Jody was the last one in the kitchen on Thursday morning. She poured a cup of coffee and sat down at the table. “I’ve been thinking about something. There’s plenty of room in my trailer to put everything in it and take to the fair. It’ll save us the cost of a rental, and I’ve laid awake half the night planning how we can put things in there.” She took a sip of the coffee. “And people would think that we’d camped out in the parking lot so we could be first in the doors. They’d never know that we’re going to get the title of queen bee of the whole show.”

“I love the idea,” Mitzi said. “We can hitch it up to my van after work and have it completely loaded before we go to bed tomorrow night. You’re a genius, Jody.”

“If I’d been really smart, I’d have seen the signs that Lyle was cheating, but my ego needs a boost, so I’ll take the compliment,” Jody said.

That evening they only meant to put the mannequins in the trailer, but after Jody had the idea of putting them on the bed and tying them down with bungee cords, they got excited. They hung the wedding and the bridesmaid dresses in the tiny closet. The small cabinet space in the kitchen area became a place for the bouquets and corsages, and the drawer held their business cards.

“I don’t think we need to tear anything out,” Mitzi said. “This is working perfectly. After Saturday, I vote that we take it to the shop and get it all prettied up for future shows, but let’s leave the inside the same layout it is.”

“And it would be a great place for me to retreat to after the baby comes when it’s time to feed her,” Paula said. “I’m glad you didn’t burn it.”

“I’ve always felt like I didn’t do my part when we went into this business. Mitzi’s dad bought us the house and Fanny Lou gave us some start-up money, and I know y’all put in your savings, but Lyle would only let me contribute five thousand. Y’all accepting this really helps me,” Jody said.

“Hey, we couldn’t make it without you and your skills,” Mitzi reassured her as they made their way back into the house.

The business phone was ringing, and since Jody was the first one inside, she picked it up.

“Hello, Jody, this is Quincy. Are you over your snit?”

“I was stating facts. I was not in a snit,” she answered.

“That’s not what I’m hearing in your tone. I’ll call back in a few days,” he said. “You reckon you could give me your cell number?”

“If you need something, you can call this number,” she said. “Good night, Quincy.”