Speculative looks were becoming more frequent on MJ’s face. “He’s in love with you, isn’t he?” She nodded, her sleuthing look visible in her grin.

“No comment. Now, can we please drop it?” Roxie glanced at her watch. “I have to leave here in fifteen minutes. You know how I feel about being late for a client.”

MJ raised both hands in the air. “All right, all right, but you better promise me you will bring me up to date when you come to a decision. Now, how are Loren and Nate doing?”

“This afternoon Loren and I are going shopping for a little black dress for her, along with accessories.”

MJ clapped her hand over her heart. “Well, I never…How wonderful.”

“Now don’t go getting them married yet, all right? I am sure he’s in love with her…” Like father, like son. “But I don’t think she’s aware of it yet, thinks they are just friends.” Roxie stared hard at her best friend. “I better not hear from anyone that you passed on this tidbit, got it?”

“Yes, ma’am. Besides, Roxie, you know I don’t gossip.”

“Not to Amalia or Ginny even?”

“That’s not gossip, that’s good friends sharing.” She rolled her eyes toward the tin ceiling. “All right, I will not mention anything to anyone.” She did the motions as she said, “Cross my heart and hope to die…”

“Don’t get carried away. We’re meeting Ginny and Amalia for lunch here on Friday, right?”

“Yes, I have it on my calendar for noon. Looking forward to it.”

“Me too.” Roxie ate the last bite and drained her cup. “I’m out of here. Coming?”

“Two minutes, er, one minute.” She chugged her latte and took the last bite of roll. “Yum.”

After a fast walk home, Roxie met with her clients and recorded their offer on their favorite of the two homes they had seen before. “This is a good solid offer, but you know there will probably be negotiations. Are you willing?”

“To a degree,” the man said while he and his wife looked at each other and both nodded. “And all depends on the inspection. How soon will that be able to happen?”

“The owner has to accept your offer before we schedule an inspection. But I feel strongly that will go through easily. I’ll submit to their Realtor this afternoon and we’ll see. Be prepared.”

“We are.” They grinned at each other. “Looking forward to hearing from you.”

Roxie drove into her driveway half an hour later than she had hoped. She hurried inside to use the bathroom. “You ready?”

“Yes, be right down.”

Within minutes they were on their way to the mall. “Did you have lunch?”

Loren shook her head. “I got involved in planning my next display and the time disappeared. Let’s shop first.”

“You sure? You might need sustenance.”

“If the shock is too great, we’ll take a break.”

“Okay.”

It took two stores before they found a possible dress. “What do you think?” Loren modeled the dress in front of a mirror.