Miss Ruffles Inherits Everything Read Online Free Page A

a big help.
    â€œYou might as well wear a big ol’ Yankee sign around your neck,” she had said pityingly when I first ventured to the door of her colorful shop. “What are you wearing? Darlin’, come inside and we’ll find you something real pretty. And bless your heart, you’re not wearing near enough makeup.”
    Today I hauled on the leash to prevent Miss Ruffles from trying to sniff the crotch of Gracie’s snug capri slacks. Gracie wore enough mascara to blind a whole cheerleading squad, and her long, glossy black hair curled fetchingly around her plump bare shoulders. She had come to Mule Stop to follow a “no account” boyfriend enrolled at Alamo, but when he dropped out to work on a gulf oil rig, she had stayed and made a place for herself. She ran the resale shop on weekends, and during the week she had a real job as a paralegal in a law office to keep up on her bills.
    I said to her, “Nobody threw us out of the memorial service. We said our good-bye to Honeybelle, and that was it. But I think Miss Ruffles really knew what was happening in there. Look, already she’s getting her energy back.”
    Miss Ruffles proved my point by trying to untie the ribbons on Gracie’s espadrilles.
    Gracie side-stepped to stay out range of the dog’s teeth. “Well, I’m glad nobody pitched a fit. Miss Ruffles belonged there just as much as that family of Honeybelle’s.”
    â€œThe family was on relatively good behavior.”
    â€œI hear Hut Junior’s real broken up. All good southern boys love their mamas, of course. Or else use them for target practice. But what about Posie? Did she throw her hat in the air and dance a jig to celebrate her mother-in-law’s passing?”
    â€œPosie wasn’t happy—mostly about seeing Miss Ruffles in the church.”
    â€œEverybody knows Miss Ruffles bit President Cornfelter. But didn’t she take a bite out of Posie’s oldest boy once, too, right?”
    â€œJust nipped him,” I said quickly. “Tried to herd him into the swimming pool. She wasn’t the only one who thought he needed a dunking.”
    Miss Ruffles continued skittering around Gracie for attention and finally let out a frustrated yip. Laughing, Gracie bent down and took the dog’s head in her hands. They gave each other enthusiastic kisses. “You sweet puppy! No wonder Honeybelle loved you so much. Why, you’re just cuter than a possum!”
    Miss Ruffles panted happily, and I found myself smiling at last. “Already she’s cheering up. The memorial service really helped.”
    â€œDogs are sensitive creatures.” Gracie gave the dog a pat on her ribs, then straightened to study me through narrowed eyes. “How about you? You still look poorly.”
    â€œI’ll be okay.” I couldn’t quite articulate how sad I felt about Honeybelle’s passing. Maybe I should have stayed at the memorial service to hear some noble words spoken on her behalf. I still felt swamped by emotion, but seeing Miss Ruffles cavorting around us improved my spirits. I said, “It made us both feel better to say good-bye. And there were scores of people waiting outside the church. They were all so kind. It was touching to see them.”
    â€œHoneybelle did a lot of good things for people. I’m glad some of the grateful ones paid their respects. The rest of ’em are as common as pig tracks for not showing up.”
    â€œOne thing surprised me. A man said half the town wanted to bump her off.”
    Gracie grinned. “Why does that surprise you?”
    â€œBecause she did so much good.”
    Gracie had an unladylike snort. “She also had this town by its … well, its private parts. Not much business got done here in Mule Stop without Honeybelle’s approval. And Hensley Oil and Gas? Employs a lot of people—and she wasn’t shy about firing anybody who didn’t