“Girls?” A stunning woman around her own age appeared. She wore dark skinny jeans and a black cashmere sweater. Her jet-black hair was twisted on top of her head in an artfully arranged topknot. Diamond studs sparkled from her ears, and a matching diamond necklace rested just below her clavicle. Silver bracelets dangled from her slender wrists. She had unique, silver-gray eyes, and Lauren couldn’t help but stare. She felt dowdy in comparison. “You must be Lauren. I’m Beth, Lacey’s mom. We’re baking cookies, or rather some of us are baking cookies. Would you like a cup of tea and a cookie? Frankly, my feet could use a break.”

Why not? she thought. “Uh, sure, that would be great. It’s freezing out there. Do you mind if I use my cell? I need to let my mother know I’m here.”

Beth gave her an odd look. “Sure, no worries.”

Lauren clarified, “They’re expecting me for dinner.”

“I’m that obvious, huh? Sorry. Make your call, and I’ll put on the kettle. Girls, come help me in the kitchen, please,” she called to the girls while she filled a kettle with water. The three teens busied themselves getting cups and plates out of the cupboard.

Appreciative of Beth’s allowing her a moment of privacy, Lauren made her call. “Mom, I’m going to be later than expected. Don’t hold dinner for me.” Her mother assured her it was not a problem since all she had made was homemade vegetable soup and cornbread, which were easy to reheat. She and her father had eaten without her. “I’ll see you after a while. ”

Lauren entered the kitchen, still carrying the shopping bag from Threads.

“Here, let me take that,” Beth said, reaching for the bag. “I’m not much of a hostess these days.”

“Thanks. I hope I wasn’t overstepping my boundaries.” Lauren handed over the bag.

“No, not at all. Lee asked me last week if one of the girls had an extra jacket. I told her I’d get her a new one, so really, you just saved me a trip. Thanks,” she said. “Char, go on, let’s see your new jacket,” Beth encouraged.

“Okay.” Charlotte took the purple jacket from the bag, then the scarf, gloves, and matching beanie. “Wow, this is so awesome! I love it all.” She slipped the jacket on, and it fit perfectly. She twirled around. “It’s so sweet of you. Thanks so much.”

“You’re welcome. I’m just glad I found the right size, though I have to admit, I tried it on just to make sure. We look to be about the same size.”

“We said that, right?” Charlotte looked to her friends for confirmation. “That you’re smallish.”

Kiley and Lacey both agreed.

Lauren laughed. “That I am.”