George looked to be in his mid-eighties, his hairline had receded so much it was now pretty much non-existent. His skin sagged, his jowls sagged, in fact everything sagged, and he pretty much looked like Droopy Dog.
He over balanced slightly as he propped his walking stick against his body and took Grandma’s hand.
“Well, aren’t you a charmer,” she said. Her smile told me she was sucked into every syllable he said though. “I’m Mabel Phillips,” she answered, removing her hand and smoothing down her dress as she spoke.
I think Bradley had heard enough. He took his biscuit, grimaced at George behind his back and moved away, but not before giving me a wicked smile. I gave up on being annoyed at him and grinned back. After all, he wasn’t here to hurt anybody.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mabel. And is this your lovely home?” he asked, gesturing to the house and garden.
“No. It’s my granddaughter’s. She was on the news, you know?” said Grandma, looking at me smugly.
“Ah yes…I do remember that news report, now that you mention it. How are you, Lizzie?”
He knew my name? My heart missed a beat and suspicion creeped in. I didn’t like strangers knowing who I was. I bit my lip as anxiety stirred. How did he know my name? I was positive the news report hadn’t named me. I’d specifically asked Matt to leave it out. Maybe Bradley told his passengers who I was. I took a deep calming breath and reminded myself not to overreact.
“I’m fine, thank you.” It was then I remembered why he looked familiar. I’d seen him here on another day. “You’ve been here before.”
“No, no I think you’re mistaken.” He bared his nicotine-stained teeth and moved his attention back to Grandma. I was about to question him on it when I heard Riley call. I moved inside wondering why George would have lied about it.
Riley had returned from the hardware store and continued on his mission to remove the overhead kitchen cupboards.
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you return,” I said.
“That’s okay. Can you pass me the pry bar please?”
Pry bar? “Um…sure.” I looked around the kitchen, hoping I’d recognize it when I saw it.
“It’s in my toolbox in the hallway.”
“Oh, okay. I wondered why I couldn’t see it.”
I moved into the hallway and looked into Riley’s toolbox. It was filled with a lot of different tools, only some of which I recognized. I picked up the hammer and then instantly discarded it. Unless a pry bar was a type of hammer. Was it? Who knows?
I put it down and continued to look through his tools. I found a couple of screw drivers (I knew what they were), a tape measure, a funny looking knife, some safety glasses (I’d have to ask Riley why he wasn’t wearing those) a packet of chewing gum (spearmint—my favorite), some metal grippy-looking things, an old dirt bike magazine, and an even older paper bag advertising Bartley’s Bakery. I wasn’t opening that one. Who knew how long it had been there?
I quickly realized you could learn a lot about a man by looking in his toolbox, but I was still none the wiser as to what the hell a pry bar looked like.
“Lizzie, can you hurry up please?” called Riley.
I picked up two metal bars about as long as a school ruler. Were these pry bars? I sighed and decided to take both bars back to him. I held them up for inspection.
“The one on the right,” he said. He seemed to be supporting the weight of the cupboard with his left hand and as he reached out to take the bar from me, I saw that his shirt had ridden up which gave me a good view of his hard abdominal muscles glistening with sweat. If only Grandma Mabel could see him now.
“Thanks,” he said.
“My pleasure,” I said and genuinely meant it. Grandma’s laugh carried in on the breeze. “Do you need anything else?” I asked, torn between wanting to watch him work a little bit longer and needing to get back to Grandma. It wasn’t a good idea to leave her on her own for too long, even if she did have a friend with her.
“Not at the moment, but I’ll call you when I do.”
Walking back outside I saw Grandma giving George a little finger wave as he walked back towards the crowd.
“What did I miss?” I asked, taking a seat opposite Eunice.
“What a lovely man,” said Grandma watching George’s retreating back. “I gave him my phone number.”
“What? Is it a good idea to give out your number?” I asked, thinking about how he had lied to me. Mum was going to have a fit. She left me in charge for an hour and already Grandma had given out her number to a strange man.
“I had to give it to him. How else would we arrange our date for next Thursday night?”
I put my head in my hands and groaned. Mum was going to kill me.
Grandma stood and moved to the edge of the deck. I watched her swish her teeth backwards and forwards and then open her bag. It took her a minute, but finally she emerged with her mobile phone in her hand, a Christmas gift from all of us last year.
At the time we didn’t really know whether it was a good idea or not, but she insisted that all the ladies at Seniors Club had one so she should too. We upgraded and bought her a smartphone. We figured that was pretty easy to use and mostly she just wanted it so she fitted in with the crowd. The added advantage to a smart phone was the Find My Phone app. After the last time she went missing, we thought this idea was ingenious. I was actually quite surprised at how well she could use the phone though.
Eunice stepped up next to her and pulled out the same phone. Obviously she’d been showing Grandma how to use it. Not wanting to disappoint the ladies at Seniors Club, they proceeded to take photo after photo of my backyard, complete with police tape and very large hole. When Grandma turned her back to the garden, put her phone up in front of her and smiled, I realized she was taking a selfie. As the flash went off causing me to blink I realized she hadn’t quite perfected it yet.
“Grandma, you have to turn the camera around,” I explained.
“Oh, that’s right. I forgot that bit.” With this, she turned the phone around and smiled again. “But I can’t see what I’m looking at now.” It was my turn to smile as I moved to take the phone off of her.
“I’ll take it for you,” I offered.
“Thanks. And make it a good one. This one’s going on my Facebook page.”
“You have Facebook?” I asked.
“Yep, and I got Twitter too. I’m following Tom Jones. And now that I’ve got the right Tom Jones, it’s even interesting. I saw a picture of his new Wellie boots yesterday.”
“Nice. Now smile,” I said and took the photo.
“Good. Now I want one with you. Eunice, take this picture will you?” she said.
“Why do you want a photo with me?” I asked.
“Tomorrow’s show and tell at Seniors Group and some of the girls have taken the tour of your garden, but only I get a photo with my famous granddaughter.”
“I’m not famous, Grandma.”
“You’ve been on the news. Close enough.”
I smiled as Eunice took the photo.
“Now I want one with Riley. Where is he?”
“He’s busy. Why do you want a photo with Riley?”
“Cause he’s good to look at,” replied Grandma, looking at me like I was crazy.
Can’t argue with that logic I guess.
Chapter Five
Thursday dawned bright and sunny once again. I got up and dressed in one of Molly’s hand-me-down dresses. The advantage of having a sister addicted to fashion was that I got all her cast-offs. This dress in particular was one of my favorites. It was yellow, about mid-thigh in length and fell loose from my bust, which was especially good on days when you were going out for a big lunch, as no one could see how big my stomach looked.
I brushed my temporarily straight hair (compliments of Danny) and carefully applied my make-up. When I still felt insecure, I went back and added another layer of mascara and lip-gloss. Today I had my first appointment at the couns
elor. I’d never been to a counselor before and the thought that someone would be able to see the ‘real me’ scared me almost as much as my nightmares.
Riley had popped out to the corner shop to get some milk and the morning paper but he was coming with me for my first visit. I went downstairs and poured myself a coffee, using the last of the milk in the carton, hoping that a coffee would settle my nerves.
My appointment was booked for nine and, without looking at the clock, I knew I still had another forty-five minutes to get there. All I knew about the counselor I was going to was that her name was Allison Greene, she was about my age and highly recommended by my doctor. In fact, my doctor had been recommending her for the last few months, but I just hadn’t been ready to take that step.
I sighed. I still wasn’t ready. Maybe I could cancel. I’m sure I could get a grip on my nightmares without professional help. Yeah, maybe I should give myself another week. Running to my bag to find my phone to call off my appointment, I felt my nerves settle. Riley walked in the door as I was dialing.
“Who are you talking to?” he asked, kissing me on top of my head as he walked past.
“The counselor,” I responded, listening to the ring through the phone. Riley’s eyebrow rose. It was actually a really adorable trait he had. Only his left eyebrow rose when he was really curious. “I’m canceling my appointment. I’ve decided to give myself another week and then see how I feel,” I explained.
Riley immediately took the phone from my hand and pressed the end button.
“Lizzie, you are not cancelling. You promised me you would go.”
“Yes, and I will if I need to…next week.”
Riley pulled me in close. “You need it now. I know you had another nightmare last night.”
“Yes, but it wasn’t as bad as the last one, so I’m obviously getting better.”
“We’re going to that appointment,” he said, his tone suggesting no nonsense. “Now, grab your bag. I’m taking you out for a coffee. We’ll go to your favorite café on the boardwalk.”
Humph. He knew how to bribe me.
* * * *
Riley lived at 12 Sunrise Drive, and the café in question wasn’t that far from his house. Only about a five-minute drive, but it was on the other side of the river. Riley navigated traffic easily but once we got there, parking was a whole different story. I think every man and his dog had come for a coffee this morning.
“Hail Mary, Mother of Grace, please find us a parking space,” I said, looking around, hoping a car would pull out of a park for us.
Riley laughed. “What did you just say?”
“I said a Hail Mary to the parking gods. I heard it on the radio once.” Riley continued to smile. Obviously he was a skeptic. “Don’t look at me like that. It works.”
“Do you really think you should say a Hail Mary just to get a parking space?”
“Yeah, I have been a bit concerned about that, but I figure I’ll worry about it when my time’s up.” I smiled because just at that moment the car in the nearest parking space put his reversing lights on and started to move out of the park. I looked at Riley and shrugged. “I told you it works.”
I heard Riley’s chuckle, low and sexy in his throat, as he pulled into the space.
Opening the car door and stepping out into the sunshine, I instantly felt the anxiety settle. I loved it here. Not only was the coffee exceptional and the staff friendly, but the view was spectacular. Whenever life got too hard, I put on my walking shoes, went for a walk and ended up at this coffee shop. Usually by then I had figured out whatever was on my mind, and if I hadn’t, I’d buy a chocolate Frappuccino. Same difference.
It was a good start as Tom, my favorite Barista, was on duty. He not only made the best coffee he also had the friendliest smile.
“Good morning, Lizzie,” he called as we entered the shop. “You’re looking sunny this morning.”
“Thanks, Tom. No classes today?” It was unusual for him to be here today as it was normally a busy day of lectures. What he was studying, I had never actually found out. Every time I asked, he gave me a really complicated response, which I didn’t understand and I always felt too stupid to enquire any further.
“Nope, it’s study week.”
“Then why aren’t you home studying?” I smiled.
“Because I’d miss you then, wouldn’t I?” He laughed. See, that’s why he’s my favorite barista. “The usual?” he asked, looking between Riley and myself. We both nodded. “Take a seat then and I’ll bring it out to you.”
We wandered back outside and found a table under an umbrella that looked out over the river. The rain yesterday had stirred the water up so it wasn’t the same aqua blue it usually was, but it was still gorgeous just the same. I looked at Riley as he pulled his sunglasses down over his eyes. Today he’d chosen to wear his usual jeans, but he’d accompanied it with a button down shirt that he’d left open at the collar. The sleeves were rolled to his elbows and accentuated his perfectly toned arms, his skin tanned against the white of his shirt. His hair was slightly longer than normal and curled sexily at his collar. The realization that he was all mine brought a smile to my face.
He caught me staring and smiled his mega-watt smile. I pulled my own sunglasses down, dazzled by it. Sure, I should be immune to it by now, but it still caused my heart to flutter. He reached out and took my hand.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice deep and sexy.
“Yep, I will be.” I smiled, squeezing his hand. “Thanks for being there for me today.”
“Lizzie, I’ll always be there for you,” he said, leaning forward and gently kissing my lips. I felt the happiness surge the second his skin touched mine.
“Get a room, you two,” laughed Tom, putting our coffee on the table.
“You’re just jealous because my boyfriend is totally gorgeous,” I laughed.
“I bet I make better coffee than him though.” That was true, but Riley had other skills that a girl only dreamed about. Tom looked at my grin, shook his head and walked away.
* * * *
It turned out that my counselor was actually a psychiatrist. Humph.
I looked around the room as I sat nervously waiting for my turn. The waiting room was small with only two chairs for patients to wait. Thankfully it appeared that Riley and I were the only people here. The reception desk was tall and made of bleached pine. It had a computer, a phone and a bunch of sunny flowers on it. I suppose their purpose was to make us happy and maybe it did.
The sign on the desk announced that Allison was presently with a patient and to please take a seat. I’d done as asked. Riley appeared much more relaxed as he flicked his way through a fishing magazine from the side table between us. My leg jiggled as I waited.
After what felt like an eternity, the door finally slid open and out stepped Allison, a male patient following her. As he wiped at his tears, anxiety gripped my stomach. Allison however, seemed relaxed and in control.
Recognition flashed. I just couldn’t pinpoint where I’d seen her before. She looked younger than me even though I knew she was about my age, with straight blonde hair cut in a bob that fell just below her ears, showing off her sparkling diamond stud earrings perfectly. Her make-up was subtle yet immaculate, and accentuated her massive grey eyes. She dressed in designer pants, a fitted button-up shirt and her shoes were genuine Jimmy Choo’s. I only knew that because Molly had the exact same pair. The smell of Victor Rolf’s Flowerbomb floated towards me. I felt my earlier insecurity kick up a notch. When she finished showing the man to the door, she turned her attention to us, and her smile widened.
“Oh my gosh,” she said, her white teeth flashing against the black of her shirt. “Riley Thomas!”
I looked at Riley and noticed him blush as he stood.
“Allison,” he said, moving towards her. “I wasn’t expecting to see you.” He smiled as she reached up and hugged him. “I thought we were seeing Allison Greene,” he added.
“I
’ve changed my name since I saw you last.”
“Married?” he asked.
“No. Well, yes I was. I’m divorced now though. He was threatened by my success apparently.” She laughed. “Gosh, I haven’t seen you since you left for the army. I don’t think my heart ever recovered from you leaving,” she trilled, giggling.
“Ha. It looks like you’ve done really well for yourself.”
Allison looked around her and shook her head. “What are you doing here anyway?” she asked.
“I’m here with Lizzie,” he responded, turning his attention to me.
Maybe it was because my anxiety was already high but something felt off here. Allison turned to me. I noticed the very subtle up and down look as she took me in, her smile frozen in place as recognition flashed in her eyes. I stood and smoothed down my dress, wishing I was anywhere but here.
“Hi,” I smiled and gave a little wave.
“Oh, yes of course. I do remember Lizzie being booked in today. It’s lovely to meet you,” she said, extending her hand for me to shake. I felt her cool skin against mine and my anxiety reached a whole new level. I got the distinct impression she really wasn’t happy to meet me at all.
“Well, why don’t you go through, Lizzie. Make yourself comfortable and I’ll be in shortly,” she said, indicating to the door that she had just come through. She turned her attention back to Riley. “Wow. I can’t believe you’re here. You look great, by the way,” she gushed, touching his arm as she spoke.
To be honest I was used to girls flirting with Riley but this felt completely different. It didn’t take a genius to figure out they had a history. But so what? I knew Riley had partners before me. True, we hadn’t really spoken too much about them. Every time I thought about Riley with another woman, I felt sick in my stomach, but I knew they existed.
“Go through, Lizzie,” she repeated.
I looked at Riley, hoping he would stay with me. Even though—watching Allison flirt with him—it might be better if he waited outside.
The Westport Mysteries Boxed Set Page 31
