Carolina Moon

satisfaction. But it would become more and more demanding as time went on.
    At the same time she wasn’t sure she wanted to share her shop with anyone, even part-time. There was a deep pleasure in having it all to herself. And that, she admitted, was indulgent and impractical.
    “You’ve caught me off guard. Why don’t you write down your address and phone number, and those references.” Tory walked behind the counter for her clipboard. “Give me some time to think about it.”
    “Terrific.” Sherry took the pen Tory offered, tapped it on the clipboard. “And I come with a partner, a two-for-one deal.” She nodded toward the window where two women had stopped to admire Mongo. “He’s so precious people can’t help but want to give him a good pet. Since they’re standing there, they’ll just have to look at your display. I bet they come in.”
    “Clever.” Tory lifted a brow. “Maybe I should just buy a dog.”
    Sherry laughed and began to write. “Oh, you’d never find another like my Mongo. And as good as he is, he can’t ring up sales.”
    “Good point. And good call,” she added quietly, when the two women stepped into the shop.
    “Is that your dog?”
    “He’s mine.” Sherry turned, beaming. “I hope he didn’t bother you.”
    “Why, he’s the sweetest thing. Just a great big ball of fur.”
    “Gentle as a lamb,” Sherry assured them. “We just had to stop in and see all the pretty things in here. Isn’t this a wonderful place?”
    “Very nice. I don’t recall seeing it before.”
    “We just opened Saturday,” Tory told her.
    “I haven’t been down this part of town for quite a while.” The woman glanced around. Her friend was already wandering. “I do like those candle stands in the window. We’ve just moved into a new house and I’m doing some redecorating.”
    “I’ll get them out for you.” Tory glanced at Sherry. “Excuse me.”
    “Oh you go right on, take your time.”
    Sherry watched as Tory assisted the customers. Low-key, she noted. Well, she could do low-key, let the merchandise sell itself. But she didn’t think it would hurt if she chatted. It was so hard for her not to, and she thought it might be a nice balance against Tory’s quiet class.
    She’d get the job, Sherry determined, as she continued to write and keep one eye on the procedure. She was good at talking people into things, and she really could use the extra money.
    To gild the lily a bit, she enthused over the customers’ choices, drew them into friendly conversation while Tory boxed and wrapped. They left happy, and well loaded down.
    “That was nice. But I think you could have talked Sally into those garden plaques.”
    “If she wants them, she’ll be back.” Amused, Tory filed the credit card receipts. “And I’m banking on her friend talking her into it over lunch. You’re good with people. Do you know anything about crafts?”
    “I’m a very fast learner. And since I admire your taste in merchandise, it’ll be an easy lesson. I can start right away.”
    Tory was on the point of agreeing. Something about Sherry hit all the right notes. Then the door opened, and her mind emptied of everything but terrorized shock.
    “Hello there, Tory.” Hannibal spread his lips in a wide, wide smile. “Been a while.” He shifted his eyes, spread that bright look over Sherry. “That your dog out there, missy?”
    “Yes, that’s Mongo. I hope you didn’t mind him.”
    “Oh no, indeed. Looks to be as friendly as a Sunday social. Mighty big dog for a little thing like you. Saw you running with him in the park a while ago. Couldn’t tell who was leading who.”
    Sherry felt a quick ripple of unease, but managed a laugh. “Oh, he lets me think I’m in charge.”
    “A good dog’s a faithful friend. More faithful than people, mostly. Tory, aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend here? Hannibal Bodeen,” he said, before Tory could speak, and held out the big hand he’d so often used to silence her. “I’m Victoria’s daddy.”
    “It’s nice to meet you.” Relaxed again, Sherry gave his hand a warm shake. “You must be so proud of your daughter, and what she’s done here.”
    “Hardly a day goes by I don’t think of it.” His eyes pinned Tory again. “And her.”
    Tory shoved at the edges of shock. If he was here she had to deal with him. And deal with him alone. “Sherry, I appreciate your coming in. I’ll look this over, and call you soon.”
    “I appreciate