by Jen Talty
“Rosie told me. That was really fast.” She opened the driver’s window and closed the door. It would take a few minutes for the cool air to fill the car.
Ethan shrugged, but he turned his gaze away. “Well, not really when you consider she was cheating on me for six months with what’s-his-name.”
Brett. That was his name, and he owned a restaurant down in West Palm Beach. And he’d been at the wedding too. Lots of sex happening the night of Rosie’s wedding, but not for Annabel.
Or for Ethan.
Nope. All they got were a couple of broken hearts and a pair of hangovers that, in her case, lasted for two days.
“Better to find out before you got married.” Or spent eight years of your life waiting for a man to decide that he ‘just wasn’t marriage material.’
“I would have rather known before we got engaged. Why she said yes is beyond me. What’s really funny is the ring I gave her, she conveniently lost two weeks after we broke up.”
“Now that really sucks.”
“I’m honestly over it—and her—but she invited me to the wedding.” He raked a hand across the top of his head.
“That’s weird.”
“It is and I’m not going, but it just brings it all to the surface, and seeing you again, well…” he laughed, shaking his head, “in spite of it all, I had a really good time with you that night.”
“I did too,” she admitted.
“I have to say I’m really surprised you came back. I remember when you were a kid, you couldn’t wait to get out of God’s Waiting Room.”
That had been her nickname for Florida because so many old people came there to live out their senior years. “I got out, and the grass isn’t greener on the other side.”
“Is there grass in the Big Apple?” Ethan graced her with a big smile and that damned wink.
Trouble meowed as he settled into the seat, his front paws crossed, and his eyes locked on her. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear the darn cat just winked too.
“You’re a funny man, Ethan.”
“I have my moments.”
“So, what brings you by? Should I be worried about my things stored here?” she asked. “I saw a man upset with the office manager just as you pulled in.”
“I’m not sure what that was about,” Ethan said, glancing around. “No one said anything to me. I used to have a unit here, and I just stopped by to pick up my lock that I left.” He pushed away from the hood of the car. “I better get back to work, but I’d like to meet for a drink sometime, maybe tonight?”
“I could do tonight,” she said, biting the inside of her cheek. “Rosie has my number. I’m working part time for Coastal Realty until I get my license, but I’ll be off at six.”
“Perfect.” He pushed his silver-rimmed, dark sunglasses up his nose. “I’ll see you tonight. I’ll bring the Jameson.”
She laughed. “I gave up shots and letting men near my belly button.”
“I’m not just any man.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “Have a great day, Annabel.”
“You do the same.” She buckled herself in.
Ethan took a few steps back and waved.
She drew a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she backed out of the parking spot, and pulled out onto Military Trail, constantly looking in her rearview mirror.
Did she just agree to a date with Ethan?
Chapter Two
Ethan strolled into the Jupiter Ocean Side Resort and Spa. Most of the staff knew he was Rosie’s brother, but he also understood he made people concerned every time he showed up in uniform. So, he never came empty-handed.
Holding a bouquet of lilies, his sister’s favorite, he waltzed down the stairs to the spa Rosie managed, smiling at everyone he passed, putting them at ease that his presence had nothing to do with crime.
The hotel had recently undergone some major renovations after the last hurricane hurled half the beach into the lower level and lobby. The old beige carpet had been replaced with a soft coral-colored one. All new artwork from local artists lined the walls. His favorite was this blue dolphin that a street vendor had painted. It was unique.
His sister stood behind the counter, her long, brown hair pulled back in a conservative ponytail at the nape of her neck. Rosie had always been a fickle kind of woman. As a kid, she changed her hair color every couple of months and not just between being blond or brunette, but purple and green, and sometimes at the same time.
She’d also had a real knack for getting bored with men and jobs. That was until Chip swept her off her feet and changed everything. Since then, Rosie had settled into a great career and a nice little family life.
“Hey, sis,” he said.
“Everyone here thinks we have a really weird relationship for a brother and sister.” She stepped from behind the counter and greeted him with a hug, taking the flowers and handing them to one of her employees. “Put these in the relaxation room, please.”
“Wow. Look at how big you’re getting.” He held Rosie by the arms, staring at her tiny baby bump. He never thought his sister would be having a child, much less before him. Envy washed over him for about three seconds when she’d told him. Now, he couldn’t wait to be an uncle and spoil his niece or nephew worse than his parents would.
“Not even my fat clothes fit anymore.”
“Sounds like a good excuse to buy new clothes.”
“I wanted to be one of those women who never had to wear maternity clothes, but that’s not gonna happen.”
“Well, you look beautiful.” He and Rosie had always been close. Where most of his friends fought like cats and dogs with their siblings growing up, he and his sister would have movie night with pizza and ice cream at least twice a month.
They still did, only now it was more like once a month and included her husband, who just happened to be one of his best friends from high school. Ethan had actually warned Chip about his sister’s inability to make a commitment, but thankfully, that hadn’t stopped Chip from pursuing Rosie.
“What brings you by today? Everything okay with Mom and Dad?” Rosie asked.
“They’re fine,” Ethan said. “Though they could use mine and Chip’s help to move some furniture before Dad tries to do it himself. I was thinking maybe Saturday morning?” He guided Rosie to the sofa with the octopus fabric tucked under the staircase. The colors were nice, but it creeped him out to be sitting on tentacles.
“You could have called Chip for that. What’s the real reason you came by?” she asked with pursed lips, something she did when she was annoyed or worried.
Or both.
“I saw Annabel today.” The feel of her name rolling off his tongue made his pulse quicken.
“You don’t say.” Rosie smiled.
More than once in the last few weeks, she’d mentioned Annabel’s return and how he should give her a call, just to catch up. He knew all about Annabel’s life thanks to his sister, and he suspected the same was true in reverse.
Rosie had been pushing him for the last two months to start dating. She’d gone as far as to try to set him up with a couple of the girls at the spa. The one massage therapist could have been a prospect if she’d been interested in anything other than herself. During their one and only date, she stared into a mirror at least five times and had taken a million selfies and Snapchats, but not a single one with him.
He’d never understand social media.
When Annabel had called his sister, letting her know she would be returning to Jupiter, Rosie had begun her crusade to fix him up with her best friend. As if the magic that happened to her and Chip would happen to him and Annabel.
That had disaster written all over it, especially since they were both only four months out of bad relationships. So why was he taking her out on a date?
He licked his lips. The taste of Jameson and Annabel’s sweet, supple skin returned full force, and he cleared his throat.
“How is she?” Rosie asked. “I feel bad I’ve only had the c
hance to see her twice. We’re planning on dinner tomorrow. You know?” She arched a brow like she did when she had something up her sleeve. “We’re going to the Snapper. I insist you come with us. It will be like old times.”
“Right, because the four of us hung out all through high school,” he said with a dollop of sarcasm. Annabel had always seemed to be part of his life. She had dinner at his house at least once a week and slept over all the time. He used to listen to her and his sister giggle like crazy while laying out at the pool. He and his buddies would lounge in the water, and he’d mentally slap himself for having fantasies about Annabel starting his senior year. It was all so Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and he wasn’t going to be that guy. “Let’s see how drinks go tonight before I commit to anything else.”
“You’re going on a date? Tonight?” Rosie exclaimed a little too loudly.
“It’s not a date, but I’m meeting her after work, and we didn’t get a chance to exchange numbers, so I was hoping you could text it to me.” He glanced around, hoping no one heard the exchange. The girl behind the counter covered her mouth, but not before she smirked.
“On two conditions.” Rosie narrowed her eyes.
“What’s that?” God, he hated her conditions. Once, when they were kids, he wanted to borrow her allowance, and she made him have a tea party with her and her dolls.
“First one is you don’t get her so drunk she agrees to let you do a belly shot again.”
His eyes went wide. He’d never told anyone about that, or the conversations he’d had with Annabel that night. “She told you that?”
Rosie laughed. “That is one detail she left out, but Chip and I ran into Devin the next morning, and he got all pissy and mentioned it.”
“He’s a piece of work. I still think he and Quinn fooled around. I mean, I know I saw Quinn with what’s-his-name, but—”
“I’m pretty sure Quinn didn’t sleep with Devin, but does it matter? They’re both idiots, and you and Annabel can do so much better, which brings me to condition number two.”
He rolled his eyes. “I was hoping you’d forget.”
“That’s funny, bro.” She waggled her finger under his nose. “I never forget, and I want you to promise me that you’ll treat this like a date. A real date that has potential to lead to a second, and a third, and maybe eventually—”
“I promise I’ll be a gentleman,” he said with an arched brow.
She shook her head. “Flowers, open doors for her, the whole ball of wax. I told you at my wedding I thought you and Annabel were perfect for each other.”
“We were both living with other people.”
“Who were screwing other people while you did a shot off her stomach.” She held up her hand, arching out her pinky.
He laughed.
“Pinky swear, or no number.” She tilted her head, and the corners of her mouth tipped upward in a triumphant grin.
“You drive a hard bargain, sis.” He curled his finger around hers and tugged. “But you have to promise not to get all weird if we go on a second date.”
“What constitutes weird?”
“Meddling, getting Mom involved, buying me a bottle of Jameson, or talking about forever kind of shit.”
“Deal,” she said, dropping her hand to her stomach. “This kid never stops.”
“What does it feel like?”
“Here.” She took his hand and placed it over her swollen middle.
A little jab nailed his palm. “Whoa.”
“I was at one of my desk girl’s baby showers, and her stomach moved in all sorts of directions, bouncing out of control. I even saw a foot roll across her belly. It was like watching an alien try to hatch.” His sister spoke with the same nervous energy she had the month before she got married.
“You know you’re going to be a great mother, right?”
She let out a dry laugh. “Only because I have Chip.”
The radio on his shoulder buzzed. “All units, we have a 211 alarm at 300 North Highway A1A, Building D.”
He tapped the mic. “Officer Ferris. ETA five minutes.” He kissed his sister’s cheek. “Is that Annabel’s building?”
“It is,” his sister said, nodding.
“Text her, make sure she’s okay and tell her I’m on the way.”
“Will do and I’ll copy you, so you have her number.”
I could get used to life in Jupiter.
I perch myself on the windowsill in the master bedroom and watch two chipmunks fight over a piece of fruit that has fallen from one of the patio peach trees. The bright sun makes it difficult to really focus on the critters. Only when they end up in the bushes can I get a real detailed glimpse.
My money is on the small, agile one; however, the fat chipmunk appears a tad more ferocious than I first thought. He might not move quick, but he certainly knows how to raise up on his hind legs and open his mouth with a menacing hiss. Each time he does it, the little guy dashes off and ducks for cover.
It doesn’t take a great detective, like myself, to know that this isn’t fat chipmunk’s first peach war. He presses his paws on the top, taking a hefty bite while the smaller chipmunk dances around the tree and hides behind a weed, though not very well.
My new human is racing about the condo with the phone wedged between her ear and her shoulder. She stops at the white corner desk by the window and scratches my head for a second but quickly loses interest. I protest by raising my paw, grabbing at her hand, wanting more. Unfortunately, she does not heed my request.
“I can’t take the test until next month,” Annabel says to her mum. I met the older woman the day Tammy Lynn dropped me off. Nice lady. Kind. Sweet. She has a thick Southern accent, something that most native Floridians don’t have. Mrs. Wilder’s drawl could only come from a place like Georgia or Alabama, and the soft rounding of certain syllables indicates the kind of refinement that I wish all Americans had.
“I know, Ma. But until I get my license, Craig doesn’t really have enough work to keep me occupied, and I’m not the kind of girl who can sit still for more than an hour.”
Annabel needs to take a lesson from me, the master. As much as I like to spend my time solving crimes, taking a day or two to do nothing other than sun myself while I’m entertained by a couple of chipmunks is a nice change of pace. Perhaps my new human will follow my lead and slow down.
“I don’t know what it’s all worth, but the wedding dresses alone have to be worth more than I spent. I can probably sell them to a consignment shop, not to mention that five miles down the road is the mecca of pawn shops.”
Annabel glances in my direction, rolling her eyes. She doesn’t have a thick accent like her mother, nor her mother’s elegance, but Annabel has confidence and passion. I admire that.
“I’m well aware of the area, and I promise I won’t go down there at night, alone.” Annabel lets out a long sigh. “I’ve got to go, Mother. I’ll see you later. Love you!” She taps her phone and smiles at me. “You going to be okay here by yourself?”
Normally back in Wetumpka, Tammy Lynn would take me wherever she went, but right now, the chipmunks need an audience.
And I could use a nap.
I purr at the attention Annabel gives me. Her fingers know all the right spots, and the pressure is perfect.
“I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
The fat chipmunk tries to stand tall as the little one approaches in something akin to a crawl. If cats could laugh, I’d be hysterical as the fat one falls over backward and the little guy finally gets a stab at the peach, but something scares them both away as they scramble into hiding.
I raise my chin, getting a better look around the area. The bush shakes, but there is no wind. The birds on the tree flutter their wings and fly to the east.
I see a human, wearing a baseball cap, peer over the top of the brush.
It’s the same cap from earlier, the guy at the storage facility, though the rest of the outfit doesn’t match.
Something fell out of his pocket. I meow, louder than I would normally, but I have to get Annabel’s attention. I don’t want to leave my perch since I have a perfect view of the human, so I meow with a shrill.
I hear the click of the front door.
I jump from the windowsill and race through the condo, circling Annabel’s legs. My actions are rather histrionic, and I’m glad no one other than Annabel is here to see this bloody dance, but I need her to dekko, which is a British word for take a look.
“What is it, Trouble?”
I head back to the master bedroom. I need to check on the human lurking about in the bushes. I glance over my shoulder.
“I hope you didn’t see a mouse or something.”
This human might not have all the ladylike qualities I’ve become accustomed to, but for a homo sapien, she’s about as smart as they come. I raise on hind legs, resting my front paws on the windowsill, but all I see are the chipmunks fighting once again for a piece of sweet nectar.
Narrowing my eyes, I scan every inch of the greenery. I see foot impressions left on the thick grass that is in desperate need of a good mowing and a white piece of crumpled paper.
“I don’t see anything.”
A siren rings through the condo. It’s not horribly loud, and I suspect it is coming either from one of the condos below, or perhaps the lobby.
Annabel lifts me into her arms. “You certainly saw something,” Annabel says as she walks toward the front door. “You make for a good watch dog.”
If I wasn’t such a gentleman, I’d consider biting her finger. Dogs are about as useful as holes in an umbrella.
Chapter Three
It had only taken five minutes for Ethan to arrive after Annabel had gotten a text from Rosie, with the added note about how excited she was that Annabel was finally going out on a date with her brother.
It wasn’t a date. It was drinks with an old friend that happened to be a very sexy cop.
A fire truck pulled into the parking lot along with another police car.
Everyone in the concrete, six-story building had either gathered near the carport or hung out in the common area by the elevator on their respective floors. Vernon, a bartender at a local watering hole, leaned over the railing on the third floor, directly above the apartment with the alarm still piercing the air, puffing away on his cigar, wearing a non-descript, dark baseball cap.
