“Hey, you employed me,” Liza reminded her. “That’s thanks enough.”
“But I didn’t realize I was hiring a miracle worker. Can I even afford you?” she asked with a good-natured laugh.
“Whatever you think is fair is fine with me.”
Jess smiled as they shoved the empty boxes into the back of the van. “You’re a Godsend, Liza. Truly.”
She got a little choked up by Jess’ frank tone and the sparkle in her hazel eyes. “Just glad I could help.”
Jess gave her a hug and Liza felt the tears sting her eyes. All this over a little enhancement to a luncheon?
When Jess released her, she said, “I told George last night I had a good feeling about you. I think you’re going to be good for this town, Liza.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” she said on a half-laugh. She was still feeling a little emotional over Jess’ exuberance and gratitude. The culture at McClellan-Piper had not encouraged such demonstrative accolades. In fact, a simple pat on the back had been hard to come by, no matter what rabbit one pulled from one’s hat in order to save the day.
“Well,” Jess said, still beaming. “Let’s go introduce you to the esteemed Junior League. The crème-de-la-crème of Wilder Society,” she said in a mock-haughty tone, ala Lydia Bain, and a lift of her chin—and nose.
Liza couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve dealt with their kind before.”
“Some of them really are very nice,” she said, looking a little remorseful that she’d made fun of the ladies.
“Some?” Liza noted. “Well, I’ve spent enough time on Park Avenue. I think I can handle it.”
“Oh I know you can.”
She linked arms with Liza as if they were the best of friends. Emotion welled within her again. When was the last time she’d had a best friend? Grade school?
The thought saddened her and she felt the sting of tears in her eyes again.
“There must be a reason you ended up here in Wilder,” Jess mused.
Liza shrugged noncommittally. She recalled Jack’s comment her first night in town, about Fate dealing unexpected hands, forcing you to hold them or fold them. “It’s all been a little strange, I’ll admit. Some highs. Some lows.” Small-town life was a bit difficult to maneuver.
“Don’t let Lydia get to you,” Jess said. “Really. She’s just…protective.”
Of the town? Of Jack?
Thinking of the Devil in Blue Jeans, Liza wondered how he’d feel about her small coup today. She had to admit, she wanted to impress him as much as Jess. Prove she could make friends and fit in here.
But more importantly, it was a lesson she needed to prove to herself.
Pushing aside thoughts of Jack—because they’d lead to a wicked path she wasn’t in the position to follow at the moment—she squared her shoulders and headed back into the building.
“Showtime!” Jess whispered excitedly in her ear.
Chapter Fifteen
Liza heard Sean’s voice first.
“She just blew in here like a tornado and the next thing I knew, the whole place was set up like we were expecting the Queen of England for lunch!”
Liza couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm. And his kindness. He was certainly paving the way for her with the Ladies Who Lunch.
“Well, where is she?” Liza heard a woman ask in a very thick southern drawl.
“Right here,” Jess said as they strolled into the cavernous main hall of the Lodge, their arms still linked. Sean stood in the middle of a circle of thirteen women, ranging in age—Liza guessed—from late thirties to mid-eighties. “She was just double-checking all the arrangements.” Jess said that last word with a lilt in her voice, as though Liza had purposely planned a special gala event for these women.
She cringed a little. She hadn’t gone to that much trouble.