Free When I Fall in Love by Bridget Anderson

over to do that?”
    â€œWe do. We bring in women from the community to discuss personal challenges they’ve faced and overcome in their lives. It’s a wonderful program.”
    â€œIt sounds like it. We need something like that around here. How did you get started?”
    â€œFortunately, my job affords me the luxury of traveling the world and meeting people from all walks of life. I was invited to be the keynote speaker at a women’s empowerment conference in Los Angeles years ago, and the work they were doing moved me so that I wanted to start my own organization. However, at the time I was traveling and working so much I didn’t have the time. But after sharing the experience with Nicole and discovering we were of like minds, she went to work setting everything up and the rest is history. It’s a labor of love.”
    Corra held a hand to her chest. “Man, I would love to do something like that. Maybe while you’re here you can come speak to the young women’s group at my church? Or at the school.”
    Tayler laughed. “I’ll see what I can do.”
    â€œToo bad I didn’t know about that earlier—I would have asked you to speak at the ceremony. How much do you charge?”
    Tayler know her speaking fee was more than they would be able to pay. “I’ll tell you what, you let me know when and where and I’ll speak to them for free.”
    Corra’s eyes widened. “You’d do that for us?”
    Tayler pressed her lips together and smiled. “Why not.”
    â€œGirl, let me get up from here before I intrude on your vacation anymore.”
    â€œIt’s not an intrusion. I love speaking to young women. I want them to know they’re worthy of going after their dreams.”
    â€œYou’ve just inspired me so much just now. We have a committee meeting tonight if you can make it. We’ll go over all the details of the silent auction and the ceremony being held at the end of the fall festival in about a month.”
    â€œJust let me know where to show up.”
    Tayler liked Corra, and helping with the fund-raiser would be a perfect way to get away from the house and Rollin. She didn’t trust herself around that man. He was her accident waiting to happen.
    * * *
    One week into her vacation, and Tayler had a new friend in Nicole’s cousin Corra. Tayler helped her perfect the sales pitch before they rode around town collecting items for the silent auction. After the last stop, they headed back to Corra’s house in her gently used Toyota Corolla.
    â€œGirl, you have to tell me where you got those sandals. I can’t stand up in heels like that, let alone walk around all day in them. Your feet don’t hurt?” Corra asked.
    Tayler looked down at her Stuart Weitzman wedges.
    â€œNo, they’re actually very comfortable. They were a gift.”
    â€œNow that’s what I call a present. You must have been good to somebody to get those,” Corra teased.
    â€œThey were an I’m sorry gift. You can tell how much dirt a man’s done by the size of the gift when he gets back in town.”
    Corra laughed. “I wouldn’t know anything about that. The best gift I’ve ever received are those two kids of mine.”
    â€œI’m sure they’d beat a pair of shoes any day,” Tayler added.
    Corra sighed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I hope today didn’t bore you to death.”
    â€œNot at all. I enjoyed myself. I met some really cool people and learned a lot about life in the country. I’ll admit those first few days were a little rough, but I can get used to this slower pace.”
    â€œThat’s a nice way to put it. We call it Dullsville, but it’s my home and I can’t bring myself to leave.”
    â€œWhy would you want to?” Tayler asked.
    â€œOh, I don’t know. Maybe to find a man who’ll buy me expensive shoes and love my kids.