by Jen Talty
I didn’t need to be so close to that. I find public displays of affection very off-putting.
“I’ve got to get going,” Ethan said.
“I know.” Annabel let out an audible sigh. The last thing she wanted was for the evening to be over. “Thanks for finding Trouble.”
“No problem. See you after work?” He set Trouble on the floor, laughing as the cat scurried off into the master bedroom.
“Want to help me with the inventory in the storage unit and maybe move some stuff over here?” She leaned against the door. The moon shone high in the sky. The mushroom lights in the parking lot flickered.
“We’re supposed to double with my sister, remember?”
“Oh yeah. Well, we’re not meeting them until seven, so you can give me a hand for an hour, right?”
“I think I can manage that.” He leaned in and pressed his lips against Annabel’s temple. “I look forward to our second date and perhaps a little more of this.” He cupped her chin. His mouth felt like hot velvet and tasted like buttery syrup. A soft moan rose from her throat.
“I better go,” he murmured.
“Yes, you’d better.” She pulled the door closed, twisting the lock. “What have you gotten yourself into?” she whispered.
Chapter Eight
The next morning, Annabel raced from the master bathroom in search of her phone. She’d made breakfast plans with Rosie, who was notoriously early for everything. Annabel found the phone on her unmade bed. Breathless, she tapped the answer button.
Trouble stretched, rolling to his back, yawning.
“You have the life.” She scratched the cat behind the ears.
“Buzz me in,” Rosie said.
“Hello to you, too.” Annabel tapped the number screen and pressed nine. In the background, she heard the obnoxious buzzer and then the door clicked open.
For all the years she’d lived in New York, she’d never made a close friend like Rosie. Honestly, other than a few women from work, Annabel didn’t keep in touch with anyone.
She didn’t miss them, and she doubted they even gave her a second thought.
Pulling open the door, she waited on the catwalk for the elevator ding. Her stomach growled in anticipation of a warm, gooey chocolate croissant and hazelnut coffee from the diner on the beach across from the park.
“Oh my God,” Annabel said the moment Rosie stepped off the elevator. “Look at you. You’re growing and glowing.”
“And starving.” Rosie held up a large bag in one hand and a tray holding two coffee cups. “Not to mention I want the skinny on why my brother’s car is in your parking lot. Is he in here? Ethan?” Rosie called as she swanned into the condo, setting the treats on the island. “You two shouldn’t be jumping into the sack. That’s just a rebound thing. You both need time to—”
“He’s not here. He just lent me his car while mine’s in the shop, chill out.”
“Oh yeah. The accident. Any news on that?” Rosie plopped herself on one of the stools, snagging a napkin from the holder.
“Nope. But I think I saw the car that ran me off the road last night when I was at Ethan’s.”
“No way. That’s creepy.”
Annabel closed her eyes and inhaled the bittersweet smell of the hazelnut coffee. “God, I’ve missed this. I swear in all the coffee shops I’ve been to in New York, none came even remotely close to this stuff.”
“I’ve missed you.” Rosie glanced in Annabel’s direction. “It would have really sucked not to have my baby’s Godmother living close by.” Rosie held up her pastry. “So tell me, how is my baby’s uncle and Godfather? How was the date?”
“Well, we ended up doing take-out at his place and then he took me home, and well, that’s about it.”
“That’s it? Come on. Just because you’re dating my brother doesn’t mean you can hold back on the dirt, only you don’t need to go into too much detail because that would be weird, even for me.”
“Let’s get a few things straight. I’m not dating Ethan.”
“What would you call it then?” Rosie ripped off a piece of the pastry and plopped it into her mouth, tilting her head with a wicked know-it-all smirk.
“I’d call it old friends who share a common pain catching up and spending time with each other.”
Rosie waved her finger in the air as she chewed. “Exactly. Dating. Which reminds me, Chip and I won’t be going out with you and Ethan tonight.”
Annabel’s heart fluttered. She wanted to hang out with Rosie and her husband, but she wanted some more time alone with Ethan before doing the family thing. Annabel needed to know for sure that whatever was going on between her and Ethan was something more than a flash in the pan.
“Why are you bailing?” Annabel asked.
“Chip has some family coming in this afternoon for a few days, and his mother decided to have a big dinner tonight, and it would be rude for us not to go.”
“Totally understand. We’ll do it over the weekend, how’s that?”
Rosie raised her hand, pressing her thumb and index finger together, smacking her lips against it. “Perfect.”
Annabel had never been a sentimental person. While she kept a few things from high school and digitally stored all of her pictures, she didn’t packrat things like other people she knew. “Can I ask you an odd question?”
Rosie laughed. “Most of your questions are odd.”
“Your mother keeps everything. I remember when we were kids, and she brought out your teeth. She kept every tooth you lost growing up.”
“Oh my God. That was so embarrassing!”
“The look on your face was hysterical. Your cheeks turned fire-engine red, and your eyes were literally bugging out of your head,” Annabel chuckled, then hesitated before she said, “Your mother pushed for you to wear her wedding dress, but you didn’t like it and said something to the effect that you’d never ask that of your kid, figuring whatever you picked would be so out of style by that time. So what do you plan on doing with your dress?”
“My mother would just die if she knew this, but I sold it.”
“Really?” Annabel shouldn’t be shocked. Rosie never formed attachments to things and would buy and sell clothes during high school on various apps. Rosie enjoyed change perhaps a little too much. “You didn’t want to keep it?”
“I would have rented my wedding dress if I could have gotten away with my mother not knowing. And you know I didn’t really want the big wedding, which is why we did it quickly, so it wouldn’t become this massive thing. Hell, it turned out bigger than either of us planned.”
“But it was a beautiful wedding.”
Rosie smiled. “It was, but I don’t need to box up a dress and hold on to it. I’m never going to wear it again. Besides, I probably won’t be able to get my fat body in it ever again. I’ve gained fifteen pounds already.”
Annabel lifted the box of wedding items from the floor under the island and placed them on the counter. “Who’d you sell the dress to?”
“Some random chick who answered my ad. She loved it and gave me an offer I couldn’t refuse. The dress ended up costing me only five hundred dollars plus cleaning fees.”
“Remember I told you about the whole treasure hunting thing?”
Rosie nodded. “One of your crazier ideas.”
“Well, I managed to buy a storage unit, and it was filled with all sorts of wedding stuff.” Annabel opened the box and pulled out a veil and the small pouch that held the jewelry.
“Wow, that’s pretty.”
“Trouble didn’t think so.” Annabel carefully tugged at the strings, letting the rings, earrings, and pearl necklace fall to the counter.
“Holy shit.” Rosie reached across the counter, almost knocking over her coffee as she grabbed the biggest diamond ring. “Is this real?”
“I think so, but I won’t be sure until I take it to a jeweler.”
“If it’s real, you’re taking me on a vacation to the Keys before I’m so fat I do
n’t want to be in a bathing suit.”
“I’m up for a girls’ trip.” Money might be tight since her breakup with Devin and the purchase of the condo, but selling the items could loosen the purse strings just a little. “And there’s more.”
“More rings like this?” Rosie blinked, holding the diamond up for closer inspection.
“Rings, wedding dresses, bridesmaids gowns, and stuff like this.” Annabel pulled out a guest book. “No one’s signed it, and it wasn’t engraved. I also found a brochure from the wedding planner you used with a couple of invoices with Dawn’s name on it.”
“I can’t believe you can say her name without vomiting. I’m so sorry about that.”
“Not your fault and if it wasn’t her, it would have been someone else.” Annabel didn’t want to get sucked into a long-winded conversation about Devin. He was in her past, and currently her present was filled with all sorts of questions about the stuff she’d acquired. “There are also invitations to weddings.”
“Names and everything?”
Annabel nodded.
“Have you googled the names on the invitations?”
Annabel cocked her head. “That would be stalkerish.”
Rosie laughed, flipping her hand in the air. “Right, because you’re not as curious as that cat over there.”
Trouble ignored the comment and continued to bask in the morning sun.
“So far, I’ve only found these two invitations, and I googled the happy couples. One I didn’t find much on since they actually live up north but came back here for the family wedding. The other name, Edward and Sally Gregor, they actually live in that new neighborhood over behind the Good Stuff furniture store.”
“You found that out just by googling them?”
“It came up on a purchase order for their house, which is public record by the way.”
Rosie held her hands up. “No judgment here. Besides, I want to know how all this stuff ended up in a storage unit and why? Who owned the storage unit?”
“We’re not allowed to know that. Privacy issues and all that. But I did find out by talking with the manager and other treasure hunters that most of the units that are auctioned are abandoned because the owners don’t want to deal with moving the contents. A lot of it is often junk.”
“Then why be a treasure hunter?” Rosie asked.
“A lot of the people who do this for a living own small boutiques and refurbish the furniture. One guy uses it to create art.”
“I know that guy. His name is Jeb Warner.” Rosie jumped in her seat. “Chip and I bought this metal thing he made at the Seafood Festival on the park, and he’s notorious for this blue dolphin painting we have in the spa. He’s amazing, but his stuff is really expensive. I had no idea he collected things that way.”
“Does he have a studio or anything?” Annabel asked.
“I’m sure I have his card somewhere. Why?”
“I’d like to talk to him. Plus, I’m looking for a piece of art to go over the sofa.”
“When I find it, I’ll text the info,” Rosie said, sipping her coffee. “I’m curious, what are the other treasure hunters like?”
“I don’t really know. I’ve only spoken to one, and you won’t believe who it was.” Annabel didn’t wait for answer. “Tara Rivers, as in Blaine Rivers’ wife.”
“Seriously? First, they’re loaded, so why is she doing that, and second, she’s so young.”
“She donates most of the stuff, and yeah, she is young but she’s sweet. I like her.” Annabel gathered up all the items and placed them gently back in the box. “I was surprised at how many people showed up to bid, but the units that go on the auction block are few and far between, so it’s kind of a free-for-all. I actually thought about trying to find the owner and offering to sell him back his stuff, at a profit of course.”
“I wouldn’t do that. Whoever it was didn’t care enough to pay his bill so why would he buy it off you? And if this stuff is real, you could stand to make enough money to take me to the Keys this year and maybe the Bahamas next year.”
“Because it’s all about you,” Annabel said with a laugh.
“Damn straight.”
Her phone buzzed, and the condo call box number flashed on her screen. “I’m not expecting anyone this early.” She glanced at the clock on the stove. Only a few minutes after eight. “Hello?”
“Hey, Annabel. It’s Ethan. I need to get something out of my car.”
“Right, brother, good excuse to show up,” Rosie said, leaning over the phone.
“Come on up.” Annabel tapped nine on her phone and raised her finger, waggling it in front of her friend’s face. “You behave yourself, or I’ll start telling Chip some embarrassing stories.”
Rosie tossed her hands wide. “I’m not going to mess this up. You forget, I’m the one who’s been telling you for months that you and my brother are a perfect match.”
Trouble meowed as he waltzed into the kitchen as if he agreed.
“You are such an adorable kitty,” Rosie said, bending over and lifting Trouble into her arms, kissing his face. He moved his head away, clearly demonstrating he wasn’t enjoying the over-the-top affection. When Rosie backed off with her kisses, he settled into her arms and quickly started to purr as Rosie threaded her fingers through Trouble’s fur.
“Best cat ever.” Annabel nodded toward the door. “Don’t you have to get to work?”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?” Rosie kissed the top of Trouble’s head and set him down.
He shook his body before heading toward the bowl of perfectly cooked salmon with a miso glaze sauce Annabel set on the floor.
“If you’re going to tease us, then yes, get the hell out.”
“God, I love you.” Rosie wrapped her arms around Annabel. “In all seriousness, I do hope you’ll start officially dating my brother. I have a really good feeling about the two of you, and you know I’m always right about these things.”
Annabel wished she could say that statement was false, but it was far from it.
“Call me tomorrow, okay?” Rosie said just as her brother stepped inside the condo. “Hey there, bro. Having a good morning?”
“The best,” he said, leaning over and kissing his sister on the cheek. “I bet you two girls are up to no good.”
“Always. See ya.” Rosie disappeared down the catwalk.
Annabel swallowed, staring at Ethan, who rested his hand against the counter while Trouble ran his back against his legs.
“I’ll get your keys,” she said.
“No need. I had an extra set and got what I needed. I just wanted to see you. Sorry, I had no idea my sister was here.”
“She insisted on bringing over breakfast.”
Ethan laughed, shaking his head. “She’s relentless.”
“Not as bad as my mother.”
“Yeah, she called my mother,” Ethan said.
“Oh, good grief. So, now all of Jupiter thinks we’re an item.”
Ethan inched closer, Trouble still purring at his feet. “Maybe if we gave them something to talk about, they’d stop talking.”
“Interesting concept.” She bit down on her lower lip. The corners of her mouth tipped upward.
“I’m sure my sister told you they can’t do dinner tonight.” He reached out and ran a finger along the strand of hair that framed her face.
“Yeah. That gives me more time to deal with all the stuff in the storage unit.”
Ethan arched his brow. “I don’t like you being there alone. We don’t know if the unit is related to your being run off the road. And until we do, I’d prefer you just lock the doors and stay home.”
“That’s not going to happen.” She shook her head. Ethan was a cop, so she understood why he’d be so cautious, but she couldn’t stop living her life. “I’ve got work and other things to do today. And I can’t imagine anyone really has it in for me.”
“Annabel!” Edna’s voice screeched from the open doorway.
Ethan jumped, causing Annabel’s forehead to hit his nose. He groaned.
“Oh, so sorry, dear. I didn’t know the police were here to see you. Are you okay? Did something happen?” Edna pulled open the forever door and stepped into the kitchen.
Everyone in the building, when they were home, left their front doors open, letting the sun filter through the apartments. Generally, it was a great idea since entry to the main door of the buildings was secure. If you needed something, you knew who was home. If the door was closed, no one rang your bell.
But at times like this, well, Annabel would rather be kissing Ethan right now.
“Everything is fine, ma’am. This is a personal visit.” Ethan said.
Edna smiled as her eyes grew wide. “Well, then, I won’t stay long. But I wanted to ask Annabel if she’d heard the news yet about Vernon and Lori.”
News? Just last night they’d gotten into a fight and then made up. What on earth could have happened between now and then?
“No. I haven’t seen either of them since last night.”
“They got engaged!” Edna clapped her hands. “In three months, they will be getting married right here in our clubhouse. Isn’t that exciting?”
“Sure is,” Annabel said, exchanging a surprised glance with Ethan. “When did this all happen?”
“Last night, I guess. I ran into them in the office a few minutes ago while they were asking about dates to book the clubhouse. Oh, and the rock on her finger. It’s gorgeous.”
Annabel couldn’t help but wonder how long Vernon had been holding on to that ring and what changed his mind so quickly.
But it was none of her business.
“I need to get back to work,” Ethan said.
“Well, let me get out of your way so you can say a proper goodbye.” Edna pushed open the door, glanced back at them with an exaggerated wink, and scurried down the catwalk to spread the good news.
“She cracks me up.” Ethan rested his hands on Annabel’s hips. “I’ll meet you here around six?”
“That works.”
His lips felt warm and soft as he brushed them gently over hers. With her hands splayed out across his chest, she leaned into him. A low hum rumbled deep in her throat.
