Threads of Hope: Quilts of Love Series by Christa Allan

himself? He knew Elise was already out of high school by the time I started. How was I supposed to make that connection?”
    “Maybe I should back up before I say this,” Aretha cautioned, “but ‘didn’t flatter’? Really? Could that be a more textbook example of understatement? After Elise walked away, he told me about your conversation. How was he supposed to handle that? Would it have been less humiliating to be at the magazine talking about Greg to Elise, not knowing they were siblings? There was no way this was going to turn out well.”
    “Everything always turns out well for Greg Hernandez. The man leads a charmed life,” said Nina, not even trying to mask the contempt in her voice. “And once again, I’m the one left to look like a fool.”

15
    You’re letting Brady take you home?”
    “Don’t make it sound like I’m riding with a serial killer,” Nina countered while letting Aretha gently powder her forehead. “Do you want to come with us?”
    Her friend moved her head from side to side to examine the coverage. “No, he’s a serial dater. Isn’t a whop on the head enough?” Aretha snapped her powder compact closed. “And, no again. I’m staying. I saw this beautiful man who is in one of my design classes, and he’s not only dreamy, he’s single. We took a taxi here, I can take one home.”
    “You’re sighing, and that’s a definite warning sign. Don’t let your heart make promises your head can’t keep,” Nina warned as she and Aretha stood to leave the ladies’ room.
    Aretha opened the door and let Nina exit. “Sweetie, coming from you, that’s a gem.”
    Had Brady not been waiting outside, Nina might have responded. But there he stood, looking more appealing than she wanted him to.
    “Oh, hello Brady,” said Aretha. She pointed at his camera. “Didn’t they ask you to check your weapon at the door?”
    “Aretha . . . ,” he said and smiled, “you look stunning.” Brady glanced toward Nina, then reached out and clasped Aretha’s hand. “I’ve missed your wit. How are you?”
    For a minute, Aretha’s expression reminded her of Manny’s slight head tilt when Nina used her nice voice to tell him how annoying he could be.
    “I’m quite content, thank you. So, where’s . . . um,” Aretha paused, “Janie, yes, that’s it. Is she here with you?” She smiled like someone who’d just trumped in bridge.
    Nina opened her clutch to avoid eye contact with either one of them. She felt a bit guilty for enjoying Aretha’s deliberate attempt to make Brady squirm. But, in typical Brady fashion, the master of finesse, he replied, “How kind of you to ask about her. She’s still in New York.” He looked at Nina. “At least the last time I spoke to her that’s where she was.”
    Aretha replied, “I see,” in a way that suggested she didn’t at all. “So, I know you’re providing transportation for the wounded.” She nodded toward Nina. “Best of luck in the Big Apple.” When she hugged Nina, she whispered, “Remember, it’s just a ride home. And don’t forget to take Manny out when you get there.”
    After Brady and Nina made their way around the dance floor to the front of the ballroom, he asked her to wait by the entrance while he had the valet bring his car.
    “Can you hold on a few minutes? I wanted to bid on a quilt, and got distracted. I won’t be long.” The orchestra stopped as Nina opened the door to the ballroom and, of all people, Elise was on the stage announcing only five minutes remained for silent auction bidding. Nina watched as tables emptied, and people streamed into the quilt room, their voices swarming around them. She debated if she had the energy to swim along with the crowd, but remembering how perfect that quilt would be for Aretha, she decided to plunge forward.
    “Nina, can I talk to you?” She felt the tap on her shoulder before she heard Greg’s voice. And as much as she wanted to, there was no way to avoid him. But she