Maura’s and Cecile’s expressions were identical—mouths open, eyes round. Before they could say anything, Iris Taggart walked over and took a seat at the table. She was in what Vickie called her sweet old lady garb, complete with ruffled apron. She’d smiled at all the other tables, greeting them as the charming elderly innkeeper, chitchatting about the big storm and suggesting places for her guests to visit. But once Iris sat, she took in the scene and started laughing.

“Spill it, girls. What’s going on? What has Vickie done now?”

Maura’s mouth finally closed and slid into a smirk. “The question is who Vickie’s doing.”

“Oh, hot damn,” Iris rested her chin in her hand. “Do tell.”

“I’m not doing anyone,” Vickie hissed, looking around to make sure no one was listening. “We just kissed, for God’s sake.”

The three women sucked in deep gasps at once.

“You kissed him?” Maura clamped her hand over her mouth, realizing how loud she’d just spoken. Her voice dropped. “You kissed Gordy? Didn’t you two have a little thing in high school?”

“What?” Cecile shook her head, as if she hadn’t heard right. “You and Gordy back in high school? Are we talking first base or home run?”

Iris’s eyes widened. “Well, good for you!”

“How was it?” Maura’s voice turned tender.

“The kiss? Amazing.” She couldn’t help smiling a little. “He said he wants more, but...” She glanced at Iris and lifted her shoulder. “He really isn’t my type. And it’s been a long time since I was with anyone...that way.”

The three women stared at each other, then looked back to Vickie. Maura spoke first.

“I agree with Iris—good for you. I know you care about your image or whatever, but we all know the real Vickie.” Maura reached out and took Vickie’s hand. “The one who didn’t exactly grow up in a waterfront mansion.”

That was true enough. Her mom raised her in a humble bungalow on the edge of town—it wasn’t a Victorian, and it definitely never made it onto any historic home tours.

“I don’t live in a mansion...”

“You have one of the grandest homes in Rendezvous Falls,” Iris pointed out, “and you live there alone. It’s okay to let another man into your life, especially a decent one like Gordy. And he’s a hot silver fox, too.”

“But... I’m not a kid anymore. Men just seem to keep on going with their sex lives, but what if I can’t...satisfy him? I’d be mortified.”

The thought sent a chill through her. Vickie hated feeling vulnerable, and the idea of literally being naked and...failing? She didn’t know if she’d survive the humiliation.