A Merry Little Christmas by Anita Higman Page B

and that new dress I bought got a little mangled yesterday.”
    “You’re perfect.”
    Now that sounded pretty fine. The man in the booth behind them blew smoke their way, and just as Franny waved it right back to him, Noma arrived at their table with purse in hand. “You’re leaving already?” Franny asked her friend.
    Noma clutched her purse and bin of cleaning supplies. “That was a mighty good meal, and I thank you for it.”
    “You’re welcome, but it’s me who’s grateful.”
    “I usually don’t take but a few minutes to eat my lunch, but today was special.” Noma squeezed her eyes shut for a second as if trying to control her emotions. “You’re always welcome in my home.”
    “Thank you, Noma.” Franny stood. “I made a decision just now. I’m going back to the farm.”
    Noma looked at them, concerned.
    “We won’t be living in the same house.” Franny grinned but felt her face go as hot as firecrackers.
    “I wasn’t worried about you two.” Noma’s face knotted into a forlorn, resigned kind of expression. “I was thinking how much I’d miss my new friend.”
    Franny gave Noma a bear hug. “I will miss you, but any time I’m in the city, I promise I’ll drop by. And you’re always welcome at the farm. It’s five miles straight east of Hesterville.”
    “Someday I may hold you to that promise.” Noma hugged her back and then released her. “But you’re right in returning to the country. It’s a good place to raise children.”
    The temperature on Franny’s face heated up again, but Noma distracted her by turning to Charlie. “I’ve got a soft spot for this girl, Mr. Landau, so you take good care of her.”
    “Yes, ma’am.” Charlie grinned. “I have a soft spot for her too.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

    After a quick bite of lunch, a change of clothes, and letting Arnold know about her new plans, Franny found herself riding along toward Nichols Hills in Charlie’s Rolls-Royce motorcar. She also found herself jiggling her purse, fidgeting with her dress, and twiddling with her hair. Should I have put on more lipstick? She was accustomed to being in the company of hogs and cattle and chickens, not the aristocracy. She felt so keyed up she could barely enjoy the ride, which was a shame, since she would probably never ride in such luxury again.
    “It’ll be all right, Franny. We’ll only be there for a few minutes.”
    What was the matter with her, anyway? She could face pigheaded and tough-talking bigots, but she couldn’t even say hello to Charlie’s father without fear. Was it the wealth that intimidated her? Surely she wasn’t so shallow. However, even though she tried to be earnest and steadfast at times, she also acknowledged having equal amounts of silliness.
    He turned the corner and looked over at her. “Sometimes you go quiet, and I can’t imagine what you’re thinking. But I’d love to know.”
    Franny gripped the seat. “You wouldn’t always want to know what’s going on in my brain. It’s a real mess in there.”
    “Mine’s pretty shambolic too.” Charlie tapped the steering wheel with his thumb. “Is that a real word?”
    “If not, it should be. My brain sort of shambles, like a lost child…always in the wrong direction, though.”
    “You’re not convincing me.” Charlie turned another corner, and the houses went from homes to stately mansions with immaculately kept grounds and fountains. He drove through a large brick portico toward the back of the house.
    “This is your home? It’s so beautiful, Charlie. I can’t imagine growing up this way.”
    Charlie came to a stop in front of a large statue and looked at her. “My home is now a farm, but this is where I lived before that.”
    Franny blew the bangs off her forehead. “Why do I feel like I’m going to my execution?”
    Charlie laughed. “I guess I’ve told you too many stories about my father. He’s not all bad. He just can’t remember how to live. Maybe you could teach him.” He