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sugar.”
She gave him a wink and sauntered away to put in his
order.
    Fidgeting with his phone while he
waited, Quin finally broke down and dialed Dixie’s number. The
machine picked up on the first ring.
    “ Dixie, it’s me, obviously.
Look, sweetheart, I’m sorry about this morning. I swear, if I’d
known, I never would have shown up and put you on the spot like
that. I thought I was being . . . romantic, I guess. You’re right,
I don’t get it. Or I didn’t. Don’t hold a grudge, baby. Give me a
call so we can talk about it.”
    As long as he was waiting, he checked
his email. There was a scathing note from Allison, belittling him
for not returning her call and demanding he drop everything to be
home to escort her to that damn party. He made a rude noise and
closed the phone.
    The waitress grinned as she set his
food down. “Got yourself in the doghouse, did ya?” she
teased.
    Quin gave her a sheepish smile. “I
guess. She’s pissed but I’m not exactly sure why. All I did was
meet her at the church and escort her inside. Now she’s all upset
because I’ve taken our friendship public when I’m only going to be
here for another six weeks or so.”
    The waitress cocked her hip and
planted her fist. “Takin’ a girl to church is serious business in
the Bible Belt, sugar. You go to church with a woman you’re makin’
a statement that your intentions toward her are honorable. It’s
like you’re thumbin’ your nose at folks and embarrassin’ her to
boot.” He groaned and the woman laughed. “That’s what you get for
beddin’ a respectable woman, sugar. Welcome to Texas.”

Chapter Seven
     
     
    Dixie arrived at the job site on
schedule and got busy with setup. As usual, Allen appeared to help
her unload and set up tables. She gave the parking lot a furtive
scan but Quin’s truck was nowhere to be seen.
    “ He had some kinda
conference call late this morning so he hasn’t come in
yet.”
    Dixie grimaced. “Was I that
transparent?”
    Allen smiled and shook out a checkered
tablecloth, watched it settle over the length of the
table.
    “ Not so’s anybody would
notice. It’s just I’ve known you since we were kids. You had that
same exact look when you and Garrett were fighting.”
    “ He’s just . . . honestly,
I don’t know what he is.”
    With all the tables set up and
readied, Dixie and Allen sat down for a cup of coffee. “He’s an
asshole’s what he is,” Allen declared. “Don’t any of us like the
way he treats you, Dixie Rose.”
    Dixie chuckled. “All y’all see is the
business side.” She gave Allen a light punch on the arm. “You were
at the party last night, people liked him just fine.”
    Her words were met with a derisive
snort and, “People like you, Dix, that’s why he was treated like
company.” Allen shook his head. “He’s not near enough good for you,
sugar. He’ll have his fun with you and be on his way, mark my
words.”
    Dixie drained her cup and stood. “And
what makes you think I’m not havin’ my fun with him? My man’s been
dead for three long years, Allen. I miss him like all get-out and I
reckon I always will, but it’s time I got on with life. The thing
with Quin Halladay is me testin’ the water. I know there’s no
chance he’ll stay here and hook up with me for good. And I sure
don’t intend to leave my home.” She shrugged and headed for the
trailer, talking as she went, saying, “Sauce for the goose is sauce
for the gander, my friend.”
    Allen walked up to the window. “What’s
good today?”
    Dixie grinned. “Hell, Allen, it’s all
good. You know that.” She lifted the lid on a soup pot and inhaled
the steam. “Mmm. Tomato soup made from some of the last on the
vines. There’s a little soy milk in there and I’ve got low-fat sour
cream, some finely grated parm, and a sprinkle of chives for
garnish.” She laughed as Allen’s stomach rumbled.
    “ Grilled cheese?” he asked
hopefully.
    “ Smoked gouda with thinly
sliced