1105 Yakima Street - Debbie Macomber [63]
“Then who’s it for?”
“Customers,” she said irritably. “Is that a problem?” She’d done him a favor and Will acted as if she’d brought poison into his precious gallery.
“We don’t get that many children—”
“Isn’t it time you met your sister?” she asked, interrupting him.
Will gave her a startled look. “Right. I shouldn’t be longer than a couple of hours. Three at the most.”
“If you aren’t back by five, I’ll close for the night and head home.”
“I’ll be back by then.”
“So he says,” Miranda muttered under her breath. If Will heard her, he pretended he didn’t.
The rest of the afternoon was busy, much busier than she would’ve expected. She sold another Beverly Chandler painting, a sculpture and a quilt. Will should be pleased, but knowing him, he’d invent reasons to find fault. She just hoped he realized that if she hadn’t given up most of her afternoon, they wouldn’t have made three rather large sales. If he’d placed a closed sign on the door, he might never have known what he’d missed. After all, there was no guarantee those customers would’ve come back.
A little after five, as she was putting the cash from the till into the bank deposit bag, Will walked into the gallery, looking completely worn out.
“We had a great afternoon,” she said, eager to share her news.
He nodded absently. “Olivia and I are shocked. You wouldn’t believe the monthly fees these adult residences charge.”
“I sold the quilt,” Miranda bragged. It’d been in the gallery for three months and she’d almost lost hope that it would sell.
Will still wasn’t listening. “Of course, when you take into account that the fees include meals and utilities, I don’t suppose it’s so bad.”
“Another Beverly Chandler painting, too.” If nothing else, this should get his attention.
“They have a lot of programs for the elderly,” he continued. “They do everything they can to keep the residents physically fit. The social activities sound great. Both Olivia and I think this mental stimulation is exactly what Mom needs. Ben, too.” He shook his head. “Still, we’ll have to talk to Ben’s son—and I don’t mean David—”
“Have you heard a single word I said?” Miranda asked.
Will glanced up. “What?”
“Never mind.” She tossed the deposit bag on the counter and went into the back room for her coat and purse.
He followed her. “Why are you in such a state?”
“Because of you.”
“That figures. Apparently everything I do annoys you.”
“You have no idea how true that is. And you seem to be just as annoyed by me. I’m not even sure why you keep me on.”
“I’m wondering that myself,” he murmured. “Furthermore I doubt you heard a single word I said.”
“Yes, of course I did.” She marched into the outer room and grabbed the plastic pumpkin.
“Where are you going with that?”
“Home. You don’t appreciate it, so I’m taking it with me.”
“I didn’t say I didn’t appreciate it. Anyway, I didn’t have a chance to pick up any treats, so I was going to use it tonight in case any of the neighborhood kids stop by.”
“That’s unlikely.”
“Okay, fine. Whatever.” He glared at her.
Miranda glared back.
“Why are you like this?” he demanded.
“Like what?”
“So…so moody. You jump all over me every chance you get. I don’t understand what your problem is.”
Miranda took offense at that. “I am the most even-tempered woman you’re likely to meet. Ask anyone.”
“You fly off the handle over nothing.”
“That is not true.”
He gestured toward her. “Just listen to how defensive you are. Can’t we have a civil conversation without you making all kinds of false assumptions?”
“I…I—” Perhaps she was being defensive. Okay, true, she was, but she had no choice. It was either that or own up to how attractive she found him… .
“What are you thinking?” he asked, frowning slightly. He didn’t seem to know how he should react when she didn’t have an immediate comeback.
“I…I—” she started again, and then, without considering her actions, she stepped forward and kissed him.
For an instant they were both too shocked to do anything but stare at