The Liar

Granny always had read her like a book. “The party’s the main focus right now. Do you know I just talked Miz Bitsy—and it took some doing—out of the last-minute hiring of a small string orchestra to play in the ballroom? God knows what she’s going to cook up that we have to toss out again for the wedding when it comes.”

“She does love her girl, but bless her heart, she’s always had fancy ideas that don’t fit Emma Kate any more than Bitsy’s size-five shoes would. There’s another focus in there, Shelby. I can see it.”

“I really do want your opinion and advice. I just . . . I’m so grateful to be able to work here, Granny, not just because I needed a job, but because it helped me come back. Helped me feel part of things here again. I want you to know how grateful I am.”

“If you’ve got another job lined up, Shelby, I’m not going to be upset about it. I never figured this situation here was permanent for you. Running this place wouldn’t fit you any more than Bitsy’s shoes, either. What are you looking at?”

“It’s not yet. Probably not for six months. Maybe longer—probably longer,” she amended. “I’m taking a couples classes online, on decorating.”

“You’ve got a knack for that like Ada Mae does for skin. I used to think you’d make your fame and fortune from your voice—then use your talent for decorating on the big houses you’d have.”

“I’m not willing to do all the work a music career needs. The nights, the touring, the . . . well, the focus again. That’s just not for me anymore, for who I am now. I don’t get a second chance there—I threw that away, and I’m not looking to find it again.”

“Life’s just a continual stream of choices. You’re making another choice now.”

“I think I could build something for me and Callie, Granny.”

Lips curved, eyes sharp, Viola nodded. “You’re looking forward toward a career. Not a job, a vocation.”

“I am. I’m doing really well with these classes, and I’m going to add in others—one on business management, too.”

As she nodded again, Viola’s smile spread. “You’ve got that in the blood, but education adds to it.”

“I’m not going to rush it. I helped Gilly with her bedroom, and Emma Kate with some ideas for her apartment, just to see if I could work with somebody’s space, and their needs. Now Mama wants me to help her freshen up her living room. I can’t say how Daddy’s going to feel about that.”

Viola returned Shelby’s grin. “Men don’t like change as a rule, but they get used to it.”

Revved up now—no one knew starting a business from the ground up like Viola MacNee Donahue—Shelby edged forward in her chair.

“I’ve got such ideas for over at Griff’s. Sometimes I bite my tongue because it’s his place, and he’s so smart and clever about it already.”

“Anyone smart and clever values another eye, another perspective on things.”

“Well, sometimes I don’t bite my tongue in time, and he hasn’t gotten put out by it. Anyway, I’m going to take these classes, get the credentials, then I’m going to try to start up a small business. I’ll need to keep working to support myself and Callie, and get this damn debt paid in full. Starting small’s the idea, like you did—and Grandpa, too. Building steady. Do you think I’ve got the right direction?”

“Does it make you happy?” Viola held up a finger, then tapped it on the table. “Don’t go discounting being happy in your work, Shelby. It’s hard enough going to a job every day and dealing with a boss if you’re not happy with your work. But when it’s your own, everything’s on you. If it doesn’t make you happy, you’re better off drawing that paycheck and leaving the worry to somebody else.”

“This is just why I wanted to talk to you before I took too many more steps. It does make me happy, Granny. It made me so happy just doing those little bits for Gilly and Emma Kate, seeing how pleased they were, knowing I could see what they’d like and how they’d like it. And I felt so silly happy when Griff used the paint color I picked for the front room, and how he bought this painted chest I saw over at The Artful Ridge—it’s sure nice being able to go in there now—and just mentioned how it would look good at the foot of his bed. And it does.”

“Then you do it. Do what makes you happy.”

On a long breath, Shelby sat back. “I take a step forward, like with the classes, then I take two back. At least in my head. I thought Richard would make me happy.”

“You made a mistake,” Viola said flatly. “It won’t be the last you’ll make before you’re done with the world. Not if you’re lucky enough to live a long, full, interesting life.”

“I can hope it’s the biggest one I’ll ever make.” She reached for Viola’s hand. “Will you help me? I don’t mean with the money I’ll need to get going. I mean, when I’m ready to start things up, can I ask you the half a million questions I’m bound to have?”

“I’d be insulted if you didn’t. I’ve got a head for business, and your grandfather does, too. Who do you think helped your daddy get the business side of his practice going?”

“I should’ve figured. I’m counting on you.”