“But we’ve already met.” Tracy’s handclasp was warm and welcoming. “Remember, Megan? You drove Daniel to my house last year to get one of the kittens I was giving away. You told me you were a teacher—and then I discovered something amazing about you.”

Megan raised an eyebrow, her attempt at a warning glance. “That’s right, Tracy. I remember you very well. Why don’t you let me help you in the kitchen, and we can talk.”

Incredibly, Tracy appeared to have gotten the message. “That would be great. You can toss the salad while we catch up.” She tugged Megan toward the door and into the kitchen.

“Thank you.” Megan breathed a sigh of relief as the door closed behind them.

“What is it?” Tracy asked. “As a judge, I’ve learned to read people. I could tell you were uneasy. Did I say something wrong?”

“Not really. But I was afraid you might. It’s just that Conner doesn’t know about the other me—the woman who sings with the band. And I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Wow,” Tracy said. “So it’s sort of like having a secret identity.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Maggie had come into the kitchen. “Did I hear something about a ‘secret identity’?”

Tracy glanced at Megan. “Can I tell her?”

“You can tell her, but nobody else, especially not Conner,” Megan said.

“Don’t worry,” Maggie said. “I love a good, juicy secret, but my lips will be sealed. Tell me.”

“Cross your heart?” Tracy glanced toward the door to make sure it was closed.

“Cross my heart and hope to die.” Maggie made the gesture with her fingertip. “This had better be good.”

“Believe me, it is.” Tracy glanced at Megan, as if to confirm that it was okay to reveal her secret, then bent closer, her voice barely above a whisper. “Remember last year’s Christmas Ball and that terrific singer who performed with the band?”

Maggie chuckled. “How could I forget? Conner was out of his mind over her. He’s been counting the days, hoping he’ll see her again and—oh no!” She stared at Megan. “Oh, Lordy, I just put my foot in it, didn’t I?”

At the mention of Conner, Megan’s mouth had gone dry. Her stomach felt as if she’d just swallowed a fist-sized ball of glue. Against her better judgment, she’d begun to like the charming cowboy. But Lacy already had her hooks in him.

Sometimes I can’t stand Lacy!

“Megan, I’m sorry!” Maggie shook her head. “I’ve got a big mouth. Sometimes it just runs on and on. I can tell Conner likes you a lot. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have invited you here tonight, to meet his friends.”