First Impressions

as it was.”
    “Well, I’ll confess I’m surprised,” Laurie commented as she wandered through to what had been the kitchen. “It’s so organized, not jumbled up at all. Your bedroom was always a disaster.”
    “It still is,” Shane replied dryly.
    Laurie gave what passed for a laugh before continuing into the museum. “Yes, this I might have expected.” She gave a quick nod. “You always were a whiz at this sort of thing. I could never understand it.”
    “Because I wasn’t a whiz at anything else?”
    “Oh, Shane.” Laurie flushed, revealing how close Shane’s words had been to her thoughts.
    “I’m sorry.” Immediately contrite, Shane patted her arm. “I was only teasing you. I’d show you the upstairs, Laurie, but it’s not quite finished, and I shouldn’t leave the shop in any case. Pat has classes this afternoon.”
    Mollified, Laurie strolled back into the shop. “I’d heard she was working for you. It was very kind of you to give her the job.”
    “She’s been a big help. I couldn’t manage it seven days a week all alone.” Shane felt a twinge of impatience as Laurie began to browse again. There wasn’t going to be time to whip up anything more than instant chocolate pudding at this rate.
    “Oh well, this is very nice.” Laurie’s voice held the first true ring of admiration as she studied the Sheridan table Shane had bought the day before. “It doesn’t look old at all.”
    That was too much for Shane. She gave a burst of appreciative laughter. “No, I’m sorry,” she assured Laurie when she turned to frown at her. “You’d be surprised how many people think antiques should look moldy or dented. It’s quite old, really, and it is lovely.”
    “And expensive,” Laurie added, squinting at the price. “Still, it would look rather nice with the chair Cy and I just bought. Oh . . .” Turning, she gave Shane a quick, guilty look. “I wonder if you’d heard—that is, I’d been meaning to have a talk with you.”
    “About Cy?” Shane controlled the smile, noting Laurie was truly uncomfortable. “I know you’re seeing quite a lot of each other.”
    “Yes.” Hesitating, Laurie brushed some fictitious lint from her coat. “It’s a bit more than that really. You see, we’re—actually . . .” She cleared her throat. “Shane, we’re planning to be married next June.”
    “Congratulations,” Shane said so simply that Laurie’s eyes widened.
    “I hope you’re not upset.” Laurie began to twist the strap of her purse. “I know that you and Cy . . . Well, it was quite a few years ago, but still, you were . . .”
    “Very young,” Shane said kindly. “I really do wish you the best, Laurie.” But a demon of mischief had her adding, “You suit him much better than I ever could.”
    “I appreciate your saying that, Shane. I was afraid you might . . .” She flushed again. “Well, Cy’s such a wonderful man.”
    She means it, Shane noted with some surprise. She really loves him. Shane felt simultaneous tugs of shame and amusement. “I hope you’re happy, Laurie, both of you.”
    “We will be.” Laurie gave her a beaming smile. “And I’m going to buy this table,” she added recklessly.
    “No,” Shane corrected her. “You’re going to take the table as an early wedding present.”
    Comically, Laurie’s mouth dropped open. “Oh, I couldn’t! It’s so expensive.”
    “Laurie, we’ve known each other a long time, and Cy was a very important part of my”—she searched for the proper phrase—“growing up years. I’d like to give it to both of you.”
    “Well, I—thank you.” Such uncomplicated generosity baffled her. “Cy will be so pleased.”
    “You’re welcome.” Laurie’s flustered appreciation made Shane smile. “Can I help you out to the car with it?”
    “No, no, I can manage.” Laurie lifted the small table, then paused. “Shane, I really hope you have a tremendous success here. I really do.” She stood awkwardly at the door a moment. “Goodbye.”
    “Bye, Laurie.”
    Shane closed the door with a smile, then immediately put Laurie and Cy out of her mind. After a glance at her watch, she noted that she had barely more than an hour now before Vance would be there. She hurried around to lock up the museum entrance. If she moved fast, she would have time to . . . The sound of an approaching car had her swearing.
    Business is business, she reminded herself, and unlocked the door again. If Vance wanted