.
“So,” George said. “I uh, have to return to work. Could I come over later?”
Emma’s throat was so dry, all she could do was nod.
He stood up and hesitated, before walking out the door, giving her one last backward glance that melted her insides into a puddle of anticipation.
“Betty,” she squeaked out.
Betty came out of the bedroom, her hands clasped together. “Sorry, Emma. But the two of you were taking way too long to muddle through this thing. I couldn’t help giving it a little push. Are you mad?”
Emma shook her head. “I’m not mad. But what do I say to Harriet?”
Betty shook her head. “I have no advice for that bit. I’ve meddled enough as it is, and we both know the trouble it causes.”
“That I do.” Emma’s insides were still quivering, thinking about George, but there were clothes to be sorted on Betty’s couch and two appointments for later that afternoon.
However, it was a lot easier to plow through tasks with good thoughts dancing in the back of her head, rather than the gloom that had plagued her recently. Maybe she and George weren’t doomed after all.
She helped Betty decide on the rest of the items and happily get rid of a few more things she’d never have to wear again. Then Emma left with her discard pile of clothes to donate on her way to her next appointment.
Normally, she dreaded working with this particular client. Kayleen Carothers was demanding and condescending, and this third appointment was Emma’s last attempt to please her and get paid the second half of her fee. Otherwise, she’d eat the loss and cut ties with the woman forever.
“What are you smiling at?” Kayleen asked as she click-clacked up to Emma in her three-inch heels.
It was an accusation, not a greeting, and Emma quickly removed any joy from her face. It wasn’t hard with the woman glaring at her.
The department store where Kayleen had insisted on meeting was not one where Emma had a strong relationship with the staff. At places like this, there was too much turnover for anyone to care who she was. She’d heard rumors that it would be closing soon, another victim of online shopping and the declining neighborhood. Already, the selections were sparser than the last time she’d come in.
But she took it all in stride and led the way over to the women’s dress wear. “Are we still looking for a matching two-button jacket and pencil skirt?”
