Chi-Chi looked up and saw Cullen walking in their direction. He hesitated for a minute, then Chi-Chi waved him over. “This is my brother, Abeo. He was supposed to arrive on Monday, but here he is.”

Cullen was just about to say something when Chi-Chi continued, “But I told him that I had plans for this evening, and he would have to entertain himself.” Now it was her turn to try to flash a message to Cullen: Do not ask him to join us.

Cullen got the message loud and clear. “There is a wonderful string quartet playing here tonight. There will be wine and cheese, and the Blonde Shallot will be serving petit fours.”

“Ah. Those little sandwiches?” Abeo asked.

“Yes. From the same place where you got the big sandwich you are eating.” Cullen smiled.

“Oh, then I most definitely must come back!” Abeo was grinning again.

“I will introduce you to several other artists before I leave. This way you will have people to talk to.”

“Excellent idea. I bet Jennine would love to meet your brother.” Cullen was referring to the pottery artist who was the epitome of Blanche from The Golden Girls.

Chi-Chi laughed out loud.

“What is so funny?” Abeo gave her a look.

“Jennine is what they call a handful,” Cullen added. “She’s very friendly.”

“Yes. Very,” Chi-Chi noted.

“Then I would be very happy to meet her,” Abeo said innocently. He had never seen the television show and wouldn’t understand even if they tried to explain.

Chi-Chi bit her lip. One thing was for certain—Abeo would be very busy fending off the overtures that would certainly be coming from Jennine.

“Then I shall introduce you to her now.” Chi-Chi began to gather the paper wrappers from the sandwiches and the empty bottles of water. “Come.” She gave Cullen a look and shook her head.

Cullen also tried to restrain his amusement at what was in store for Chi-Chi’s brother. “Nice meeting you, Abeo. Enjoy your day.”

Chi-Chi was relieved the subject of dinner did not come up. However, she also realized that Abeo would see Cullen when he came to pick her up, unless she could get Abeo to stay at the center for the duration of the afternoon into the evening. The two walked toward Clay-More, the pottery stall. Jennine was wearing a wild-looking chiffon outfit. Chi-Chi wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be lingerie or not.

“Jennine, this is my brother, Abeo. He brought me wonderful stones from Nigeria.”

“Well, hello there, big guy.” Jennine did not disappoint. She immediately looped her arm through his. The woman had no shame and the twenty-plus-year discrepancy in their ages made not one lick of difference to her.

Abeo became immobilized. His usual outgoing demeanor deserted him. “How do you do,” he replied politely. He gave his sister a frightened look, as Chi-Chi suppressed a grin.