by Lynn Cahoon
The morning rush over, I was surprised when the bell chimed at about eight thirty. A tall man dressed in a suit entered the room and went straight for the young adult section. After perusing the shelves, he picked up the first book in the series I’d just started. He laid the book on the counter, and in a deep voice ordered two large coffees and a carrot cake muffin to go. I quickly poured the coffee, setting the cups into a carrier with a small bag containing the muffin. I slipped the book into a larger bag, tapping the bag with my hand.
“I read that last week. I loved the author’s way with words.” I rang up the purchases and gave him a total. “I just started book two and I love that one just as much. I won’t say more, I don’t want to spoil the story for you.”
He smiled. “My brother gives me crap for reading kid stuff, but ever since I read the Harry Potter books, I’ve been hooked. I ran through all of the Percy Jackson books, but frankly I was a bit disappointed in the movie.” He sighed and gave me a credit card for the purchase.
“Until this week, I hadn’t read any young adult since the Potter books. I’ve been lost in catching up with historical romance.” I ran his card, glancing down at the name. “David. There’s just too many books and not enough time.”
He grinned as he filed his card into his wallet. “Ain’t that the truth.”
As I watched him leave the shop, he held the door open for a woman entering. Tina. I groaned on the inside, wondering why some people could make you feel good about yourself with just a few words, and some could make you feel horrible with just a look. I pasted on a smile, wondering why she was so early.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I pointed to the menu board. “On the house, of course.”
“Spiced coffee would be lovely. We can pretend it’s a chilly fall day out there at least. You should visit New England in the fall, Jill, it’s quite lovely. I’ve told Marvin for years that we need to move somewhere with four seasons, but he won’t even talk about retiring.” Tina glanced around the room, putting her large tote on a four-seater table. “I guess we can set up here.”
I set cups down on the table and turned back to the counter. “I’ll get a notebook and a calendar. I like to take notes so I don’t forget.”
“Great idea,” she mumbled, then picked up a call on her chiming phone. “Oh hey, honey. No, I didn’t mean to sneak out …”
I left her talking to the obviously put-out Mr. Baylor, who had apparently expected a little marital comforting this morning. The image made me shudder. I guess there was someone for everyone. But the thought still made me cringe.
I took my time grabbing my notebook and paused at the door until I heard her say good-bye. Then I went back into the front.
“My, that took long enough,” she chided. “What were you doing? Making a personal call?”
I swallowed the first ten things that came to mind to say, nodding at her phone. “I wanted to give you some privacy for your personal call.” I tried extremely hard to keep the emphasis off the word personal. Then I added my best customers-suck smile and somehow, she bought my sarcasm as not.
“So, about our charity project.” Tina ignored my slanted apology.
I held my hand up to stop her. “We’ve already committed to the Bakerstown Children’s Center. The lady who runs the place is overjoyed at the idea. I don’t think we could do more than a token support for a South Cove–wide project.”
Tina’s eyes narrowed. “I specifically told you that your store was expected to work with my project. Don’t you listen at all? No wonder Greg hasn’t married you.”
This time I didn’t bite back my words. “Don’t bring my personal life into our discussions. It’s unprofessional and honestly, quite rude. If you want my help with South Cove’s festival, you can keep a civil tongue.”
Tina’s eyes widened at my outburst, and as her face started to harden, I’d realized my mistake. I’d made her the enemy. The only person who had more power over the council and the business community than the mayor was the person who kept him happy in the sack. And I’d just ticked her off.
Tina threw her papers back into her briefcase and stood, shaking the table hard enough that her coffee sloshed on the surface. “Well, I guess we’re done here.”
I sighed, trying to take back my words. “Look, I didn’t mean to be so bitchy. I’m just tired of people questioning my relationship with Greg. It’s no one’s business besides ours.”
Tina’s face stayed as smooth as marble. “Understandable. However, I’ve just realized I have another pressing engagement.”
I blocked her as she stepped toward the door. “I’d love to hear about your festival plans.”
Tina sniffed, then stepped around me. “Some other time maybe.”
As she walked out the door, I knew the day wasn’t going to be pleasant. Maybe she’d force Mayor Baylor to kick me out of my liaison position. Wait, that could be a good thing. I cleaned off the table and went back to my list of must dos for the morning. I’d just finished the first page of reminders when the door chimed again. This time, two women wearing dresses so tight you could see the Spanx underneath clicked their way into the store. The height of their hair rivaled the heels on their stilettos. The blonde was focused on her phone, her thumbs texting away. The other rushed to the counter. “Two skinny, no-fat lattes to go.”
“What size?” The blonde kept glancing around the shop, then texting something. If she’d been a teenager, I would have wondered if the place was being scouted for a late-night breakin. But there was no way these women were anything but trophy wives. They probably didn’t have a minute to spare what with running to the gym for Pilates and their spa treatments.
The brunette rolled her eyes. “Large, I said that.”
Again I had to bite back the words. What was wrong with me? I mused as I prepared the Kardashian wannabes’ drinks. I slipped sleeves on the cups, then started ringing up the purchase. “Anything else? We have a special on pumpkin pie with real whipped cream this week.”
The brunette handed me her credit card, shaking her head. “The coffee will be fine, thanks.” But her gaze did drift over to the display case, and I thought I saw a flicker of desire for the treats.
I swiped the card. “Remember, the women on the Titanic who skipped dessert were sorry later.”
She glared at me as she signed the receipt, crossing out the tip line. “That’s a rumor.” She walked over to the other woman and shoved a cup in her hand. “Here, are you done yet?”
The blonde nodded, watching me closely.
The morning was turning into a Twilight Zone episode. I watched the two walk out of the door, turn left, and all of a sudden the blonde fell out of sight. I ran to the door and, throwing it open, saw her sprawled on the brick sidewalk cradling her ankle.
“Sherry, are you okay?” the brunette cried out.
The blonde, Sherry, held out her shoe, the heel broken off. “Not hardly. My Christian Louboutins are ruined.”
“Oh dear.” The woman helped Sherry up off the ground, dusting off her dress. “At least your Vera looks untorn.”
Sherry focused her blue-eyed glare at me, slipping off the other shoe. “I expect you to replace these.”
“Excuse me?” Now I knew I must be dreaming. No morning could actually go this bad.
Sherry shook the shoe at me. “You heard me, these were two hundred dollars on sale and your lack of maintenance on this sidewalk ruined my shoes. I should sue you for pain and suffering, too, but I’m not a total bitch.”
My anger bubbled inside. “Look, I’m sorry you tripped. And I’ll give you a new coffee, free of charge. But I am not responsible for the sidewalk maintenance. If you have issues with that, please report them to City Hall.”
“Don’t think I won’t.” Sherry stepped closer, pointing her finger at me. “I can’t even imagine what he sees in you.”
“Sherry,” the other woman hissed. “Let’s get out of here.” Sherry shot me a die-bitch-die look and started t
o follow her friend down the street.
“If you need directions to City Hall, I’ll be glad to tell you where to go,” I said.
At this she turned and smiled. A really mean-looking smile. “Believe me, honey, I know exactly where City Hall is.”
And then she turned and whispered something to her friend, who laughed as she snuck a glance at me over her shoulder.
Weirder and weirder.
By the time Toby had arrived, I’d scrubbed clean the spilled latte off the sidewalk, and emptied and cleaned the display case and the entire back counter area. I’d just started taking the books off the shelf to dust and restock when he sauntered in. He stopped at the sight of me with a pile of books in my arms heading to a table.
“Did I miss the fall cleaning memo?” He walked over and started reshelving the books out of my arms.
“It’s been that kind of morning, and staying busy helps me not kill someone.” I sighed as he took the last book out of my hand, and sank into one of the large reading chairs. “I’m so glad you’re here. I need a run. Or a drink.”
“Don’t you run before work?” Toby leaned on the table watching me, concern filling his eyes.
“I do, and I did. I just need a second one.”
His eyes widened. “Man, it must have been some day.”
I told him about my slip with Tina, then went on to tell him about the falling Sherry who wanted me to buy her shoes. He frowned when I mentioned she knew the way to City Hall. “Blonde, lots of makeup, tight clothes, probably early thirties? Was her friend’s name Pat?”
I thought about the credit card, had it said Pat? I nodded. “Don’t tell me these are a couple of your old girlfriends.”
Toby laughed. “Nope, not mine, but I think that Sherry might be Greg’s ex-wife. Haven’t you met her yet?”
My stomach rolled. “No.” I stared at Toby. “Seriously? Could that have been her?”
As if in answer to my question, my cell rang. Amy.
“Hey, lunch?” I asked, wondering what was going on that she wanted to meet on Tuesday rather than our normal Wednesday.
“You need to get down here. Mayor Baylor is steaming.” Amy’s voice was quiet.
I sighed. “Look, I didn’t mean to upset Tina. I’ll smooth things over tomorrow. Right now I need some alone time before I have to be back here for the late shift.”
“No. Now. It’s not just Tina. Greg’s ex is here, throwing a pitch fit and saying you sent her to have the mayor buy her new shoes.”
Toby raised his eyebrows in a “told ya so” manner since he could hear Amy talking over the speaker.
“You sure she’s Greg’s ex?” My shoulders sagged. No way would I get out of an apology for this one, even though the woman had been totally in the wrong.
“The mayor called him in to the office to calm her down. Now she and Tina are making plans to burn you at a bonfire for the witch you are. And then throw a party.” Amy paused. “Are you coming or not? I don’t want to be the only one defending you in the room.”
“I’m coming. Wait, Greg’s not defending me?” I stood, pausing and waiting for an answer.
“He’s playing good cop, trying to get the women to calm down. He’s not on their side. At least not totally,” Amy said. “Crap, the voices just got louder. Get down here.”
The phone went dead and I slipped it into my pocket. “I’m heading to City Hall,” I repeated, even though Toby had heard the entire conversation. “If I’m not back here by five to relieve you, they’ve either arrested me or killed me. So just lock up when you leave.”
“Drama queen.” Toby put his arm around me as we walked back to the counter so I could collect my purse. “Greg won’t let them shoot you.”
“At least one of my worries is without merit then.” I smiled. “I am so looking forward to this day being over.”
By the time I reached City Hall, the lobby area was quiet. Amy sat at her desk working on her computer.
She considered the door to the mayor’s office. “They’re all in there, including Greg. The voices got lower a few minutes ago, so I guess he calmed them down.”
“Seriously, this is out of hand. Tina was being an ultra-freak, and Sherry, I don’t even know why she was in my shop. She doesn’t seem the treat and latte type.” I rolled my eyes.
“According to her friend, who just left to get her a new pair of shoes to wear, they were checking out Greg’s new girlfriend.” Amy pushed back her straight blonde hair. “Of course, Pat, my new bestie, is a horrible gossip. Apparently Sherry didn’t understand why Greg wasn’t hanging around her anymore.”
“He’s been done with her since the divorce.” I shook my head. “Some women just don’t give up.”
Amy arched an eyebrow. “Not according to Pat. She thought Sherry and Greg were working on getting back together, to hear Sherry tell the story.”
“That’s not true,” I protested. “Greg said …”
She held out a hand to quiet me, glancing backward at the door. “I’m not saying it’s true, I’m just reporting what Sherry has been telling her friends.”
“Greg wouldn’t do that to me.” Today was just getting better and better. Not.
Amy put her hand on my shoulder. “Forewarned is forearmed. So she won’t be able to attack you with that weapon. This woman is everything we hate in our sex. She’s manipulative, conniving, and knows how to work her assets. You should have seen the mayor drooling until Tina almost knocked him off his chair.”
That image brought a smile to my face.
Amy hugged me. “That’s my girl. Now, go slay the dragons.”
I felt her hand on my back pushing me toward the closed door. I reached out for the doorknob and stepped into a firestorm.
CHAPTER 11
“Miss Gardner, you do realize that knocking on a door is the appropriate way to enter a private office, right?” Mayor Baylor stared at me.
I glanced around the room. Greg was sitting on the couch in the middle between Sherry and Tina. I’d never seen him look that uncomfortable. He bolted to his feet when our gazes met. He stepped to my side. “I’m sure Jill was alerted to the issues and felt she needed to tell her side of the story. It’s been a little one-sided so far.”
He actually put his arm around my shoulder then. I didn’t know whether to kiss him or ram my elbow into his side. My fist tightened as I started to lean in. “Thanks, Greg. I’m kind of lost here, what’s the problem?”
Voices erupted, both Tina and Sherry trying to get their list of complaints against me on the table. The mayor stood and bellowed at the two women. “Stop.”
They both quieted and sank back into the couch. He glared at me.
“Did you tell my wife you didn’t want to be part of South Cove’s festival planning?” He paused, waiting for my answer.
“No.”
Tina stood up. “The hell you didn’t.”
Mayor Baylor interrupted his wife. “Tina, sit down and shut up.”
Greg nodded at me. “Go ahead.”
“What I said was Coffee, Books, and More was doing their own charity drive for Bakerstown Children’s Center, therefore we couldn’t play a major role in whatever Tina has developed for the town’s sponsored program.” I sighed. “Look, you got me upset and I said stuff I didn’t mean. Can’t we just get past this?”
Tina’s death stare was the only answer I got.
Mayor Baylor pointed to Sherry. “Now, this woman tells me that you ignored her pleas for assistance and told her to sue the city.”
Sherry smiled, her eyes glinting evil. “That’s correct, Marvin.”
At the coo of her husband’s name, Tina refocused her death stare from me to Sherry.
Greg cleared his throat. “Is that correct, Jill?”
I saw Sherry’s eyes narrow as he used my name, which, heaven help me, made me want to kiss him again. “No. I heard her scream and went running out, but all she kept saying was I was going to pay for her broken shoe. I explained that the sidewa
lks weren’t part of the store and said she might want to talk to someone at City Hall.”
“Whatever.” Sherry dismissed me and Greg. “Marvin, what are you going to do about my shoes? Will the city replace them?”
“Yes, Marvin,” Tina drawled out his name. “What is the city going to do about Sherry’s poor little shoe?”
I bit my lip to keep from smiling. For the first time, I wanted to be a fly on the wall at the mayor’s home tonight. He was in trouble. Big trouble. And everyone in the room, except apparently Sherry, knew it. But maybe she did, too, as I saw her sneak a sideways gloating look at Tina.
“Mrs. King, you can file a claim with Amy, but it has to be approved by the council. And honestly, things are kind of tight in the budget right now.” Mayor Baylor focused on his wife next. “Tina, it doesn’t sound like Miss Gardner was being totally unreasonable. I’m sure she’ll work extra hard on the decorating committee since she’s unable to help with the fund-raising.”
I sighed inwardly. Like I had the time to be Tina’s slave. But I put on a smile, hoping it would seem at least a little genuine. I doubted my acting ability. “Of course, whatever I can do.”
“See now, everything is back to normal. And if you don’t mind, I’ve got a few phone calls to make before the end of the day.”
I glanced at the large grandfather clock in the corner, two thirty. My midday break was almost over. Greg and I turned back to the door.
“Greg, dear,” Sherry called out. “Would you please help me out to the car? My ankle hurts.”
I stood still, wondering what Greg’s answer would be. As he turned, I knew he couldn’t step away without helping. It wasn’t in his Boy Scout nature. It was just like helping an old lady across the street. An old lady who looked like a beauty queen and whom he’d been married to and slept with.
He rolled his eyes, then kissed me on the cheek. “Let me walk Sherry and Pat back to her car, then I’ll stop by the house. Have you eaten?”
I shook my head, not trusting my voice. I went over to Amy’s desk and slumped into her visitor chair. We didn’t talk until we saw Greg and Sherry leave through the front door. She clung to him like they were teenagers on a first date.
