“Yes, I know, but a few of his gaming buddies come into town now and then. I’ll ask if they have any sisters or ex-wives,” Madison said.

She was serious, Lauren knew. “All right then, but try and steer clear of ex-wives. You know Brent is . . . well, I don’t think he’s the type for seconds, if you know what I mean.”

“Lauren Elise Montgomery! That’s a terrible thing to say. So, I’m to steer clear of widows, too?” Madison asked.

“Oh, stop, you know what I meant. Brent’s just so . . . clean-cut, and . . . wholesome.”

“I’ll set my radar to single, innocent, and virginal women in their late twenties to early thirties with no ties ever and see what I can come up with.”

“Come on, you know what I mean. I just think he deserves someone who has the same values as he does,” Lauren explained. “No one is perfect; I’m not that naïve.”

“True, but at our age, I doubt if there’s someone out there for either of you with a superstellar background,” Madison said. “I’ll poke around and see, but no promises.”

“Thanks, Maddy. I have a lot of faith in you. Now, I have to get busy. I’ve invited Brent over for dinner and cards tonight. I told Mom I’d help her in the kitchen.”

“Wait, wait, wait! You just asked me to fix Brent up with a date, and now you’ve invited him over for dinner?”

“I know, but I felt sorry for him. As I said, we’d just been through our usual song and dance, and I thought it might cheer Dad up. Brent too. He needs a bit of male company, and you know how Dad likes playing cards with Brent. It’s nothing more than that, I can assure you,” Lauren said.

“So you say,” Madison teased.

“Come on; you, of all people, know me. I adore Brent, just not in a romantic sort of way. We’re nothing more than friends, and never will be anything but friends. How many times am I going to have to say that?”

“I know, but I do love teasing you,” Madison replied. “Okay, I need to go. I’ll catch up with you if I locate any worthy, unattached females. And don’t forget you promised me lunch.”

They said their good-byes and promised to stay in touch.

Lauren busied herself in the store, hoping, praying for an after-lunch rush of new customers. She shined, polished, and dusted items that were already sparkling, but she had to stay busy. Standing around would drive her crazy.

As she was about to return to her office to make a cup of tea, a group of teenage girls entered the store. They giggled, and Lauren recognized them as locals.

“Hey, there. If there’s anything I can help you with, let me know.”

“I’m looking for something for my mom. She’s in the hospital, and I thought she could use some cheering up,” said one of the girls, who was wearing a heavy purple sweater over a thin jacket.