by Emmie Lyn
I let out a horrified scream as I ran to catch Pip and intervene before she decided to do some real damage.
Scooping the yapping terror into my arms, I held a hand out to help the woman up, my face flaring with embarrassment.
“I’m so sorry,” I said. “I don’t know what she was thinking. Are you okay?”
The woman refused my hand and stood up quickly, brushing off sand from her legs and arms before she turned an angry gaze on me. “Isn’t there a leash law in this town?”
“Not on the beach.” Actually, I had no idea if that was true or not, but I said it with great authority and hoped she would believe me.
She harrumphed her displeasure.
I held my hand out again and mustered my most ingratiating smile. “Danielle Mackenzie.”
After a pause, the woman gave my hand the briefest shake. “Ava Fontaine. My husband said I’d have the beach to myself in the morning. I never expected to be mowed down by a ten-pound maniac.” She moved a couple steps away from the growling menace in my arms and glared at Pip as though she might have a communicable disease.
“Maybe if you let Pip sniff your hand, she’ll be okay.” I stepped closer to Ava.
One perfectly plucked eyebrow shot up as if I’d just suggested that she eat a bowl of week-old lobster carcasses. “I’m not a dog person.”
Along with her perfect tan, her immaculate bleached blonde ponytail and fancy nails, her attitude made me dislike her immediately.
“Well, then,” I said, at a loss as to what I could say next to mollify her. She looked like the litigious type. Was she going to tell me she had a whiplash from Pip’s enthusiastic lunge?
“Do you live here?” I asked, nodding at a house, barely visible behind the boulders and sand behind us. That was a neighborly question, but I sure hoped this wasn’t Rose’s neighbor. They would never get along.
“This?” She flicked her wrist as if I’d pointed to a slum. “Thank goodness, no. This house doesn’t even have its own movie theater or spa. No, Marty promised me a waterfront property with every amenity available. It’s the only way I’d agree to leave New York City for this backwater town.” Her eyes went all glassy for a moment. “I’m trying to endure that rental until we get into our own place.”
“Oh.” How do you respond to that insult? I had a few ideas, like give her a good slap, or let Pip attack her again, but neither of those choices would reflect well on me. Unfortunately. “And where is your place?” Hopefully, in another country on the other side of the world.
“Marty, that’s my husband, he wants to surprise me, but I told him, ‘Marty, hurry it up or I’ll be back in our penthouse apartment and you’ll be out a lot of money because I won’t come back for a second look.’” She leaned closer to me like she was about to reveal something super-secret. I leaned toward her. “He already bought a worthless piece of marsh from a slimy real estate guy. I’m about done with this plan Marty cooked up.”
I suddenly had a burning curiosity to find out more about this Marty Fontaine.
He sounded exactly like someone who might want a slimy real estate guy named Ray, dead.
Chapter Nine
After my conversation with the doll-like Ava Fontaine, I’d lost interest in jogging. Instead, with Pip tucked securely under my arm so she couldn’t cause any more trouble, I headed back the way we’d come. A leisurely pace gave me time to cool off after my encounter with the insulting woman.
With Ava only a small blip in the distance, I set Pip down and let her have her freedom on the beach again. She looked behind us, then at me. She had a proud and satisfied expression, and I was sure she was telling me that she’d scared off an evil woman, protecting me from something dreadful.
I laughed and thanked her for her hard work.
I started jogging back home and my new BFF followed, lapping at my heels. “Let’s see if Rose has cooked up any breakfast yet, Pip,” I said. “We need to fuel up for the rest of the day.”
As we approached the steps that led up to Rose’s home above Blueberry Bay, I was struck by its simplicity tucked among a stand of pine trees, the weathered gray shingles blending in with the natural landscape. This home that had withstood many storms was my safe place. With my grandmother at the helm and wonderful childhood memories, it stood as a beacon of security.
I sprinted up the steps, hearing Pip right at my heels. The top, opened onto Rose’s stone patio overlooking the beach. My three favorite people sat together, two expected and one a surprise—Rose, Lily, and Luke. Okay, I admit, Luke belonged in my circle. If I was honest with myself, he’d never left that special place, even when we’d lost touch with each other. I was surprised, though, to see him there this morning. Rose hadn’t mentioned he was joining us.
Luke must have noticed my confused expression. “Rose invited me to swing by for breakfast.”
“That’s right, I like having you young folks around.” Rose said as I plopped in the chair next to her. “How was your jog, Dani?”
Pip, her tongue hanging out and needing a drink, took her spot in the shade under my seat. I took her cue and pushed the dish of water Rose had set out, close to her.
“Interesting,” I said, mopping my brow with my towel. I turned to Rose. “Have you met your neighbor, Ava Fontaine? She and her husband, Marty, are renting a house not far from here.” With both tea and coffee on the table, I chose my favorite and poured a cup of tea from Rose’s flowered teapot.
“Ava and Marty Fontaine.” Rose pursed her lips and glanced down the beach as if she expected to see those neighbors. “What does she look like? Tall, thin, probably too much Botox for her own good?”
I shuddered at the memory of Ava’s over-manipulated looks. “I guess you know who I’m talking about. She was doing some yoga on the beach. I don’t think she’s too fond of our,” I made air quotes with my fingers, “backwater town.”
Rose lowered her head, looking at me over the top of her reading glasses. “She said that?”
“And …” I paused for emphasis, “her husband had some dealings with a slimy real estate guy.” I looked at Lily. “Her words not mine.”
“Maybe she was talking about someone besides Ray.” Lily crossed her arms and pouted, as if in his defense. I was reminded of the glow the deceased often took on that seemed to erase some of their defects while alive.
“Maybe,” I said, “but I don’t think so. She also said Marty bought a worthless piece of land. Didn’t you tell me that Ray unloaded something with the promise of a waterfront property?”
“So?” Lily said. I swear, she sounded as if she would take out anyone who had a bad word to say about her late husband.
“Well, Ava said Marty has a super-secret deal in the works. But,” I shifted sideways in my chair so I could see everyone straight on, “what if Ray sold him that worthless piece of land and then couldn’t deliver on the waterfront property he promised? Maybe Marty wanted to teach Ray a lesson.”
Luke, who had been sitting quietly while I spun my tale, came to life. His eyes darkened and his voice took on a bit of a growl when he said, “I think I know this Marty Fontaine guy you’re talking about. Ray brought him out to the farm for a look around, thinking Dad was alone and they could pile on the charm and sweet talk him into selling. Only problem was, I was home. I don’t think I made any friends when I kicked them off the property and explained exactly what would happen if they returned.”
I looked at Luke, confused. “But you don’t have waterfront property,” I said, trying to understand what was going on with Marty Fontaine. “Ava certainly didn’t have expectations of living on a blueberry farm. She needs all her,” I threw my hands up in air quotes, “amenities like a home theater and spa.”
Lily covered her mouth, catching most of the coffee that spurted out. “She told you that? How long were you talking to her? It sounds like you and Ava worked up quite a friendship on the beach.”
“Oh yeah,” I said, giving her a side eye. “I’ll be meeting her t
omorrow morning for beach yoga at seven. And then we’re going to do each other’s nails.”
“Really? That doesn’t sound like your kind of thing, Dani.”
Lily could be so gullible it almost made me feel guilty teasing her. She finally realized that I was being sarcastic, and she rolled her eyes at me.
I drained my tea before it got cold, and then continued. “I almost forgot to tell you guys the best part. Pip here,” I reached under my chair and scratched her chin. “Pip attacked Ava.”
A chorus of excited She didn’t! greeted that news from my audience.
“Oh yes she did! She leaped through the air like some sort of ninja fighter and knocked Ava over backwards right into the sand. I’m pretty sure she’s got sand in her shorty shorts and she’ll be itchy-scratchy all day.”
Rose let out a good belly laugh. “Now that, I would have liked to see. Pip the ten-pound, terrible terrier versus the beach yoga-lady—tickets only ten dollars, all money donated to the local animal shelter.” She crossed her long legs and adjusted her colorful skirt. “Should that be in the next issue of the Blueberry Bay Grapevine?”
We all had a good chuckle at that image. I was sure Ava would not see the humor. I wasn’t even sure if her face could manage a smile. “I promised Pip some breakfast, which she earned after her brilliant performance. What does everyone want to eat?”
“You’re cooking?” Luke asked. “I’ve always loved your cheesy, pepper omelet.” I admit, a warm glow crept up my spine when he smiled at me. But then I saw him lick his lips and figured it was for my omelet, not my company. At this point, I’d take what I could get, so I said, “Okay, everyone. If Rose is stocked up on eggs, I’ll make you all omelets. Come on Pip, I’ll get your breakfast first.”
Luke jumped up from his chair. “I’ll help, maybe grate the cheese or chop the peppers or just keep you company?”
Maybe I’d misread his enthusiasm for my cooking. When I slowed to let him catch up to me, I couldn’t miss the way his question expressed hope but also allowed me an easy out if I didn’t want help … or him keeping me company. “Sure, all of the above,” I said.
Rose grabbed Lily’s arm before she could join us. “Call us when breakfast is served. We’re going to enjoy the view a little longer.” Then she sat them both back down in their chairs.
Right, I thought. I could see through her charade of staying outside and letting Luke keep me company. My heart did a little dance—giddy and nervous at the same time.
“It’s great to be back on the east coast,” Luke said. “I’ve missed Blueberry Bay.”
Was that all he missed? “How’s your dad?”
Luke shrugged. “It’s been getting harder and harder for him to keep the farm going. I had a tough decision to make but … things happened and coming home turned out to be the best choice. I’m really happy I was around when Ray brought that slime ball, Marty, around. I could tell Dad was starting to give in to his sales pitch and I hate to think what would have happened if I hadn’t been there for that visit.”
I led the way through Rose’s living room into her kitchen. As familiar with her kitchen as if it were my own, I gathered the ingredients I needed—eggs, milk, cheddar cheese, and a red bell pepper. Giving Luke the cheese, pepper, grater, knife, and cutting board, I grinned at him and said, “You volunteered, so get to work.”
While I cracked and mixed the eggs with milk and spices, I relaxed and enjoyed Luke’s company. “Sorry to hear about your divorce.” I guess I was, and I wasn’t.
When I didn’t hear a response, I turned around to look at Luke. Had I said the wrong thing? He held the cheese suspended above the grater. His face had the pinched expression of someone caught in a very awkward situation.
“Who told you about a divorce?” he asked.
“Rose. Why?” My stomach began to clench. I didn’t like where this was going.
He seemed to remember what he was supposed to be doing and got back to grating the cheese. “She must have been talking to my dad. It’s not exactly the situation, Dani.”
It was my turn to forget what I was doing until the butter in the pan sizzled and smoked. I turned off the burner and moved the pan before I managed to blurt out, “You aren’t divorced? You mean it’s not final yet?”
Luke set the grater and cheese on the counter. The silence filled my ears with a deafening awkwardness.
He spoke across the room, but not quite at me. “I had to come home to help on the farm, but Jennifer decided to stay in California. I’m sorry if you got the wrong idea about me being home.”
I waved my hand like his comment was the silliest thing I’d ever heard. “Don’t worry about it, Luke. So…you and Jennifer?” I tried to keep the sob out of my voice.
“Right. Maybe I should leave.”
Before I could think of anything to say to stop him, because I wasn’t sure I wanted to, he turned and left. It shouldn’t have felt so painful. After all, it wasn’t the first time he’d yanked out my heart and shredded it like the mound of grated cheese on the counter.
Pip must have sensed something because she put one little paw on my leg and looked up with big soulful eyes.
“You’re right,” I said to her with tears streaming down my face. “What do I need him for anyway? I’ve got you.” I picked up my ten-pound bodyguard and hugged her close.
She wiggled and licked my ear.
Without a second thought about what Rose or Lily would think, I walked out of Rose’s kitchen before the walls closed in on me. I grabbed the keys to Rose’s dark green MG on the way to the garage, hit the garage door opener, and settled Pip on the passenger seat.
“Buckle up, Pip. We’re going for a ride.”
Pip sat as tall as possible and looked straight ahead, still only barely able to see over the dash. She gave a little woof, which I took to mean I’m ready, what the heck are you waiting for? Adventure is my middle name.
I zipped out of the garage without a backward glance, not sure where I was headed, but the MG would get me there and Pip would be by my side.
Chapter Ten
I shouldn’t have been surprised that I wouldn’t get far before my phone chimed. Rose’s name popped up on the screen. Should I answer? I had to.
I pulled to the side of the road. “Hello, Rose.”
“You left my kitchen a mess. Have you been kidnapped?” she asked. “Is everything okay, Dani? If you don’t answer, I’ll know someone is holding you at gunpoint, and I’ll call AJ to track you down.”
I felt bad that I’d worried her. “Yes…no. I needed some air…and distance.”
Silence greeted my ears. I sighed, knowing I had to say something. I decided to try the truth. “Listen, Luke isn’t divorced, and I kind of made a fool of myself.”
I couldn’t tell if she made a joke or was serious when she said, “Oh, what did you do? Throw yourself at him?”
“Nothing like that. Pip and I are taking a ride so I can clear my head.”
“I know you’re taking a ride. My MG is gone. Please be careful and don’t scratch it.”
I heard Lily shout in the background. “The omelets are almost done, come back and get some breakfast in you before you do something dumb in a fit of hunger. You know you don’t make good decisions on an empty stomach, Dani.”
Rose’s voice came through weary but with her never ending touch of love attached. “She’s right, honey. Let’s sit down together and make a plan.”
I lowered the phone and looked at Pip, her tongue hanging out. “What do you think we should do?”
“Dani? Are you talking to Pip?” Rose’s muffled voice came through the phone. “Let me talk to her.”
That sounded so ridiculous I had to laugh. I could talk to Pip; she was sitting right next to me, but Rose talking to her through the phone? Why not? I held the phone to Pip’s ear and heard Rose say, “You’re the sensible one in that car, tell Dani to turn around and come back for breakfast. I’ve mixed up rice and ground chicken for you, Pip. I
f Dani hurries, we’ll even save something for her.”
I jammed the phone between my shoulder and ear while I turned the car around. “She’s licking her lips, Rose. I think you swayed her when you said the magic word. Chicken.” I let the phone drop in my lap and punched end call.
“Traitor,” I said to Pip, but deep down I was relieved to know that Lily and Rose had breakfast waiting.
A black BMW raced by me, almost running me off the road into the rocks that acted as the guardrail on this bad corner. I glimpsed a blonde behind the wheel.
“Where are you going in such a dreadful hurry?” I screamed at the fool, but she had passed me.
“Was that your yoga enemy?” I asked Pip. “If it was, she needs more yoga in her life to get rid of that road rage.” One more black mark against her, not that she needed any more.
After I parked in the garage, I turned to my companion. “We’ll go for a longer drive later, okay?”
Pip’s tail waved like a flag on a windy day. She made my heart soar.
“Come on, Princess Pip, breakfast is waiting.” She didn’t hesitate to jump out and follow me inside. I loved how she trusted me completely. It must be because I rescued her from that terrifying ordeal at the diner. “What happened to Ray?” I asked her.
She didn’t answer but I decided there was a fifty/fifty chance that she would point me in the right direction when the time was right.
A pleasing aroma of bacon, eggs, and toast assaulted me—in an exquisite, mouthwatering way—as soon as I stepped inside Sea Breeze. Pip dashed straight to the kitchen.
She was no fool.
Rose had set the table for four in the kitchen nook with a view of the bay. A small bouquet of wild buttercups surrounded by Rose’s blueberry plates napkins, and silverware looked like a page from a designer housewares catalog.
Rose had appointed Lily her assistant and she cast a hello over her shoulder as she put the finishing touches on breakfast.