Page 19 of Secrets on Sapphire

Harley told Edie the women read a couple of the books from the Stephanie Plum series a year and that the series was practically never ending. She told Edie the gist of the stories and characters and Edie thought it was the perfect book for her book club meeting. The group was on Smokin’ Seventeen and though Edie had the book tucked under her arm, she couldn’t help but read the back of the book’s precursors.

“That series is the best isn’t it?” Edie heard someone ask from behind her.

“Oh, I’ve actually never read them before.” She turned to face the petite woman with coconut creamy skin and warm, brown eyes. Her light brown hair topped her head in a messy bun. She, like Edie, had plain features, but was strikingly beautiful. Sarah.

“And you’re starting with Smokin’ Seventeen?” Sarah pointed to the book under Edie’s arm.

“Well, we’re reading it for book club. I’m new to the club and haven’t read the others yet. They all sound really good though!” Edie smiled.

“We?”

“Sorry. My friends and I.” Edie hated herself for calling those women her friends. The word almost caused bile to fill her mouth.

“I see. Well the stories can be read out of order for the most part, but I would suggest getting One for the Money along with your book club read. You’ll like it, I promise.”

“You know what? I think I will! You’ve convinced me.” Edie picked up the book off of the shelf. “Do you live around here?”

“No, no. I’m just visiting a friend. You?”

“Yeah, I live not too far away. In the old Cavanaugh house.”

The woman had an expressionless look on her face.

“Oh. That’s right. You’re not from here. Okay, there’s a story behind the house and every time I mention it to someone, I wait for their reaction,” Edie said, staying in the character of someone who did not know anything about the Cavanaugh’s except for the story that came with their house.

“I like stories. Maybe we could meet for coffee sometime and you can tell me what happened . . . sounds interesting.”

“Sure! Why not? You had me at coffee. How long are you in town for?” Edie started digging in her purse for her card.

“A couple of weeks.” Sarah smiled.

“Perfect. Okay, well here’s my card. It’s got my cell on it.” Edie handed over the small piece of paper. Sarah reached for it and Edie noticed the small black key tattooed on her wrist. Pretty.

“I’ll give you a call.” Sarah looked at the name and number on the card and placed it in her pocket. She smiled and turned to walk away.

“Hey!” Edie called after her. “What’s your name?”

“Oh, I’m sorry Edie, it’s Miley.” She waved and turned back on her heel. Sarah had recognized Edie from college. They were never friends or even shared a simple hello. She knew Edie was Tim’s younger sister. How much did Edie know? Sarah exited the store thinking about how informative her coffee date with Edie might be. With a sly smile on her face, she was gone.

After the woman disappeared, Edie found herself lost in thought for a moment. She wondered how the woman knew her name, but remembered it was on her card. She shook her head and smiled. She had a reason for being on Sapphire Court, but there was nothing wrong with making a real friend. Right?

“I’ll take these.” She placed the two books on the counter.

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