Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson

hundredth time when the doorbell rang. Precious took this as a sign that we were under attack and began a yapping frenzy. When would the dog learn that incoming guests were just that—guests?
    I managed to get her calmed down and went into the hallway, where I found Pop heading down the stairs.
    “Who in the world would come knocking at our door this early in the morning?” He yawned and slipped on his robe.
    “Maybe someone needing help,” I said. “Or . . .” I paused, thinking about the men in the cars last night. “Maybe the paparazzi looking for Brock. Better look through the glass before opening the door, just in case.”
    I followed him down the stairs and noticed the reflection of something shiny hit the glass panes on the front door. Through the glass I saw someone—make that several some-ones— in a shimmering haze of color. They were almost blinding, in fact.
    Pop opened the door, and I gasped as I saw Twila, Jolene, and Bonnie Sue standing there in their sequined dresses. Jolene’s beehive hairdo was lopsided, Twila’s makeup was smeared all over her face, and Bonnie Sue looked like she’d been crying. Their bags were mangled, but they held on to them for dear life.
    Precious took one look at the women and flipped. I’d never seen her yap with such vigor. Likely the sight of these bedraggled ladies scared her to death.
    “Sister Twila!” I threw my arms around her. “Are you all right?”
    I felt her trembling as she responded. “As all right as a person could be after a near-death experience.”
    I ushered them inside, and Pop and Joey helped with their bags.
    “What in the world happened?” I asked, leading them into the dining room.
    “Th-the tropical storm.” Twila’s voice trembled as she took a seat at the table.
    “We were in the middle of the gulf on that big cruise ship,” Bonnie Sue added. “And then the storm hit.”
    I gasped, realizing that in all of the chaos I’d completely forgotten the trio of sisters had also been in the gulf. Lord, forgive me! I forgot to pray for them!
    “Our ship wasn’t due here till Sunday, but they brought us back two days early.” Twila slumped over, looking like she might pass out at any moment. “Don’t know when I’ve ever been so tired.”
    “Me either,” Jolene said, leaning against the wall. “I feel like I could sleep for a week.”
    “I just need to get my car and go home.” Twila yawned. “That’s why we came here first, to get my car. But it appears to be MIA.”
    “Ah, that’s right.”
    “Where is it, Bella? Did the winds pick it up and fly it away?”
    I smiled at the image of her pink Pinto sailing over the house. “Funny story.” I hoped she would find it funny, anyway. “We took it to D.J.’s house on Bubba’s wrecker so it wouldn’t be in the way during the wedding tomorrow night.”
    “Oh dear.” She groaned. “Why did you move it with a wrecker? Why not just drive it over?”
    “For some reason, I couldn’t find your keys all week. Mama didn’t have them. Rosa didn’t have them. And if you gave them to me, I must’ve somehow misplaced them. I hope you’ll forgive me. And I hope you have a spare set.”
    “Sure. I always keep a spare. But I could’ve sworn I gave you my original.” Twila fished around in her purse, coming up with the set of rhinestone-studded keys. “Oops.” She sighed. “I guess I’ve made a real mess of things.”
    “Not at all. But you’re stuck with us for the time being.” I reached out to take her hand. “You don’t need to be driving until you’ve had some rest. After you sleep, we’ll go and get your car.”
    “Yes, we’ll take care of that for you,” Joey said. “You ladies should get some rest.”
    Just then I thought I caught a glimpse of someone on the front porch. Through the dining room window, I could make out a blue shirt and dark pants.
    “Is that the Burton kid?” I turned to Joey. Moving into the foyer, I headed toward the front door. Pop,