Chapter One

Tanzy waited in line, wondering for the umpteenth time how Sue had talked them into this. A good cause, she muttered beneath her breath, thinking again that she could just as easily have written a check. And saved herself the embarrassment.

What size? the gentleman behind the counter asked her when it was finally her turn.

Six-and-a-half, heel or sandal. Seven, flat or sneaker.

The guy merely looked at her. Apparently having a sense of humor was optional when being considered for a job at the Bay Area Bowl-O-Rama.

Seven, please.

The man grabbed a pair of what had to be the most hideous shoes shed ever seen and slid them across the counter. And she was going to pay him for the privilege of wearing those? She sent a silent apology to her feet. I dont suppose you have something in a Jimmy Choo? Again with the blank stare. Never mind. She gingerly picked up the two-tone baby puke green and yellow leather lace-ups and scanned the lane monitors for her name. Charity event or no charity, Sue was going to owe them all big time for this little outing, she thought as she settled in their teams alcove.

She watched as other people began filling up the lanes and waited for the rest of the gang to show up. Dreading it almost as much as she dreaded the thought of bowling for dollars. She glanced at her watch. She still had time to run for it.

Then Rina swept in. Rina never did anything as pedestrian as walk, or even stroll. She swept. Tanzy stood and waved to her, then promptly tripped over the mile-long shoelaces. Needless to say, Tanzy wasnt a born sweeper.

Rina stepped down into their little seating area and pu

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