Babs BookMark Issue 4 Volume 1 | Page 11

"A what?" "It means she sent him a Glass Slipper, dear." The reply came not from Matt but from his mother-Madame Dreyfus Allegro Dubois. The beloved octogenarian owner of this century-old family business was in fine form this evening, sporting tailored wool slacks and a cashmere sweater the color of textured latte milk. Her silk scarf, printed with Edgar Degas's Dancers in Violet, brought out that very hue in her eyes, which appeared livelier than usual in our shop's soft evening light. As Matt greeted his mother with a kiss on both cheeks, I pulled her a fresh espresso. "What brings you here so late?" "I have a rendezvous!" "With Otto?" I assumed since she'd been seeing the gallery owner for some time. But she shook her head. "Otto's consultation work in Europe is ongoing. He and I agreed to keep things loose. And you know I'll need an escort for your wedding-once you and your blue knight finally decide on a venue." "Believe me, we're trying." "So . . ." She waved her smartphone. "I'm swiping to meet!" "You're using Cinder?" "Don't be silly! I use the Silver Foxes dating app. That software allows either sex to make the first move." Matt's eyebrow arched. "Maybe I should try it."