Chapter 197

• The afternoon went by more quickly once the football game kicked off. Alyssa, the realtor, and Shelly arrived. Alyssa, if possible, seemed even more in shape. She told me she was doing ninety minutes of yoga and pilates every day. I looked at Shelly differently, now that she was on the cusp of becoming Johnny Burris's fianceé. She had new confidence, not the air of a little sister anymore. I also was surprised to see Shelly's sister and Jess's best friend, Melanie, arrive at the Hooker House. Tall and slim, she always looked every bit of a model
• "Are you working tonight?" I asked Melanie when I saw her.
• "I'm here for pleasure, not business," she said with a wry grin.