“Probably because he didn’t want to admit someone had told him no,” Lily said. “If a person could buy him for what he’s worth and sell him for what he thinks he’s worth, they’d make a fortune.”

Sally almost choked on a sip of soda. “Amen, sister.”

Lily went on. “Are you aware that he broke up Mack and his almost-fiancée, married her, and then turned around and did the same thing a few years later?”

“I heard something about that at the time. Granny Hayes told me that Mack brought a girl home to meet his folks, and Adam took the woman away from him. She didn’t mention it happening a second time, but hey, if those women really loved Mack, a pompous fool like Adam . . .” Sally ripped the paper from her candy bar, took a bite, and groaned, “Well, crap! Here comes Ruth-Ann Winkler. She’s still the biggest gossip in town. Be careful what you say.”

“I think I may just go to the next room and straighten the clothes racks,” Lily whispered.

Sally laid the rest of her candy bar to the side and stood up when the bell above the door jingled. “Well, hello, Ruth-Ann. What brings you to town on a school day?”

“I’m taking a late lunch. I saw Holly Anderson wearing the cutest pair of earrings. She said she got them here, so I thought I’d come take a look.” Ruth-Ann looked around as if she were trying to find the jewelry.

“Over at the end of the counter.” Sally pointed.

“They are pretty.” Ruth-Ann picked up a pair and held them up to her ears. “Handmade?”

Lily peeked around the corner. Ruth-Ann’s back was to her, but she could see Sally very well.

“Yes, they are.” Sally nodded and slid a sly wink toward Lily when Ruth-Ann wasn’t looking at her.

“I heard that Lily Anderson is going to work for you,” Ruth-Ann said.

Rumors in small towns always ran rampant, but Ruth-Ann was baiting her hook to go fishing for the really good stuff. Evidently it was true that a leopard couldn’t change its spots, or a gossip her daily need for something to spread.

“Starting today.” Another nod from Sally, but no wink this time.

“I also heard that she and Mack have had a thing going for years, even in high school. Think that’s true?” Ruth-Ann lowered her voice like she was telling a secret and laid two pairs of earrings on the counter. “I’ll take both of these.”

Lily almost marched out there and told the woman to mind her own business, but she held her peace and just listened.

“I wouldn’t know,” Sally answered. “You’d have to ask her.”

Great answer, Lily thought. And when you get up the nerve to ask me, I’ll tell you that what goes on in my house stays in my house.