“Wilbur is such a nice man,” Tilda said. “I don’t know why he bothers with Stix. And that nickname came from hanging around pool halls all his life. Is that something to be proud of? I should say not!”

Edna shook her head. “When I left Golden Peaks last Sunday I was so down. I knew I’d see Wilbur again, but I was afraid he might lose interest; you know—out of sight, out of mind, especially if Stix had anything to do with it. Then when I got the offer on the house I couldn’t believe it! I was free to buy a place at Golden Peaks. Now, by hook or by crook, I’ll seal the deal with Wilbur!”

The ladies shrieked with laughter.

“Stix has Wilbur to himself today,” Edna said. “But not for too many tomorrows.”

“I was surprised Stix wasn’t playing in the pool tournament this morning,” Dot said, looking from one to the other. “Where did he and Wilbur go?”

“Atlantic City.”

“Atlantic City?” the three women said at once, their eyebrows raised. “Hmmm.”

Edna shrugged. “Stix wanted to go down for the day and play craps. Wilbur is such a good egg. He understands that Stix isn’t happy about my impending permanent arrival at Golden Peaks and he’s trying to show Stix he’ll always be his friend. What I don’t understand is why Stix isn’t interested in the companionship of a woman. Wasn’t he married all those years?”

“If you think he’s a grouch, I heard his wife was even worse!” Dot exclaimed. “She was a real shrew. No hankies were needed when she kicked the bucket.”

“Dot!” Tilda protested as they all chuckled.

“It’s true. At her funeral there wasn’t a wet eye in the house,” Dot proclaimed. “Stix’s wife ruined him for the ladies. But who’d want him? Not me.”

“I guess it’ll be a fight to the finish for Wilbur,” Edna said. “Something tells me I’m going to win.”

“You go, girl,” Gladys said. “All is fair in love and war.”

Jody had approached and was standing in the doorway. “Excuse me, Mrs. Frawley. A gentleman wants to buy the sideboard in the dining room. I told him it’s not for sale but he’s desperate to make an offer.”

“My daughter would kill me!” Edna exclaimed. “It’s been in the family for so many years.” She stood. “Let’s find out how much money he’s talking.”

“I’ll be inside waiting for you,” Jody said.

Nora looked at Regan as the whole group stood.

“Edna, we’ll get going while you negotiate,” Dot joked as the women filed out of the gazebo. “You’ve got a lot of deals going these days.”