Threads of Hope: Quilts of Love Series Read Online Free PDF Page B

desk. “Daisy, from what I could tell by her message, is fine.” She resumed the pen’s previous beat, but Nina was grateful she drummed her desk pad this time. “She wasn’t very forthcoming about her situation, so we’ll just have to wait to see how it unfolds.” Elise turned toward the Houston skyline where glass, brass and mirrored high-rises pierced the clouds. “If only we could figure out a way to grow roses at this height.”
    The sadness in Elise’s voice surprised Nina. And the fact that she took time to muse about flowers when she seemed so like those buildings. Imposing, impressive, and impenetrable. She looked at Nina. “So, all the information is on the tickets. If you have no need for the extra ticket, I’m sure someone in the office would be happy to take it.”
    “No . . . no, I have someone in mind for the other ticket,” she said. Aretha would love a free night out. “And thank you.” She hoped she sounded genuine. Nina might be disgruntled, but she didn’t want to be impolite. Seeing the worn heel on her shoe when she crossed her legs while she spoke reminded Nina she was not only going to be a stranger to covering benefits, her present wardrobe would surely mark her as a misfit. She returned both feet to the floor, hid her untidy cuticles in her lap, and exposed her fashion-sense handicap. “Is what Ishould wear on the ticket? Because if it’s not, what do you suggest—”
    “It’s Black Tie Optional.” She leaned in closer. Elise must have noticed her expression of confusion. “For you that means a cocktail dress or dressy separates. Some women wear long dresses, but they look like they were lost on the way to their high school prom.”
    Note to self: Ask Aretha if my one long dress can be shortened to cocktail length
.
    She stood and shuffled a stack of papers, “If you have any questions, let Tammie know.”
    “Yes, yes I will.” Nina stood and felt the flap of her dress turn east instead of west. She smoothed it back into place. “Thank you, again. And I’m sorry that you won’t be able to attend that night.”
    Elise looked up from her iPhone, and her eyebrows lifted as if Nina had just said something amusing. “Oh, Peyton and I will be there. But I certainly wouldn’t attempt to cover the event.”

6
    You know, you’re not the date of my dreams.”
    Hearing Nina’s voice, Manny whined from inside his portable pet carrier. If Aretha had been along, she could have translated. But Nina was pretty sure he’d be complaining about not riding in one of those hot, new car seats where he could sit high and view the road.
    “I can’t wear a pet booster seat to a fancy party, so your ride will have to wait. Besides, spending my Saturday taking you to Dr. Alvarez isn’t what I had in mind for an outing either.” Nina looked in her rearview mirror as she spoke, though all she could see was a pair of wet brown eyes through the netting of his carrier.
    No comment from Manny. The more Nina talked to him, the more she understood the conversations between him and Aretha. Manny made for the perfect chat mate when all she needed was to not feel crazy speaking out loud when she was alone or to be able to vent because she didn’t want someone to solve her problems, just to listen to them. She wasn’t so sure he was as thrilled with the arrangement, but the fact that he couldn’t tell her whether he was or not made him such a great non-conversationalist.
    She found a parking spot on the dog side of the veterinary clinic. When she first opened the clinic, Dr. Alvarez had one common waiting room. Some of the cats would practically leap on their owners’ heads when the dogs howled and growled and barked. Over time, her dog and cat clients were becoming as antagonistic as their pets. So, for everyone’s safety and sanity, each now had a separate entrance. The reception desk in the center of the clinic with a swinging door on each side provided, as Dr. Alvarez said in her