Two of a Kind (Fool's Gold #11)

Since the big fight a few days before, life had been a lot calmer. She and Carter had written up house rules and consequences. He’d been extremely fair when suggesting punishments, offering up items he valued most. He’d admitted to testing boundaries and apologized for hurting her.

For reasons she couldn’t explain, the incident had brought them closer. Logically she should have been worried he would hurt her again, but she wasn’t. Gideon, on the other hand, seemed to be more wary around them. She suspected having the DNA test confirm his relationship with Carter was something he had to deal with. Connections were difficult for him, and there was no way to un-make Carter his son.

“If you’re really worried about your new tenant,” Charlie said, picking up her burger, “ask the police to run a check on the guy. Assuming it’s a guy.”

“Women can be killers,” Consuelo pointed out.

Noelle smiled at her. “You say that so cheerfully.”

“I don’t like discrimination.” She grabbed a French fry and turned to Felicia. “Carter’s doing really well in class. He’s got some talent.”

“He probably gets that from his dad. He’s loving the class. And he has a big crush on you.”

“He’ll get over it.”

“Are you going to offer self-defense classes?” Patience asked. “I’d love to take one.”

“I could,” Consuelo said. “If you think people would be interested.”

“It’s Fool’s Gold.” Isabel rolled her eyes. “Nothing scary ever happens here.”

“That’s not true.” Patience waved her fork. “Lillie was kidnapped.”

They all nodded. “That was awful,” Charlie said.

“And remember after Brew-haha opened and there was that guy?” Patience asked.

Consuelo looked confused. “What guy?”

“It was great,” Patience told her. “This guy came in with his wife. He was awful. Abusive and mean. Felicia walked over to him and took him down.”

Felicia shook her head. “I immobilized him until the police could come. Nothing more.”

“Impressive,” Isabel said. She turned to Consuelo. “If you’re teaching that, sign me up.”

“I can show you how to kick a little butt.”

Felicia felt both pleased and uncomfortable with the praise.

“I remember her,” Charlie said. “Helen. She left him. Relocated and is starting over. Good for her.”

Maybe it was the town, Felicia thought, glancing out the window. It empowered people to change. There were—

Her brain came to a complete stop. There was a woman outside walking her dog. Not an unusual occurrence. People walked dogs all the time. Except... Except...

She pushed back her chair and sprang to her feet. “I forgot!”

Everyone stared at her.

“What’s wrong?” Consuelo asked. “Are you okay?”

“No. I can’t believe it. I forgot. It’s Tuesday.”

“Did she hit her head?” Isabel asked.

Horror had a metallic taste, Felicia thought, barely breathing as the truth rushed into her brain like the tide. How could she have forgotten?

“I was working on it all last week. I knew. And then I had the fight with Carter and I just forgot.” She stared at them. “It’s the Dog Days of Summer festival on Friday.”

“Oh, that,” Charlie said and picked up her burger. “Sure. Same weekend every year.”

“But I’m not ready,” Felicia shrieked. “Do you see any decorations? Signs for parking? Have there been any announcements on the radio? I forgot. It’s my job and I forgot.”

She reached into her pocket and pulled out a twenty, then ran out of the bar. Once on the sidewalk, she came to a stop, not sure what to do next.

There should be decorations, she thought frantically. Due to a scheduling mix-up, the city crew wasn’t available to put up the signs, but she’d been given a budget to hire high school and college kids to hook the banners to the light poles. She had a three-page, single-spaced list of all she was supposed to accomplish. Instead of checking that in her office, she’d been home with Carter. She’d been so focused on him, she’d forgotten about the festival.

Indecision clutched her like big hairy monster hands. She couldn’t move, couldn’t think. Help. She needed help.

She pulled her phone out of her purse and pushed in Gideon’s number.

“Hey,” he said when he answered.

“I forgot the festival,” she said, her voice breathless. “I forgot. I don’t know how it happened. I’ve never forgotten anything. It’s in three days and I’m not ready.”

“Festival?”

“The Dog Days of Summer. There are no decorations, no pooper-scooper stations. I stayed home with Carter instead of going to work. I was out to lunch with my friends. I forgot! I never forget. I have a perfect memory.”

She clutched the phone with both hands as panic made it impossible to breathe.

“Slow down,” Gideon said. “What do you need?”

“I don’t know. Everything. The festival is ruined.”

“Can’t ruin what hasn’t started. Figure out what you need and call me. I’ll head to the station and put the word out. We have three days. In Fool’s Gold time, that’s a month. We’ll get it done.”

“I hope you’re right,” she whispered and disconnected the call.