Dating, Dining, and Desperation (A Dear Daphne Novel) Read online

  “Hello? Yoo-hoo, Daphne?”

  “In here,” she called out, glancing at the clock to see that it’d been more than ninety minutes since Sabrina and Tootsie took occupancy of Aunt Dee’s master suite. What could she have been doing in there for that long?

  “Oh, there you are.” Sabrina entered the office with a smile. Dressed in a bright floral sun top, white capri pants, and heeled sandals, she had on full makeup and every blonde hair was in place.

  “You look nice,” Daphne told her as she hit Save and stood. “What happened to Tootsie?”

  “I let him out in your lovely fenced backyard. I hope you don’t mind. I’m sure he needed to go potty.”

  Daphne tried not to grimace at the thought of Tootsie leaving little brown “Tootsie Rolls” in her backyard. “How did Tootsie get his name anyway? From the candy?”

  Sabrina grinned. “Not exactly. You see I wanted a girl dog, but my ex, well, he got me a boy dog instead. So I bought girl dog clothes.” She giggled. “I would dress him up in this little pink tutu and all sorts of cute girlie getups. My friends started calling him Tootsie—you know like the movie? Anyway, since he was brown like a Tootsie Roll, I thought the name fit him better than Sherman. That was his name—Sherman, if you can imagine. But he’s my little brown Tootsie Roll now.”

  Daphne picked up her empty coffee cup. “Would you like some coffee before you go home?”

  “Oh, that would be just divine. I haven’t been able to find the packing box with my espresso maker yet. I’ve been drinking nothing but oolong tea, and I’m just dying for some real coffee.”

  “I’ll make us a fresh pot.” Daphne led the way to the kitchen.

  “Your home is just lovely,” Sabrina gushed as they went through the living room. “Is there a Mr. Ballinger around?”

  “No,” Daphne said as they passed through the dining room. “I’m single.”

  “Well, your house is exquisite. I can tell someone has put a lot of effort into it. Very stylish.”

  Daphne explained about Olivia’s help. “She’s got a great eye for color and all that. I never could’ve done it without her.”

  “I’ll have to get your friend’s number.” Sabrina sat on a kitchen chair. “Although I was curious about that master suite. It seems to be stuck in some kind of time warp. I mean, compared to the rest of the house.”

  As she measured coffee, Daphne explained about her aunt’s recent death. “It was hard to change her room. And I’m perfectly comfortable upstairs.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “Well, Aunt Dee was rather old . . . and she had a very interesting life.” Daphne waved a hand. “And I can’t complain for her leaving this to me. I always loved this house growing up.”

  “You are a lucky girl, to have inherited such a big, beautiful home.”

  “Yes . . . but it’s not quite as simple as all that.” Daphne poured the water into the maker and turned it on. How much did she want to say?

  “What do you mean?”

  “It’s just that there were some stipulations to my inheritance. If I don’t keep my end of the deal, I’ll lose the house next May.”

  “Oh my!” Sabrina’s hand came over her mouth. “That is dreadful. Surely you’re willing to do whatever it is your aunt specified—aren’t you?” Her brow creased. “Unless it’s something horrible. It’s not, is it? I read a creepy novel about a man who left his son a fabulous inheritance, but only if the son murdered his mother. Very gruesome.”

  “No, no, it’s nothing like that.”

  “What is it?” Sabrina asked.

  “It’s not something I’m at liberty to talk about.”

  “Oh.” Sabrina frowned. “Well, now you’ve gone and made me real curious. I’ll probably stay awake at night until I figure it all out.”

  Daphne chuckled and set the sugar and creamer on the table. “Sorry about that.”

  Sabrina continued to chatter, trying to guess what Aunt Dee had stipulated in her will as Daphne got out a package of lemon-drop cookies and placed them on a plate. Some of her ideas were so crazy that Daphne couldn’t help but laugh.

  By the time Daphne set the coffee on the table, Sabrina was getting too close for comfort. “I’ll bet your aunt said you have to get married.” She stirred cream and sugar into her cup. “I’m sure that’s what my mama would do if she could exercise some control over me. She’d have me married off again in a heartbeat.”

  “So you’re not currently married?” Daphne asked, hoping to change the focus of the conversation.

  “Thank the good Lord, no.” Sabrina took a slow sip of coffee and sighed. “I am divorced. Happily divorced.”

  “Oh.” Daphne nodded as she slid the plate of cookies to Sabrina.

  “Now, I’m not trying to sound as if I think divorce is a good thing. At least not under normal circumstances. But my ex-husband, Edward, was not normal.”

  Daphne reached for a cookie.

  “Edward is wealthy—I will give him that—but he is also a mean, cheating, lowdown scoundrel. And fortunately the courts agreed with me.” She nodded toward the window that faced the street. “That is why I could afford to cash out that house. And why I will most likely never need to work another day in my life.”

  “Is that why you chose Appleton—I mean for your fresh start?”

  “Precisely. I wanted to be far away from Atlanta. That’s where my ex lives. I did not want to chance running into him. To be honest, I don’t completely trust the old polecat. He was so angry about my divorce settlement, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hired someone to torch my house or murder me in my sleep.”

  “Really?” Daphne looked at Sabrina in alarm. “You think he’d do something like that?”

  Sabrina smiled. “Well, probably not. But take it from me, the man was severely vexed. I prefer to keep some distance between us.”

  Daphne heard the shrill sounds of a dog barking outside and remembered Sabrina’s Chihuahua. “Is that Tootsie?”

  “Oh?” She tipped her head to one side. “That silly dog, he hears a noise or sees someone and he goes off like a fire alarm. Some people don’t much care for him. My father, bless his heart, can’t stand poor little Tootsie Roll. Threatened to step on him once, if you can believe that.”

  Daphne could believe it. “Maybe we should let him into the house before he disturbs the neighbors.”

  “You’re probably right.” Sabrina went to the back door and called him. She had to yell a few times, but eventually the little brown dog was trotting around the kitchen. Nervously smelling and exploring everything, it was as if he couldn’t stop moving. He reminded Daphne of a windup toy. Too bad there wasn’t a way to wind him down.

  “But back to you,” Sabrina said as she reached for a cookie. “Your aunt said you have to get married, didn’t she, honey?”

  Daphne looked down at her coffee and shrugged. She didn’t like to lie, but she wasn’t sure she wanted Sabrina to be in on this. Why had she said anything about Aunt Dee’s will in the first place?

  “I knew it!” Sabrina declared triumphantly.

  Daphne looked up, locking gazes with her. “I’ve really been trying to keep this quiet. I would be extremely grateful if you didn’t mention it to anyone.”

  “Well, I don’t know a single soul in this town. Well, aside from Robin Wright, the Realtor, who helped me get the house. But even if I did know someone, your secret would be safe with me, Daphne. Remember I owe you for letting me use your lovely shower.”

  “I appreciate that a lot.” Daphne sighed. “It’s not easy dealing with it in the first place. A lot of pressure, if you can imagine.”

  “Have you ever been married?”

  “No.” She shook her head.

  “Oh my. And you only have until May to tie the knot?” Sabrina’s brow creased. “That won’t be eas
y.”

  “Tell me about it.”

  Sabrina pointed at Daphne. “Is that how you usually dress?”

  Daphne looked down at her oversized chambray shirt and baggy cargo shorts. “Well, I planned to work in the garden a bit today.”

  Sabrina shook her head with a slightly disgusted look. “You mean you’d actually go outside wearing those clothes—where people can see you?”

  “It’s not like a lot of people see me working in the garden,” Daphne replied. “Well, except for The Garden Guy.”

  “Is that a kid?”

  “No.” Daphne smiled to think of Mick. Whenever he popped over unexpectedly, he usually brought some extra sunshine into her day. But what would he think if he found her dressed like this? Maybe Sabrina was on to something.

  “Do you want to know what I believe, Daphne?”

  “What?”

  “Ever hear the old Dress for Success motto? That you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have?”

  Daphne nodded. “But I’m a freelance writer and I’m not looking for a job.”

  Sabrina smiled. “That’s nice, honey. I mean that you’re a writer. But you missed my point. In the same way you dress for the job you want, you should dress for the husband you’d like to snag.”

  Daphne frowned. “Is that how you got Edward?”

  Sabrina’s nose wrinkled. “Unfortunately, yes. But I didn’t know he was such a lowlife back then. All I saw was his good looks and his seemingly unlimited bank account.” She held up her hands. “But my tactics worked. I landed the loser.”

  “Well, that’s all very interesting. But I can’t see myself dressing up to work in the yard.”

  “But you only have—” Sabrina stopped herself, counting on her fingers. “Less than ten months. And, believe me, Daphne, summer is the best time to put your best foot forward.” She stuck out a sleek-looking tanned foot. Her sandals were feminine and pretty and her toenails were a peachy pink. “Now let’s see yours.”

  Daphne stuck out her much larger foot, clad in a paint-speckled pair of Old Navy flip-flops. Her toenails, which needed trimming, were also dirty. Not a pretty picture. But that was from working in the garden.

  “See? What kind of man is attracted to that?”

  “I—uh—I don’t usually wear open-toed shoes when my feet look like this,” Daphne said.

  “I can understand that.” Sabrina laughed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound cruel. But I do have an idea. To express my gratitude to my good neighbor, I’m going to make an appointment at the spa my Realtor recommended.”

  “What spa?”

  “You don’t mean to tell me you don’t know about Appleton’s renowned spa?”

  “I guess not.”

  “Before I agreed to purchase my house, I made sure that Appleton had my list of necessity businesses. A good spa was near the top of my list.”

  “Really?”

  “That’s right. I wanted a spa as well as a good health-food store and a coffee shop where they roast their own beans, a first-rate hair salon and . . . well, a lot of simple pleasures that make life nicer.”

  “Wow. I’m glad our little town measured up.”

  “So am I.” Sabrina set down her empty cup. “And I’m going to book us some spa time.”

  “Well, I don’t—”

  “No, no. Don’t refuse. I sense we’re going to become fast friends, Daphne. Especially considering how you shared your secret with me. I want to do this. Please, I’m begging you, let me do this.”

  “Oh . . . okay.”

  “Good. You won’t regret it. I promise.” Sabrina stood. “And I have another good idea. Let’s do lunch together too. I haven’t had a chance to get groceries yet, and I’m sick and tired of canned soup.” She patted her midsection. “Although I must admit I’ve probably taken off a pound or two.”

  “Sure, we could do lunch sometime.”

  “Let’s do it today,” Sabrina insisted. “Please, say you’ll do lunch with me, Daphne. I’m so lonely I could scream bloody murder.”

  “Well, I—”

  “You have to eat, don’t you?” Her big blue eyes got sad. “Or maybe you don’t want to go out with little ol’ me. Is that the problem, honey? I know I can come on awfully strong sometimes. Edward used to say I talked way too much. But that’s just how the good Lord made me. Since I was knee high to a grasshopper, I just say whatever comes into my head.” She sighed. “And sometimes regret it later. Some people don’t like being with a chatterbox. I suppose that’s what you’re thinking now too.”

  Daphne felt sorry for her. “Lunch sounds like fun. In fact, I told myself this morning that I need to get out more. I’ve been a hermit these past few days.”

  Sabrina’s whole face lit up. “Then we need to get you out. And it’s my treat, honey. I insist. What time do you want to go?” She glanced at her watch. “Is one thirty okay? Too soon? Too late?”

  “No, that’s perfect.” Daphne made an awkward smile.

  Sabrina called out to Tootsie, who came bounding around the corner and back into the kitchen. “Time to go home, pup.” She scooped the dog up into her arms, holding him out to Daphne like a toy. “See, Tootsie likes you just fine now. No more growling or barking. He just needed to get to know you better.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Daphne walked them through the living room.

  Collecting her zebra bag, which she’d parked by the front door, Sabrina grinned at Daphne. “Do you want me to drive us to town?”

  “I thought it’d be nice to walk.”

  “Walk?” Sabrina looked down at her high-heeled sandals. “I don’t know about that. I think I’d rather drive.” She pointed to the driveway where, thanks to the lovely weather, Daphne had left her copper-colored Corvette parked. “And if you don’t mind, I’d love to take a spin in that. What a little sweetheart of a convertible!”

  Daphne agreed, but as she watched Sabrina trotting back across the street, she couldn’t help but feel she’d just been run over by a train. Sure, it was a pretty little Southern train, but a train nonetheless.

  Chapter 3

  Although Daphne changed from her gardening clothes, she knew that her denim capri pants, white canvas sneakers, and blue gingham sleeveless blouse would look rather mundane next to her stylish little friend. But she felt comfortable. And what was wrong with that? Besides Appleton wasn’t anything like Atlanta. Really, it was a fairly laid-back town—and Daphne appreciated that. Perhaps she could help Sabrina to see that life was different in the slow lane.

  “Here I am, honey,” Sabrina chirped as Daphne opened the door. “Are you ready?”

  “Sure.” Daphne nodded as she came out to the porch, looping her purse strap over a shoulder and jingling her car keys.

  “That’s what you’re wearing?” Sabrina sounded disappointed.

  Sabrina had changed into a pink-and-white striped sundress, which not only showed off some skin, but her figure as well. “Don’t you look pretty,” Daphne said uneasily.

  “Yes, well, it’s my first time to go to town. I wanted to put my best foot forward.” She stuck out a dainty pink sandal. “Is it too much, do you think?”

  The truth was, Daphne did feel it was too much but didn’t want to hurt Sabrina’s feelings. And even more than that, she didn’t want to have to wait for Sabrina to change. “You look lovely. And your handbag matches too.”

  Sabrina giggled as she held up the boxy purse, showing Daphne that there was some kind of netting on one end. “This isn’t a handbag, Daphne, it’s Tootsie’s doggy carrier.”

  “Oh?” Daphne blinked. “Tootsie is going to lunch with us?”

  “I couldn’t bear to leave him home. He’d get so lonely. This move has been terribly stressful for him. You know he’s twelve years old? And even in little dog years, that’s fairly elderly.�
�

  “Oh, really, I thought he was more of a puppy.”

  “Well, he is my wittle puppy,” Sabrina said in a babyish voice. “Mama’s wittle boy wants to go bye-bye too.”

  As she got into the car, Daphne tried not to look as unsettled as she felt. It wasn’t that she didn’t like Sabrina, but she’d never had a friend quite like this. And she wasn’t quite sure how to handle it . . . or if she even wanted it.

  “Your Vette is just fabulous,” Sabrina gushed as Daphne drove the short distance to town. “Edward would be drooling with envy over it. He collects cars. But he only has one Vette. And it’s a seventy-five, which in my opinion wasn’t a great year. Too spacey looking. What year is this one?”

  “It’s a fifty-five.” Daphne explained how her aunt had bought it new. “Straight off the assembly line. And since my aunt worked at home, it has really low miles. My aunt named her Bonnie.”

  “And Bonnie comes with the house?”

  “That’s right.”

  “So you don’t get to keep her,” Sabrina lowered her voice, “I mean if you don’t get married in time?”

  Daphne grimaced. “Pretty much.”

  “Oh no! We have to do everything we can to find you a man, Daphne. We just have to! Think about Bonnie.”

  She took in a slow breath. “So . . . where do you want to eat?”

  “I haven’t the slightest idea. I glanced at the restaurant list the Realtor gave me, but I couldn’t believe how short it is. Atlanta must have a thousand eating establishments. Maybe even more.”

  “Well, you’re not in Atlanta anymore.”

  “And I haven’t had a chance to try any of the eateries here yet. What do you recommend?”