Free It Had To Be You by Janice Thompson Page A

though they increased their volume as they went along. Gordy signaled for us to keep talking, probably trying to get a feel for what it would be like on the night of the wedding when the whole room was filled with talkative guests.
    Sister Twila, often the ringleader of the trio, turned to Rosa with a smile and hollered out, “We’re so excited about the wedding! Thank you so much for asking us to sing, hon!”
    “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have,” Rosa shouted in response. “You ladies are the best.”
    She wasn’t kidding. They’d been quite a hit at the medieval wedding I’d coordinated a couple of months back, drawing rave reviews from both the crowd and a newspaper reporter who happened to be in attendance. In fact, they’d garnered such support that they had been asked to sing at Galveston’s famed “Dickens on the Strand,” a local Christmas event that drew tourists from all over the state. I’d seen a blip in the Galveston Daily about their rousing performance just this morning.
    Thankfully, Gordy halted the band, and all of the men turned to look at our new guests, some with intrigue on their faces. Who could blame them? The trio of sisters always drew a crowd, especially a male crowd. I couldn’t figure out why none of the sixtysomethings had ever married. Sure, they were all plus-sized—and then some—but I’d never seen such pretty faces or better personalities. And talk about wardrobe! These women added a whole new dimension to the word sparkle . Rhinestones and glitter abounded, as did a frequent display of sequins when the situation called for it. Today, however, they were all dressed in slacks and T-shirts that read, Where’s the Beef? I’d have to remember to ask them about the shirts later.
    “We’re here to run through our tunes with Earline,” Bonnie Sue said, looking around. “But I see that the band’s here, so maybe they could accompany us.” She looked at the sea of men, and her cheeks flushed pink. Turning back to the other ladies, she whispered, “Will you look at that! I’ve died and gone to swing-band heaven.” She began to fuss with her bouffant hairdo and pulled out a compact to touch up her already-too-pink lipstick. After a moment, she glanced down at her T-shirt and then at Twila with a horrified look on her face. She pointed down at the black-on-white tee and whispered, “I can’t believe you made me wear this! Of all the times to show up underdressed!”
    “It’s for a good cause,” Twila said with a nod. She looked at me and explained, “We’re testing out these shirts for the barbecue cook-off in February.” She turned around, and I read the back: Shade Tree Cookers: Splendiferous Barbecue from Splendora, Texas!
    It all made sense to me now. They were promoting Bubba’s upcoming barbecue competition. Cute.
    “What do you think, Bella?” Twila asked, turning back to face me. “Make you hungry?”
    I wasn’t sure I could answer that without laughing, so I just nodded. I did happen to notice, however, that a couple of the older guys in the band looked hungry as they gazed at our three new guests. Only, I had a feeling they weren’t hankerin’ for any barbecue. No, I saw a definite look of interest in the saxophone player’s eyes as he gazed at Jolene. She smiled at him and her face turned red.
    Turning back to me, she whispered, “Someone hand me an umbrella! It really is raining men, just like the song says.” Reaching inside her purse, she came out with breath spray, which she used at once.
    “I daresay, there are more handsome fellas in this room than we saw on our last cruise, ladies,” Twila said, her eyes bright with excitement. “I like that tall one right there.” She pointed to the saxophone player who’d eyed Jolene.
    “I saw him first,” Jolene responded with a pout. “Hands off, Twila. Besides, you’ve already got a boyfriend.”
    “You do?” I looked at Twila, stunned. Since when?
    With a wave of her hand, Twila