“For starters, everyone is coming to our place for dinner on Sunday, including Jeanette,” Erik said meaningfully. “I could invite you.”
“But only if my intentions are honorable,” Tom concluded.
All three men nodded somberly.
“Otherwise, you hurt her and we’d have to beat you up,” Ronnie said, his expression still totally serious.
Tom laughed, but not one of them seemed to share his amusement. He sobered. “Okay, then, message received. Jeanette has three men looking after her.”
“And three tough women,” Cal added.
“Dana Sue lifts weights,” Ronnie warned. “She’s very fit these days.”
Tom shook his head. “Maybe I should consider going out with Mary Vaughn, after all.”
Again, the men exchanged a look, though this time there was real worry in their eyes.
“I think we may have come on too strong,” Erik said.
“Possibly,” Cal agreed.
Tom stared at them. “So this was basically a test,” he said.
“Pretty much,” Ronnie told him, looking vaguely chagrined.
“We were under orders,” Cal explained.
“Did I pass?” Tom asked, more curious than offended.
“Beats me,” Cal said. “You seem like an okay guy, but I don’t think my opinion counts.”
“Well, I think you’d better come on Sunday,” Erik said. “The women will let you know if you pass muster.”
Tom wasn’t at all sure he wanted his love life subject to the scrutiny of these so-called Sweet Magnolias. He already knew Jeanette wasn’t one bit happy about it. Still, if he won the rest of them over, there was a very good chance they’d give Jeanette a little shove in his direction. It couldn’t hurt.
“Count me in,” he said at last.
“Brave man,” Cal said approvingly.
“Gets points in my book,” Ronnie said.
Erik just grinned sympathetically, like a man who’d once been in the same spot he was in.
Tom shook his head and gulped down the rest of his beer. What the hell had he gotten himself into? One mind-blowing kiss and it appeared he was neck deep in quicksand.
* * *
The Sweet Magnolias were having one of their increasingly sporadic margarita nights. These occasions gave them a chance to catch up on spa business and on each other’s lives. Normally Jeanette loved the casual gabfests, but something told her when she first walked through the door at Helen’s that tonight was going to be an exception. The buzz of chatter died on her arrival.
“What?” she demanded.
All three women regarded her innocently. Helen immediately filled a margarita glass to the brim and held it out. Jeanette accepted it warily, then took a seat on the floor.
“Somebody needs to tell me why you all shut up the second I walked in,” she said.
“She’s right,” Maddie said. “She should know.”
“Of course she should,” Dana Sue said, turning to Helen. “You masterminded this. You tell her.”
“I did no such thing,” Helen protested.
“Tell her,” Maddie and Dana Sue said in unison.
“Tom’s coming for Sunday dinner,” Helen admitted. “The guys asked him last night.”
Jeanette studied each of her friends in turn, then settled in on Helen. “And this was your idea?”
“Not exactly,” she said, regarding the others with a touch of defiance. “We all wanted to get a look at the two of you together. Okay, not Maddie. She’s already witnessed the fireworks firsthand, but Dana Sue and me.”
“And how did the guys just happen to see him and invite him?” she queried.
“Oh, you know guys,” Dana Sue said. “They were getting together to play a little football. Cal called Tom. Then they had a couple of beers together. Guy stuff.”
“They were checking him out, weren’t they?” Jeanette accused. “This wasn’t some innocent little get-together. I know how you operate.”
“We were just protecting your interests,” Maddie said. “We know how you feel about getting involved with anyone and we figured if you’re finally ready, it needs to be with someone trustworthy.”
“I am not getting involved with Tom,” Jeanette said for the umpteenth time. “Why won’t you listen to me?”
“Because you don’t sound convincing,” Helen said. “I’m a lawyer. I know when people are lying to me...and to themselves.”
“Okay, fine,” Jeanette said in disgust. “You all conduct your independent review of the new town manager. I don’t have to be there.”
“You can’t back out now,” Maddie protested. “Come on. We want you there.”
“And I invited you first,” Helen reminded her. “And you said yes.”
“Did I really? I seem to recall you assuming that I would come.”
“You’re bringing tequila,” Helen said. “I made a note of it.”
“Of course you did,” Maddie said, patting her hand. “You make notes on everything.”
“Especially since I had the baby,” Helen said with a sigh. “I can’t remember anything if I don’t write it down.”
“Try having five kids,” Maddie said. “I make lists of my lists.”
“The bottom line,” Helen said, gazing directly at Jeanette, “is that you’re coming. If you absolutely insist, we’ll simply tell Tom to stay away.”
She frowned at them. “You know I can’t do that. It would be totally rude to have you take back your invitation to him. He’s new in town. He probably doesn’t know a lot of people. In fact, why don’t you invite some others? Mary Vaughn, for instance. I have it on good authority that she’s interested in him.”
“Then I’d have to stay home,” Dana Sue said flatly. “And keep Ronnie there, too.”
“Ronnie doesn’t give two figs about Mary Vaughn,” Maddie said impatiently. “He never did.”
“Not the point,” Dana Sue said. “I don’t trust her near my husband.” She frowned at Jeanette. “And you shouldn’t want her anywhere near Tom.”
“How many ways do I have to say that I don’t care about Tom McDonald?”
Maddie’s expression turned thoughtful, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. “As many as it takes to convince us. You’re not even close yet.”
Jeanette clamped her mouth shut. There was no point in belaboring this. It was a debate she couldn’t possibly win.
Helen beamed. “Good, then we’re agreed. It’s going to be a great evening.”
Jeanette didn’t want to burst her bubble,
