“What about the other one?” Matt asked Tony.
“She was a missing coed from NYU. It looks like Irwin had a bit of a problem.”
“Makes you wonder if there are any more missing girls. Let’s hope Irwin is ready to talk.” Matt followed Tony to the interrogation room. The closer Matt got to the room; the louder the yelling was. “This is liable to be bad.” He saw Tony nod.
Chapter 34
“You haven’t seen Matt much since his return from Palm Springs.” Sadie carried the box of bookmarks over to the checkout counter.
“It is always that way at the end of a case. He has so much to do, including paperwork, but he calls every night.” She smiled.
“Tonight’s the big night, are you excited about it?” Sadie sat down on a stool at the counter. “The store looks great.”
Jessie smiled at her, “I can hardly contain myself. Ever since I can remember, I wanted a bookstore. Idle Time Books is finally a reality.” She turned around looking at the store with a critical eye. “I love it; I love the look of it and the smell of the books. I love that you are here and Matt will soon be to share it with me. Katie will be here too, along with Liam, Jeremy, and all my new friends. What more could I ask for?” She grinned. “Besides, Corinne Clark will be signing books. You know she’s my favorite. I’ve read most all of her books.”
“Did you say Liam Donavon is coming?” Sadie turned to look at her. “Didn’t you use to have a crush on him?”
“I did many years ago. He considered me a pest, which I was.” She laughed. “He always had plenty of gorgeous girls in his life.” She arranged the bookmarks in a basket as she talked.
“I remember that about Liam. He always had a new girlfriend every time he came home. He was one of the biggest flirts in our small town.” Sadie handed her more bookmarks from the box.
“I don’t know about flirts, I do know he tortured Katie and me. But that was long ago, and we’ve all grown up. And now, Matt’s in my life.” Jessie sighed. “I hope he makes it in time.”
“He said he’d be here, and he will be. Matt is worth keeping, that’s for sure. I wouldn’t let anyone mess it up if I were you.” Sadie straightened the bookmarks in the basket.
“I know he’s a keeper, Grams. He’s certainly brought excitement to my life.” Jessie looked at her watch. She missed him more than she had thought possible,
Katie arrived, bringing the appetizers and drinks for the night. “I wanted to get the table ready for the food. Liam should be here at any time. Jeremy is coming too.” Katie blushed. “I have to look fabulous. Oh, Jessie, it looks great in here.” She turned in a slow circle. “I love those pendant lights. I’ll put the table right under them and back against the wall.”
Jessie watched as Katie began to create her magic. Some food went into the refrigerator in the back room. The warming trays were set up. She arranged the table so it would display the appetizers to best advantage. It would be another stellar job. Jessie wrapped her arms around her friend. “I want you to know how happy I am about my two best friends being together.”
“If you think you’re happy, you should be me. I think I’m in love, Jessie. I mean really in love, the kind of love that poets write sonnets about.” She smiled. “I’m trying to take it slow and easy so I don’t scare him off.”
Jessie rolled her eyes and laughed. “Still you have to be you, Katie. Don’t let any man change you. You’re great the way you are, and someone will love you for who you are.” Jessie saw the face Katie made. “Okay, I know, I’ll stop preaching. If you’re happy, then I’m happy.”
“I’m excited to see Liam. I haven’t seen him for a while. I want him to meet Jeremy.” Katie took out a serving tray for the cookies she had made. “You know my brother. I’m not sure I’ll be able to control him when he gets a load of you. He’ll be kicking himself for sure. Too bad you have Matt.”
“I think a better way to say it is that Matt has me.” Jessie sighed and gave her a dreamy look.
Katie looked at her and laughed. “I’m done with the small things. I’ll be back to finish in time for your opening.” Katie waved as she walked out the door.
Jessie and Sadie left after Katie. Looking at the clock, Jessie realized she had just enough time to get dressed and back to the store to make sure everything was ready. She pulled the form-fitting blue dress that Sadie had bought her out of the closet. She would wear it for Matt, she thought and smiled. He’d loved it the first time she wore it. She had some plans of her own for tonight.
“I’m so glad you wore that dress. It looks beautiful on you. Where did you get the sapphire necklace? It’s perfect.” Sadie held the necklace up to get a better look at it.
“Reba Thompson gave it to me. I wore it the night of the explosion at the Yacht Club.” Jessie frowned. “I’ve just realized how often I associate things with all the calamities that have happened since moving here. I hope this isn’t going to be a trend. Reba will be there tonight, and I want you two to meet. I think the two of you will get along swimmingly.” They headed back to the store. Jessie unlocked the door and turned on the first light.
“You have to admit your life has been exciting.” Sadie sat down in one of the comfy chairs while Jessie turned on the rest of the lights.
“It has been.” She sighed. “Although, I wonder how many times you can be chased, shot at, almost blown up, and still make it out alive.” She patted Sadie’s shoulder as she walked by her. “I’ve been lucky so far but…” The bell on her door rang, interrupting her. She turned when Katie, Jeremy, and Liam entered. Liam was just as she remembered him, tall with green eyes that always seemed to sparkle with mischief. He had the same coppery hair as Katie, but somewhere Katie had missed out on the height. He was handsome in a laid back, charming kind of way.
“Look who I brought with me. I’ve already told Liam he was the biggest fool to let you slip through his fingers.”
Jessie rolled her eyes and blushed. “Hi, to you, too.”
Katie set the box she was carrying down on the table. “Just put those on the floor, right there, boys.” She pointed to the spot.
“She’s always was a bossy kid, ever since I can remember.” Liam winked at Jessie and ruffled Katie’s hair. She slapped his hand. “She’s right in your case, though. Who would have thought all of those arms and legs would grow up into you.” He gave her the once over and then a big hug.
She pulled free first. He was Liam; only she was the object of his intense looks. “Nice to see you, too.” She smiled and walked over to stand with Sadie, a safe distance from him.
“Didn’t I tell you Liam was a big flirt?” Sadie grinned at him.
“Yes, you did, Grams, and you were right.”
“Sadie, is that you, darlin?” He bent down and kissed her cheek. “Still a beauty, I see.”
She patted his cheek. “You’re full of blarney, but I love you.”
Jessie left Katie to order her brother and Jeremy about and finished with the last minute details. She looked at her watch again. Relief filled her when Corrine Clark walked through the door. Her arrival signaled the last significant detail to be completed. Katie gushed over her; Liam rolled his eyes, and Sadie had her book signed. Finally, it was time. She removed the paper cover from the French doors that connected the store to Joe’s and opened them wide. Jessie walked to the front door. She could see Reba waving at her and Molly with Kenny standing in line. All of them were waiting for her store to open. She felt all fluttery with excitement. She smiled, turned the sign over the door to open, and her night began.
“You’ve grown up quite nicely.” Liam put his arm around her shoulder.
She slipped out from under it. “You’re a tease.”
“I’d never tease about finding you attractive.” He smiled at her.
She tossed her head. “If I remember, you always found someone attractive, but I wasn’t among them.”
“You used to like me once, and followed me around as I remember it.”
<
br /> “I was in high school, and that was many years ago. I’m seeing someone right now that I care deeply about.” She met his teasing green eyes. “I’m not in the market for a change. Excuse me, I need to talk to some folks and mingle.” She walked away, feeling his eyes on her.
Sadie motioned her over. “Don’t let the scallywag make you nervous. He only does it to see you blush.”
“I know. I wish Matt would get here.” Jessie’s eyes went to the door.
“He’ll be here, dear. Please try to enjoy your night.” Sadie patted her hand.
“I know you’re right. Look at all these people. Corrine will have significant sales from this.” Jessie waved to Reba as she strolled her way. “Reba, this is my grandmother, Sadie.”
“If you don’t mind,” she pointed to the chair, “you’re just the person I wanted to chat with.” Reba sat down beside her.
“I don’t mind at all.” Sadie smiled at Reba. “Jessie, why don’t you get us some refreshments? It will give you something to do while you’re waiting for him.”
Jessie left them to talk. She filled two small plates with Katie’s fantastic creations and put them on the table between the women along with two glasses of wine to enjoy while they chatted. She continued to greet guests and look at her watch every few minutes. She had almost given up hope when she heard the bell ring again. She knew without looking that he was there. He stood in the doorway looking at her with hunger in his eyes. She felt herself moving toward him, trying not to run.
“Hi, sweetheart. I’ve missed you.” He put his arm around her possessively.
“Hi, yourself. I know the feeling. I was beginning to wonder if you’d make it.” She glanced up through her lashes at him.
“You had to know I’d be here. I couldn’t miss your big night. You look good enough to eat.” He gave her his lopsided grin. “How’s our Sadie?”
Jessie smiled, gazing into his eyes. “She’s getting to know Reba.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea. There’s no telling what those two could be capable of together.”
Jessie chuckled. “It should be interesting to say the least.” Her face lit up. “Isn’t it wonderful? Look at all these people!”
“The place is full, good for you.” He smiled and looked at her. “I’m having a hard time getting past the sight of you in that dress.”
“I wore it just for you.” She gazed into his eyes again.
“You did?” A smile spread across his face.
She nodded. “I sure did, because you liked it on me.”
“I remember.” He raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you can handle it?”
“The question is—can you?” She fluttered her eyes at him and leaned close to him. “You do know that Jeremy and Katie are an item?”
“I sure do, but not as hot as we are.” He saw the familiar pink tinge on her cheeks.
She turned her face away from him, fanning her face. “Evan and Adriana are here, so are Molly and Kenny, and Liam Donavon, Katie’s brother.” She pointed to them in the crowd.
“Am I in danger of an old crush coming back to haunt me?” His smile faded.
“Not even a little bit.” She rolled her eyes at him. “Don’t you have some things you need to share with me? I want to know all about the case.” She grabbed his hand.
“I’ll get to all of it later, but not now. It’s time to celebrate your store.” He bent a little closer and whispered in her ear. “As soon as we’re alone, we’ll celebrate us, too.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” She touched his face. “I like you all scruffy like this. If I have to wait until we’re alone to celebrate, then I’m holding on to you. I haven’t seen you since you got back from Palm Springs, and I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
“Believe me, I’m not going anywhere. You can glue me to your side. I would like nothing more than to be alone with you right now.”
“Me, too. Let’s get this over with, then.” She took him over to meet Liam.
****
Matt loved watching Jessie work the room. She was good at it. The folks of Blue Cove had turned out in record number for her opening. She had won their hearts just as she had won his. He wanted to show her how much she meant to him. He looked at the clock on the wall. He still had thirty minutes until he would have her to himself.
He walked over to Sadie and Reba. “What have you two been cooking up over here?”
“We’re solving the world’s problems.” Sadie winked at him. “I was wondering when you were going to come around and talk to me.” She smiled at his distraction. “I see you can hardly take your eyes off of her.”
“Guilty as charged. She’s good to look at, and I’ve missed her.” He smiled when she laughed at something Molly said.
“I’ll let you in on a little secret—she’s missed you too.” Sadie patted his hand.
“It’s good you’re home to guard what’s yours. There’s some competition brewing, and he’s not keeping it secret,” Reba warned him. “Don’t let him move in. He’s a real charmer.” Reba frowned as she looked at Liam.
“Do you have plans to spend some time with her tonight?” Sadie smiled up at him.
“I do if you don’t mind being alone for a little while. I promise not to keep her away too long.”
“You don’t even need to ask. Of course, carry out your plans with my blessing.”
“Ladies, behave yourselves.” He walked over to help Jessie pack up Corrine’s books, as she got ready to leave.
“I’m glad she brought extra.” Jessie closed one of the cartons of books. “As it was, she sold everything that I had on hand along with one of the boxes that she brought. It was a banner night for her.” Jessie kept a few out of the last box. “I’ll keep these twenty signed books for people who might have missed tonight.”
He carried the boxes out to her van for Corinne. He laughed when he heard the way Katie was bossing her brother. He had always wondered what it would be like to have a sister. Maybe not having one wasn’t such a bad thing. “Is she always like that?” He winked at Katie.
“Ever since I can remember she’s bossed me around.” Liam pulled a pathetic face. “Even as a little bit of thing.”
“Enjoy your visit.” Matt nodded. “There’s always the beach if you need a little peace and quiet.”
“I plan on it, along with renewing an old acquaintance.” He looked at Jessie when he said it.
The challenge had been issued. Matt had seen the way Liam had looked at Jessie all night. Jessie might be over her high school crush on Liam, but he was seeing her all grown up for the first time. Liam was interested and he would be a damn nuisance. “I hope you can take the time to see the area and do a little fishing if you like it. Blue Cove is a great area for it.” Matt smiled at Jessie when she walked up and grabbed his hand.
Jessie laughed. “Liam fish? That’s not likely, unless, of course, a beautiful girl is the one holding the fishing rod.”
“Hey, that’s not fair unless you’re volunteering.”
She shook her head. “Not me, I’m taken. But I still think it’s quite accurate. Even Sadie remembers it that way.” She turned to Matt. “I’m just about ready to close up. If you guys carry those boxes out to Katie’s car, we’ll call it a night.” She leaned close to his ear. “I think we have some catching up to do.”
“Yes, ma’am, we sure do.”
Matt helped Jeremy and Liam carry all of Katie’s boxes out to her car. Katie and Jessie were laughing when they came back in the store.
“That’s how I remember those two. They were always laughing like that.” Liam gave Jessie an admiring glance. “It is amazing to me that they have managed to remain friends all these years. I hardly remember anyone from college, much less elementary school.”
“They’re close all right. I hope you enjoy your stay.” Matt shook Liam’s hand. “I’m going spend some time with my girl. I hope you don’t mind.” He stayed with Jessie as she locked up the store, and the
y walked out to the car hand in hand. “I’ll be at your house in about twenty minutes. I already asked Sadie, and she’s okay with it.” He opened the door for Jessie and then walked Sadie over and opened her door.
Sadie looked up at Matt. “I hope you keep putting that Donavon boy in his place,” she said quietly. “He was always a big flirt. I know he’s interested in my Jessie, but she belongs to you. He was always chasing after anything in a skirt.”
“I hate to tell you, Sadie; that’s what guys do when they’re young.” He grinned.
“I wasn’t born yesterday, I know all that.” She sniffed. “The thing is, he’s still like that. I wouldn’t put it past him to come around, mess things up, and take off. He doesn’t seem to want to settle down.”
“If you’re wondering if I would give up or fight for her. I can tell you right now, I would fight for her. That’s how I feel about it. I missed her so much the last few weeks. Half of me was missing.”
She patted his cheek. “That’s all I needed to know.”
Chapter 35
Matt had a few last minute details to take care of, but he still pulled up at her house right on time. She answered his knock, and he stepped in. “Sadie, here’s my number. If you need anything call.”
“Thank you. You two run along and have a nice time.” She waved from the sofa. “I’m going to watch a show on TV.”
He bent down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Call if you need us.”
“I will, but I doubt if I’ll need you,” Sadie whispered in Matt’s ear. “Put the roses back in her cheeks.”
“I’ll do my best,” he whispered back.
“What are you two whispering about?” Jessie tapped her foot. “Grams, what are you up to now?”
“Nothing, dear. I just told him I wouldn’t be calling him.” Sadie smiled at Matt.
“Where are we headed?” Jessie took his hand after he shut the door.
“You’ll see.” He opened the car door for her. “I missed you.” He closed the door, got in, and started the engine. “How are you processing the events of the last few weeks?”
The Game Changer Page 25