The Room with the Second-Best View by Virginia Smith Page B

inches from his. “How about we see what we can do about breaking that trend?”
    His mouth covered hers, and she returned his kiss with enthusiasm. The next twenty-eight days would be the longest of her life.

    Â 
    Tuesday’s Natural All-Purpose Cleanser
    3 cups water
    â…“ cup Castile soap
    2 T. white vinegar
    15 drops essential oil, such as lemon or peppermint
    Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Use this cleanser as a natural alternative in the kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere you would use traditional spray cleanser.
    Castile soap is a natural product made from vegetable oil instead of animal fat, as many traditional cleansers are. Thus, this cleanser is vegan-friendly.

Chapter Eight

    A t ten o’clock sharp on Monday morning, Millie and Lulu stepped out of the elevator on the second floor of city hall. Millie had selected a dignified navy-blue sling from the half-dozen Violet had made for her. Lulu carried an ancient briefcase, its leather straps stretched and creased. Franklin’s first attaché case after he left college, she’d told Millie earlier.
    They were greeted by Sally Bright, the mayor’s secretary.
    Sally’s pleasant expression faded, replaced by concern as her gaze rested on Millie’s sling. “I didn’t get a chance to speak with you after church yesterday. How are you feeling?”
    The question was uttered in the pitying tone that was starting to get on Millie’s nerves. In fact, the onslaught of questioners she’d faced yesterday at the close of the service had forced her to desert her normal practice of gathering on the front sidewalk for a half hour or so of amiable chitchat. She’d escaped as quickly as possible to avoid the plethora of sympathetic well-wishes.
    She kept her face pleasant. “I’m fine, thank you.”
    Lulu, who was apparently oblivious to the fact that Millie preferred to avoid discussions of the unfortunate incident, blew a raspberry. “Don’t let her fool you.” Her brash voice filled the room as if she were shouting through a megaphone. “She’s still mighty tender in the tush area, if you know what I mean.”
    Heat leaped into Millie’s face. “Is Jerry ready for us?” she asked quickly to divert the conversation.
    Sally nodded. “Go on in. He’s expecting you.” Millie headed for the door when Sally added, “Frieda’s been in there for ten minutes already.”
    That drew Millie up short. Frieda had not been included in the meeting. She exchanged a glance with Lulu, who shrugged her boney shoulders.
    Millie rapped a knuckle on the heavy wooden door before opening it. Frieda, seated in one of the three guest chairs on this side of the mayor’s wide oak desk, turned at their entrance. Was her expression a bit shamefaced? Millie couldn’t tell because she looked away so quickly.
    Mayor Jerry Selbo rose from his high-backed chair behind the desk. “Come on in, ladies. Have a seat.”
    He gestured toward the two empty chairs. One matched the one Frieda had selected, the seat constructed of padded vinyl. The second, obviously added for their benefit before their arrival, was of polished hardwood.
    Lulu stomped forwarded with her long-legged stride and claimed the wooden chair. “You sit there,” she told Millie, pointing at the other. “It’ll be softer on your backside.”
    Face flaming, Millie lowered herself into the vinyl chair. She really must ask Lulu not to mention her rear end in public.
    Jerry, at least, possessed enough courtesy to withhold comment, and waited until they were all settled before returning to his chair.
    â€œFrieda was just explaining the Main Street Program.” He rested his clasped hands on the blotter in front of him. “It certainly sounds like something the town should pursue.”
    Millie turned her head to give Frieda an undisguised look of inquiry.
    The owner of the Freckled Frog