I thought about how crazy the past week had been, on the drive over to Marion’s. Nothing could’ve prepared me for the last product drop-off at her house. I prayed to never find myself in a similar situation. Marion already had company when I got there, but I decided to pull in anyway. I parked the pickup alongside the other car and grabbed Marion’s gift bag, shutting the car door with my hip.
Walking up Marion’s driveway, I thought about what a gorgeous day it was. If you could believe it, it was actually cool out. The night before, a rain storm rolled through and brought relief from the heat and humidity. Today, it wasn’t supposed to be warmer than seventy-five. I was loving it. It might have been cool outside, but it looked like things were heating up in Marion’s doorway. The sight of she and Dr. Michelson embracing in the entryway stopped me short. Marion didn’t need my gift bag. The doctor was already adding color to her cheeks with a sweet kiss goodbye. From the looks of it, this wasn’t the first time they had shared an intimate moment. I froze, barely hidden behind a Japanese maple tree, and found myself wishing I would’ve dressed in black. But then again, the dark hue wouldn’t have helped me hide on a beautiful day like today.
The front glass door opened and I averted my eyes to the ornamental tree. My fingers automatically traced the delicate leaves, pretending to be consumed by their miniature beauty.
“Good morning, Ziva,” Dr. Michelson said. He looked surprised to see me, but wasn’t embarrassed.
I copied his expression. “Morning, Dr. Michelson.”
“A gift for Marion?” he asked pointing to the bag.
“Just her latest delivery,” I said.
“Oh, I was going to say that if it was a present, she doesn’t need it. I’ve given her enough to smile about today.”
Oh my. If I was the type who blushed, it would’ve been at that moment.
“Have a good day,” he said with a wink. I was left on the front porch, speechless. Marion came to the door to investigate, and saw the look on my face. Awkward wasn’t an adequate word to describe my feelings. Remembering her manners, Marion opened the security door and invited me in. Charlie came galloping behind her to greet me.
“This is for you.” I handed Marion the gift bag and bent down to pet Charlie. “Hey, buddy. You’re looking good, much better than last time.” Charlie sat against my legs, his stubby tail thumping rhythmically against the floor. His gray muzzle nudged my hand with excitement. He loved the attention, and I gave him my all. I petted him for another minute and then stood up to face Marion.
“How are you holding up?” I asked. Talking about Roger seemed like a safe topic of conversation.
“Good,” Marion said, massaging her hands. “The funeral is on Wednesday. Did you see that in the paper?”
“No, I haven’t yet,” I said.
“Philip sent in the obit. It’ll be in tonight’s paper too,” she added.
I wasn’t a read-the-paper sort of gal, but I told Marion I would check it out. It seemed like the polite thing to say. “Do you guys need anything? I can make something for the luncheon if you’re having one,” I offered. More like I’d buy something, but same difference.
“Oh no, don’t worry about it. It’s all taken care of. Rich is paying to have it catered.”
Dr. Michelson was paying to cater the funeral luncheon? This was all just too weird. I couldn’t keep my mouth shut anymore. “What’s the story with you two anyway?” I asked.
“It’s complicated,” Marion replied.
“Yeah, I figured that much out on my own,” I said with a smile.
“I guess you have, so I’ll tell you this. I’ve known Rich for a long time. Thought he was the one, but it didn’t work out.”
“Why not?” They clearly looked head over heels for one another.
“We were young. He was focused on med school, and I didn’t want to wait. It was the biggest mistake of my life.” Marion’s voice was full of regret.
“So, you married Roger and the rest is history?” I asked.
“Pretty much. I married the lying, cheating jerk and lived with my choice for the last thirty years,” she said.
“You and Rich never…” I didn’t want to say what I was thinking.
“Had an affair? No, I never stepped outside of my marriage. Not that anyone would’ve blamed me if I had.” She was right about that. “No, I still had morals and kept my vows, even if I was the only one.”
Wow, that was commendable.
“But, now, things are different. I’m so ready for now,” she said, and then she started crying. Gah. Did I mention how much I hate when people cry? Seriously, nothing makes me more uncomfortable. I never, ever, know what to say. I always feel like such an idiot.
“I’m sorry,” she said after a moment.
I walked over and gave her a hug. For once, the right words came to mind. “You deserve to be happy,” I said.
Marion used the back of her hand to wipe away her tears. “I don’t know why I deserve it any more than the next person, but thank you.”
* * *
I had a lot on my mind after leaving Marion’s house. While I drove over to Mrs. J.’s, I thought about Finn and wondered what our future held. The man definitely had potential. It had been awhile since I’d been able to say that about any man. I prayed that I was becoming a better judge of character. I didn’t want to have two ex-fiancés.
My cell phone rang as I was getting out of the car. Like usual, Mrs. J. was sitting on her front porch—sweet tea at her side and a piece of pie on the breakfast table—just waiting for a visitor. She was dressed head to toe in black, no doubt already in mourning for the funeral tomorrow. My heart flipped when I looked down and saw Aria calling. It wasn’t the best timing, but I had to take it. I turned my back to the porch, but I knew Mrs. J. would still pick up the conversation.
“Girlie, what’s up? I’ve been wanting to talk to you for days,” I said.
“Ziva, can you hear me?” Aria’s phone was cutting in and out.
“Barely. What’s up?” I shouted back. Aria replied, but I couldn’t make out what she said. “What? I can’t hear you?” Now was not the time for poor reception.
Then her phone became crystal clear as she shouted, “I’m engaged!” I pulled the phone away in shock. Mrs. J. screamed in excitement on the front porch.
“Can you believe it? Engaged!” Aria shouted, “And you’ve got to see this ring.”
“I bet it’s amazing.” I could only imagine what type of bling Delgado had placed on her finger. I was beyond thankful that he was an innocent man. I didn’t want to think about the conversation we’d be having if he wasn’t.
I had been planning on telling Aria about her beloved car when she called, but I was not about to spoil her happiness. In fact, I just made up my mind to call her insurance company and try to get it taken care of before she got back.
Aria screamed with excitement and I smiled. This, this is what life was all about. I could’ve given her crap about just having met the guy and how crazy she was acting, but I didn’t. For once, I could let go of the stress from the past week and let Aria’s happiness wash over me. Life was good.
Kiss & Makeup
Book 2
Dear Reader,
Ziva Diaz may have taken down Eric, but he’s just the beginning.
Are you ready for a new case?
Poisonous pies and a dead body on the beach trip Ziva up in more ways than one.
Ziva doesn’t believe Mrs. J would murder anyone—too bad she’s the only one.
If that wasn't bad enough, someone is out to sabotage Aria's wedding and ruin Ziva's reputation.
Can Ziva solve the case and serve up some just desserts? Or will her investigation fall flatter than a wedding soufflé?
Find out in Book 2 of the Beauty Secrets Series: Kiss & Makeup.
About the Author
I'm a mystery author with a soft spot for romance and humor, too. I love all things girlie with a dollop of danger, have a strong affin
ity for the color pink (especially in diamonds and champagne), and, not to brag, but chocolate and I are in a pretty serious relationship. My books feature fearless females, a little bit of love, a few laughs, and a whole lot of whodunit. I hope my stories keep you guessing and laughing all the way until the end.
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www.stephaniedamore.com
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