EMMA MONTGOMERY STOOD by the window in the newspaper offices and tapped her manicured nails impatiently. Snowflakes told her Christmas was around the corner and she adored the holiday, the cheer, the parties. She had no patience for imbeciles, a thought which reminded her to look back at the road. Still no sign of her driver. The man came and went on his own schedule. She wished she still had her license but those days were gone. Thank goodness she had other skills that hadnât dwindled with age. Matchmaking was her specialty and obviously Corinne, the present publisher of the Ashford Times, had recognized her talent.
Emma was now the columnist for the Ashford Timesâs âMeet and Greetâ column. And she couldnât forget that this job had also saved her elegant behind from a nursing home. Her son, the Judge, had had it with her parties and antics, and if she didnât get busy with something, heâd threatened to put her in an old-age home.
She shivered, blaming the cold seeping in from the window. But the Judgeâs bellowing had done her a favor. She loved this job and the people here appreciated her talent and humor.
âOh, Rina!â Emma called out to the only employee left in the office, the new girl named Rina Lowell.
Pretty name. Pretty woman. No makeup, but if Emma had that gorgeous skin, she wouldnât bother with blush, either.
Rina glanced up from her desk where she was typing away. âYes, Emma?â
âYou know that expression, all work and no play makes Rina an old fuddy-duddy?â
âI donât think you quite nailed it.â Rina laughed, a light sound that would be musical to a manâs ears. âAre you saying itâs time I went home for the night?â
âGoodness, no!â Emma waved her hand in the air. âIâm saying we should hit the town and celebrate the new lives this paper has given us.â Emma had been working for a few months and Rina had just recently started.
The young woman obviously wanted to make a good impression, arriving early and leaving late. But even the most dedicated worker had to have some fun.
âWhat did you have in mind?â Rina asked.
From the corner of her eye, Emma saw her car approach with her good-for-nothing driver, hired by her son, at the wheel. She might as well make use of his time and let him earn his money. âI thought we could go to OâDooleyâs and have a beer.â
Rina burst out laughing. âIâm sorry. I just canât picture you, an eighty-year-old woman, drinking beer.â
âPhooey. You shouldnât make fun of an old lady. Would you prefer I have a shot of tequila?â
âIâll do one with you,â Rina offered, her eyes twinkling with the challenge.
âYouâre on.â Emma stuck out her hand for a shake. âAt least I donât have to worry about drinking and driving. And if you come with me, neither do you. Leave your car here. Iâll drop you off at your home tonight and pick you up on the way to work tomorrow.â
Rina pretended to give the idea some thought, but Emma caught the smile on her lips and knew the young woman had already decided.
Finally she nodded. âOkay. Iâm up for partying.â She slid her chair back so she had room, and pushed herself in a circle, hanging her head back and spinning the chair around before letting loose a loud whoop.
âWhat was that for?â Emma asked.
âI just wanted to act as free as I feel.â Rina giggled girlishly. âIâm just so happy to have this job and so excited to start life over in Ashford.â
Emma took in the young womanâs pink flushed cheeks and wide smile. With her carefree attitude, she was the perfect candidate for Emmaâs matchmaking skills. She rubbed her palms, warming them together. âSo weâre off to OâDooleyâs.â
âDo you think weâll meet any men at this joint?â Rina asked as she pulled her purse out of the drawer in her desk. âBecause with my new âHot Stuffâ column, I could use some good interaction.â
Rina might claim her interest was in work, but Emma didnât miss the sparkle in Rinaâs gaze at the mention of meeting a member of the opposite sex. Oh, this was going to be fun, Emma thought. âWith your cheekbones, youâd meet men anywhere.â
âWhy, thank you, Emma.â Rina fluttered her mascara-free lashes with obvious exaggeration, then grabbed her winter coat from the back of her chair.
Emma wrapped her heavy shawl more securely around her shoulders. Together, they started for the door, but as they walked by the empty desk beside Rinaâs, Emma paused. âDid you hear the news?â she asked.
Rina shook her head. âI came in late today and worked all afternoon.â She pointed to the Walkman she often wore when deep in thought. âWhat news?â
âThat desk will have an occupant soon. The prodigal son has returned.â Emma ran her hand over the old, empty desk. One no one was allowed to take in case Colin Lyons should return.