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How to Frame a Fashionista

Page 14

by Debra Sennefelder

Inside, Pepper was telling the officer she completed an inventory of the merchandise and found nothing missing. See, finally some good news.

  The officer had a few more questions for Pepper and then for Kelly. When they were done, he went into the rooms that had been searched to process those areas for evidence.

  “Do you think they’ll find any evidence? Like fingerprints?” Pepper stepped out from behind the sales counter and joined Breena beside a display stand of hats and umbrellas.

  Kelly shrugged. “Whoever broke in probably wore gloves.”

  Breena nodded. “We heard that Jason’s house was broken into last night. What’s going on in town? First, the murder and now break-ins? Lucky Cove used to be such a safe place.”

  “I think it still is. Mostly.” Pepper tidied the umbrellas.

  “I just saw Gabe, and he told me about what happened at the Fallow house. By the time Jason got downstairs, the intruder was gone.” Kelly set her purse on the counter. “To answer your question about—”

  The front door opened, prompting Kelly to look over her shoulder.

  “Mark, what are you doing here?” Kelly asked.

  “I heard about what happened here last night. Why didn’t you call me? You could have been hurt if the intruder…” He hurried to her and pulled her into an embrace.

  “Aww,” Pepper and Breena said in unison as they leaned into each other and pasted silly smiles on their faces.

  Kelly ignored them and their tween behavior. “I’m sorry. It was just so crazy this morning. I just got back from the bank, and I could use a cup of coffee. How about you? Come into the staff room with me, if it’s clear.”

  “Yeah, don’t worry, we got everything covered.” Breena’s silly smile widened, and her eyes went all dreamy.

  Kelly took Mark by the hand and led him to the back of the boutique. The police officer emerged from the staff room and indicated he was finished in there. He was on his way into the accessories department.

  Kelly slipped out of her jacket while Mark looked around the mess.

  “Wow. Was anything taken?” he asked as he refused a cup of coffee.

  “No. It looks like the person was looking for something. What? I don’t know.” She poured a cup of coffee.

  “How did things go at the bank?” Mark sat at the table. He must have been in court or heading there because he had on a suit. Usually, he dressed more Friday casual when he only had office hours. She glanced at his footwear, a pair of polished Oxfords. A stark difference from Barlow’s laid-back loafers. “Kell, the bank?”

  “Oh, sorry.” She snapped out of her thoughts. Why Barlow popped into her mind then was a mystery to her. She sat across from Mark and sipped her coffee. “Not good, but I have a couple options for getting the money for the roof repair.”

  “Good. Good. Being a business owner isn’t ever easy. There’s a lot of potential for this business. You just need to make sure you apply yourself a hundred and fifty percent.” He leaned forward and covered Kelly’s free hand with his.

  “I’m doing that. The marketplace for consignment is exploding, and I have every intention of taking full advantage in that upswing.”

  “Do you really?” His eyebrow arched as he pulled his hand from Kelly’s.

  Kelly stiffened.

  She didn’t appreciate the question or the slight shift in the tone of Mark’s voice. She wondered if he thought she’d miss it. Not a chance when she was applying a hundred and fifty percent to him at the moment. She wanted to know what was going on with him.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  Mark pressed his lips together. “I’m sorry. What I said was stupid. You’re doing an amazing job with the boutique. So, just think how great business would be if you were here more focused on the business.”

  Too bad he removed his hand from Kelly’s because she wasn’t able to yank hers back. It would have felt so good.

  “I don’t recall asking you for business advice.”

  “You didn’t. I’m only offering an opinion. An opinion I probably should have kept to myself. I didn’t mean to overstep.”

  Kelly sipped her coffee while mentally counting to ten, hoping to rein in the fiery response on the tip of her tongue. Saying it out loud would do neither one of them any good. Besides, he’d just apologized.

  “I guess I’m worried about your safety. I want to make sure you’re safe. Look, your shop was broken into after you found Tawny’s body. I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”

  “I appreciate your concern. I really do. There’s just a lot going on right now. The roof, the money situation, Serena.”

  “What about Serena?”

  “She asked me to help her clear her name.”

  “She had the nerve to ask you for help? After what you told me about her and how she treated you, you can’t seriously be thinking about helping her?”

  “It’s true she was awful to me. She was awful to many people. But she has two daughters she’s been shielding from the public eye, and if she goes to prison, it will ruin their lives.”

  “Well, Serena should have thought about that before she murdered Tawny.”

  Kelly’s mouth fell open. Had she heard Mark correctly?

  “I’m shocked. How could you say such a thing? You’re a lawyer. What about that whole innocent until proven guilty?”

  “You’re right. She is entitled to the presumption of innocence. Again, I’m worried about you.”

  Kelly reached out and covered Mark’s hands with hers. She believed his gaffs were because he was concerned about her safety. It was charming. She realized how lucky she was to have Mark in her life.

  “I’m going to be okay. You don’t have to worry. But, since we’re talking about this, I think it’s a good time to ask this question.” She’d worked up the courage to broach the subject Frankie pointed out might be an issue for the couple.

  Mark grinned. “This sounds serious.”

  “It’s not bad. Just something we need to talk about. Aside from you being worried about me, will helping Serena cause a problem between us?” Once she asked, she held her breath, waiting for Mark’s answer. It was stupid. Of course, it wouldn’t be a problem between them.

  His gaze dropped for a moment. When it met Kelly’s again, it had become more severe.

  “It may. The last thing I need is to have to bail you out of jail if you’re arrested for interfering with a police investigation.”

  Kelly pulled back her hands. She couldn’t believe what he’d just said. Where was his unconditional support? It’s what couples did.

  “Look, Kelly, I’ve worked hard to build up my law practice, and I can’t have anything jeopardize that.”

  “Or, anyone.”

  “And Marcy is my sister. It’s complicated. And it’s dangerous for you to track down a killer. Let the police do their job.”

  And I should do mine.

  “I appreciate your honesty,” she said, despite the lump in her throat and the breaking of her heart.

  “All relationships need honesty. I’m glad we can talk about anything.” He glanced at his watch. “I should get going. I’ll call you later about dinner.”

  “Sure.”

  Mark stood and gave her a kiss before dashing out the back door.

  She huffed as she swiped up her mug and took it to the sink. She was on a roll with disappointment today. First, Jed the banker and now Mark the unsupportive boyfriend.

  His response had been like a sucker punch to her stomach, and it knocked the breath out of her.

  All relationships need honesty.

  He said it, but was he being candid with her? Was he anxious about her safety as he claimed, or was he more concerned with how things looked to his peers, his colleagues, and his family?

  The door swung open, and she wiped away her tears. Darn. She
hated crying over a guy.

  “Hey, the officer is all finished,” Breena said. “And, Mrs. Addison called, and she has a closet full of clothes that no longer fit, so she’s bringing in some dresses and pants later today. I guess it’s true what they say about the divorce diet.”

  “Great. She has good taste.” Kelly walked to her desk, but she didn’t sit. She leaned over and moved papers around to avoid eye contact. Because her eyes were watery, she couldn’t see what those papers were. Heck, it didn’t make a difference because she couldn’t think clearly.

  “Everything okay?” Breena took a few steps into the staff room.

  Kelly nodded. “Sure. You know, I have to run out for a bit. I want to talk to Caroline about my options for financing the new roof.” And maybe a shoulder to cry on like old times when boys had caused them heartaches.

  “Oh, sure. No problem. I’m here all day. I’ll let Pepper know.” Breena turned and left the room.

  Keeping her gaze down, Kelly grabbed her jacket and purse. Leaving now, she’d make it to Caroline’s office in East Hampton by lunchtime. She sent off a quick text offering to bring sandwiches. As she pulled the back door closed, her sister texted back. She’d love a veggie wrap.

  Of course, she would. Meanwhile, Kelly wanted a BLT with a side of chips, potato salad, and a hot fudge sundae.

  Chapter 13

  Dashing to her Jeep, Kelly wasn’t fast enough to avoid a run-in with her uncle. He’d just locked his Mercedes when she came around her vehicle to the driver’s side.

  “What are you doing here?” It wasn’t the best greeting to a family member, but Kelly had zero interest in seeing or talking to him.

  He slipped his key fob into the pocket of his overcoat. A cashmere-blend, the tailored garment conveyed he’d arrived at a status he’d been chasing for decades.

  “I thought I’d check on how your meeting at the bank went this morning.” His head cocked sideways, and his gaze was probing.

  He wasn’t fooling her. He knew precisely how things had gone down at the bank, so she had no intention of giving him the satisfaction of knowing how upset she was.

  “The meeting went well. I’d love to stay and chat, but I’m on my way to pick up lunch for Caroline and me.” She jerked open the Jeep’s door, and she tossed her purse onto the passenger seat.

  “Even so, it’s not too late to sell and go back to the city. My offer still stands. I can take care of everything for you.”

  The smile plastered on Ralph’s face was as phony as his wife’s boobs. Whoa. Kelly needed to rein in her frustration and anger, but it was difficult.

  “Like I said, I have to go.” Kelly scooted behind the steering wheel, started the Jeep, and backed out of her space, leaving her uncle standing there looking frustrated. He reminded her of a cartoon villain who was always plotting against the main character. She just couldn’t figure out how to get him to stop. The drive to East Hampton took longer than she expected due to roadwork and a long line at the deli counter. She arrived at her sister’s office with their lunches and was swept in promptly by the law firm’s secretary. Caroline had settled in a conference room and looked up from a stack of folders and books when Kelly entered.

  The sisters had similar physical characteristics. They shared the same hair color, though Caroline’s style was a severe bob, and the same eye color. However, Caroline’s gaze always felt like she was assessing you. They also shared the same body type, though Kelly’s was getting softer and rounder because work consumed her. Caroline’s lips formed a welcoming smile and she gestured to the seat across from her.

  “Sorry, I’m late. There was a lot of traffic, and the deli was packed.” Even though her sister hadn’t mentioned her being late, Kelly still felt the need to explain herself as she unpacked the bag and set out their lunches.

  Caroline closed the file folders and pushed aside her note pad before biting into her veggie wrap. After she swallowed her bite, she wiped her mouth with a napkin.

  “What do I owe the pleasure of lunch with my sister to?” Caroline helped herself to one of Kelly’s barbecue potato chips.

  “You are perceptive.” Kelly plucked a chip out of the bag and chewed.

  Caroline shrugged. “It’s a gift. What’s up?”

  “Well, I do have an ulterior motive for bringing you lunch. However, this time it’s not a legal matter.”

  Kelly had sat across from her sister one too many times recently requesting legal help. She’d found herself facing a lawsuit, had been a person of interest in a murder, and her inheritance had been threatened.

  While it wasn’t ever ideal to consult an attorney, their meetings provided them a place to talk and rebuild their fractured relationship.

  “Good to hear.” Caroline took a drink of her bottled water and leaned back.

  “You know I have to repair the roof, but I can’t get a loan. I’m pretty sure Uncle Ralph is behind the bank’s denial. However, I do recognize the risk in giving the boutique the money. We really haven’t been in the black long enough for the bank to feel comfortable in handing out a big chunk of money to us.” Kelly bit into her BLT and chewed.

  “You’re thinking about using the building as collateral for a line of credit?”

  Kelly stopped chewing and looked at her sister.

  Caroline chuckled. “I am a lawyer, I know things.”

  “Right. Of course, you do.” Kelly wiped her mouth with a napkin and took a drink of her diet soda.

  “What’s the problem?”

  “If I default, I’ll lose the building. My home. My business.”

  “If you don’t get the line of credit, you’ll have no business or home to lose. It’s not as if you’re looking to add on to the building or some other risky investment. You need a solid roof.” Caroline finished eating her wrap.

  Kelly sighed. “I hear what you’re saying, but I’m terrified I will lose everything.”

  Caroline grabbed another one of the chips and then finished her water. “Retail is risky. How many storms did Granny weather? It wasn’t easy for her, either, and she had two children to raise.”

  “All I have is a cat.” Kelly crumbled up the sandwich wrapper and dropped it in the bag.

  “He depends on you to do what’s right. Look, follow your heart. You stood up against Uncle Ralph when you found you’d inherited the shop, and you made a few controversial changes in the business.”

  “Much to Pepper’s dismay.” Having worked in the boutique for over twenty years, Pepper was set in her ways when it came to how things were done. Winning her over was no easy feat for Kelly, but it helped that Pepper thought of Kelly like a daughter.

  “She respects you now. And so do I.”

  “You do?”

  Caroline nodded. “I’m also proud of you.”

  “You are?”

  “Yes. Over the past few months, you’ve stepped up and taken on enormous responsibility. The shop’s turned around to where it’s starting to make a profit. Plus, you’ve helped find justice for a few murder victims. Most importantly, you and Ariel have reconnected, and you’re not running anymore. Oh, let’s not forget you’re now in a grown-up relationship with a great catch.”

  Kelly’s throat constricted. Too much emotion overwhelmed her, and she couldn’t speak. Her sister was finally proud of her. Now wasn’t the time to bring up the fact Mark had been a jerk earlier.

  “You have no idea what this means to me.” Kelly patted her teary eyes with her napkin. For so long, she believed she’d never have her sister’s seal of approval. In retrospect, it had become a limiting belief she’d allowed to wriggle its way into her life. Maybe that’s why, when Serena fired her, she didn’t fight to save her job. She hadn’t felt like she deserved her dream job. Whoa. That was really insightful and deep. How come she couldn’t have figured that out earlier?

  “It’s not like I�
��m giving you a kidney.” Caroline balled up the sandwich wrapping and dropped it into the paper bag.

  “Pretty darn close.” Having the seal of approval from her big sister was right up there with an organ donation for Kelly.

  Caroline rolled her eyes while smiling. “I have to get back to work, and I suspect you do too. You’ll probably need to get your building appraised for the line of credit. If you do, let me know. I know an appraiser who doesn’t live in Lucky Cove, so he doesn’t have a connection with Uncle Ralph.”

  “I hadn’t thought about an appraisal. Thanks. I’ll let you know.” Kelly grabbed her jacket and purse.

  “Do you want to do dinner next week? The four of us?” Caroline was talking about a double date. Her and her fiancé, Kelly, and Mark. She opened the files and spread them back out on the table.

  “Sure. Let me check with Mark.” Kelly did her best to sound upbeat, but right now, Mark wasn’t someone she wanted to talk about, let alone go out to dinner with. They had to have a serious talk about his comments earlier before they’d be going out on a double date. Or, any date.

  Kelly said her goodbye and left the law firm to head back to Lucky Cove. Before shifting her Jeep into gear, she texted Buck to let him know she was applying for a line of credit. She was looking forward to the job starting soon.

  On the drive back home, she did her best to relax and allow the stress of the past few days to dissipate. To help, she turned on the radio and cranked up the volume when a Cyndi Lauper tune played. She bopped along to the 80s icon as she traveled along a narrow stretch of road.

  The passing landscape was filled with the hope of spring—tulips on the verge of blooming, trees waiting to fill in with leaves, and the water gradually warming.

  Longer days of sunlight and warm breezes were only weeks away, and she could barely contain her excitement for the change of season. She would trade her boots in for flip-flops, her wool caps for straw hats, and turtlenecks for tank tops.

  Kelly’s daydreaming of warmer days to come was cut short when up ahead the sign for Jason’s street caught her eye.

  Impulsively, she flicked on her blinker and made the turn. As the house came into view, she told herself the reason for the impromptu visit was to pay her condolences. It was mostly true.

 

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