Vickie had grilled Hazel—did her mom know about this? Did her dad know? Did Mike know? The girl waffled a bit on the Mike issue, but she’d assured Vickie that both parents were aware. In fact, it was her father who’d insisted on it. Good for Chris. This could be the first step toward reconciliations all the way around. Vickie hoped so, because Zoey had been moping around for over a week now. She tried to keep a happy face on for Hazel, of course, but Vickie knew better. The woman was hurting.

She stood back, examining the table location, then let out a squeal when Gordy swept her into his arms without warning, kissing her senseless before setting her back on her feet with a cocky grin.

“What was that for?” She touched her fingers to her lips. Damn, the man could kiss.

“I needed to break up your panic cycle.” He grinned. “Everything will be fine. When are your matchmaking masterminds showing up?”

“They’re not coming until four.” She glanced at her watch. Electronic computer watches were all the craze now, but she still loved the sleek look of her classic Movado. “Mike and Hazel are doing their thing at two. I should finish getting the appetizers ready. You’re staying for book club, right?”

Gordy’s face twisted, and he made a face at her. “Do I have to?”

His pleading made her laugh. She’d never thought of herself as a complete sourpuss, but Gordy had a way to get her to laugh at things far more easily and often, including laughing at herself.

“Yes,” she said, swatting at him when he walked past her. “You promised. Besides, they like you.”

“I’m just the new curiosity. They like making swoony eyes at you and I, like we’re in a freak show. You’re not going to make me actually join this little club of yours, are you?”

“You don’t want to join my book club?” They were a couple. They should want to do everything...

“Just because we’re official now,” Gordy said, as if reading her mind, “that doesn’t mean we have to be joined at the hip. Do you want to come to my poker night at the golf club?”

“Hardly,” she said with a sniff.

Gordy spread his hands wide. “Exactly. Chuck Manning’s wife doesn’t make him come.”

It took her a second to realize he was talking about Cecile’s Charlie.

“Fair enough.” She wagged her finger at him with a smile. “You’re off the hook after today. I already told them you’d join us, and they all want to talk to you.”

“Interrogate me is more like it,” Gordy grumbled. His expression lifted. “But if you promise me a trip upstairs after everyone is gone, I’ll consider it.” He was facing her now, arms crossed.

“You are a dirty old man.”