“Can I get you ladies anything else?” Sean asked.

“More iced tea?” MJ raised her glass. When he’d left, she muttered, “Not that I need more but it sure is good.”

Ginny looked around for a clock. “I need to pick Addy up in half an hour.”

“You should have told her to walk over here.” Roxie cocked her head. “Call her and tell her.”

“Can’t. She turns her phone off when she’s working in the library.”

Knitting while their conversations continued, Amalia looked at Roxie. “So, when are you seeing him again? Rich, I mean.”

“I figured who you meant. We’re going to the concert at the Thelma on Saturday, after we go for supper somewhere. He said business casual.”

“Oh, really? What does that mean?”

“Nice clothes but not fancy dress-up. Guess I’ll wear a dress, not a cocktail dress, though.”

Amalia grinned wickedly. “And what shoes will you be wearing to this affair?”

Roxie looked down at her feet. “Certainly not these shocking pink tennies.”

“Interesting how seldom we dress up anymore. Life has gotten so much more casual.” Ginny shook her head. “I don’t even own a dress anymore. I have a couple of long skirts that hang there hoping.” She looked at Amalia. “Uh-oh, I can see the wheels turning.” She smiled up at their server. “Thanks for the refill.”

Amalia nodded. “I just have this gut feeling that Roxie’s life is about to change to include Rich and his son. And you all know how often my gut feelings are true. They happen.”

“That’s true, we’ve seen it.” MJ looked to Roxie. “So, you ready for that?”

“Come on,” Roxie insisted, “we’re just friends.”

“That’s what they all say.” MJ didn’t sound convinced at all.

“Where does he live?” Ginny asked.

“North, up the lake farther. Incredibly beautiful place. He has three grown children, Nate is his youngest. He lives here in Fond du Lac.”

“And manages the family-owned furniture store?”

“Yes. Nate has never married but Rich was divorced when his kids were still in grade school. Anything else you want to know?” She sounded a bit pushed.

“Does he make you laugh?” Amalia asked.

“Oh, yes.”

“And feel special?”

Roxie nodded.

Amalia sat back smugly. “I rest my case.”

“We’d better get going.” Ginny pushed back her chair. “See you all later.”

Amalia stood too. “Been a pleasure. See you Monday night, if not before.”

Back in the car, Ginny turned to look at Amalia. “Not next Saturday but the one after, Addy and Andy will be going to Bible camp. At first I thought I could stay by myself and maybe by then I will be at that place, but right now it’s looking doubtful.”

“If you’re asking me to come out again, I would love to. It is not a sacrifice, it’s a pleasure, so let’s leave it that way. If you truly think you’ll be fine by yourself, that is fine with me too.”

Ginny heaved a sigh and shifted into drive. “Thank you. I hate to impose.”