“Speaking of business, you should really take a leap.” Essie gave her a pointed look. “What could go wrong?”

The thought of the pie shop served as a pick-me-up, but she wasn’t in the mood to talk business. She had no right to be jealous and yet here she was slowly turning the same color as split pea soup.

“Still thinking it over,” she murmured.

Dan cleared his throat. “I, for one, think it’s an outstanding idea.”

“Yes, well.” She shuffled awkwardly. Her feet were already hurting from the stilettos, and she could practically feel the blisters forming on the sides of her pinkie toes. “If you’ll all excuse me, I need to use the bathroom.”

Smooth, Renee. Real elegant exit.

She hurried toward the ladies’ room, pretending not to hear Dot Turner call her name and avoiding all eye contact. Once safely inside, she leaned against the deep basin sink and glared at her reflection. She regretted coming tonight. Seeing Dr. Dan coupled up with Essie was breaking her heart in all sorts of new ways.

“Bree?” Renee startled when she saw her sister slinking out of a bathroom stall, her face splotchy and tear-stained. “Oh my God. What’s the matter?” Was there some new man in Bree’s life causing a ruckus? “What did he do to you?” she spat.

“Who? Who did what do to me?” She quickly wiped the area beneath her eyes. Bree clearly thought she’d been alone. She took in Renee’s appearance and tried to smile. “New dress? It makes your boobs look eighteen. Every guy in this place must be wanting to motor boat them.”

Renee shook her head. “Thanks, but no changing the subject. Why is my favorite sister crying alone in a bathroom stall?” If there was a man behind those tears, he was going to have hell to pay for whatever he’d said or done to hurt her sister. Especially considering all she’d been through.

A look of alarm shot across Bree’s face. Every part of her sister looked exhausted, from her smudged eyeliner to her slightly wrinkled dress. “I’m fine, really.” Bree hastily washed her hands, her eyes set downward. “Just springtime allergies. Freaking hay fever.”

“You don’t get allergies.” Renee narrowed her eyes. “In fact you brag about it every year while the rest of town is sneezing up a storm. Seriously, cut the crap. What gives? I’m worried about you.”

She moved forward, ready to engulf her in a warm hug, but Bree stumbled backward.

“Here’s an idea. How about you stop acting like everyone’s mother?” she snapped.

“Excuse me?”

“I’m not Tansy. I’m not your responsibility.” Bree’s voice was defensive. “If I need you, I’ll let you know but right now I just really need to be alone.”