Page 102 of Conquering Oz

Elodie got up from the couch and headed to the bathroom to shower and get ready. Unfortunately, with short notice, none of the girls were scheduled. It meant she’d be on the floor all day. Like a gift from above, in the afternoon Charley showed up with a bowl of soup. She’d been under the impression the store had still been closed. She insisted on staying and working a few hours to relieve Elodie.

“Thanks for coming in.” Elodie folded her arms, leaning against the counter as Charley buttoned her jacket. “And for staying. Pretty sure I would’ve closed early without you.”

Charley smiled, peeking over. “I’m always available, Elle. But um…” Charley paused and rocked back on her feet. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sure, because there’s a bug going around, and you look a little pale, and…” Charley clamped her lips together, and her cheeks pinkened. She waved her hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say you don’t look good. Of course, you always do and…”

“Charley.” Elodie chuckled and grasped hold of her hand. “I just have a lot going on. And now that you mention it, I’ve been extremely tired, so maybe I am coming down with something.”

Elodie had felt a little off, and battling exhaustion and bouts of nausea, which she chalked up to the events with Oz. She needed to take better care of herself.I’m all I’ve got.

“I appreciate your concern, but I promise I’m okay.”

Charley walked to the door just as a customer was walking in.Dammit. Her brain was in a complete fog, and she’d forgotten to flip the “Closed” sign over. Charley widened the door and looked back at Elodie with a shaky smile.

Elodie held up her hand and winked, mouthing, “It’s fine.”

The woman walked in, but Elodie was so focused on Charley she only saw a flash of blonde hair before a display blocked her from view.

Charley gave a short wave and walked out. Elodie made a beeline for the front of the store, securing the lock and flipping the sign. She was in no position to turn away customers, but she wouldn’t be inviting any in after hours. The woman’s back was to Elodie, and she eyed her as she returned to the counter.

“Let me know if I can help you with anything.”

The woman stilled and slowly turned.

“Hello, Elodie. I’m not sure if you remember me.”

Elodie mustered up a smile and gave a nod. “I do. It’s nice seeing you again, Camille.”

Camille eyed her and cocked her head. “You can call me Cam. No one calls me Camille except Oz. He’s got a fixation on formal names. If I remember correctly, most people call you” —she flattened her lips— “Elle, right?”

“Yes.”

Camille chuckled, glancing over at the jewelry display. She slipped her fingers under a gold chain. It was dainty and fragile, and Camille treated it gently. Elodie didn’t feel as though she was in danger, but she wasn’t entirely comfortable.

“I haven’t seen you in here before.”

“First time. You have beautiful things.”

“Thank you. Is there something in particular you’re looking for?”

Camille drew up her finger, pointing. “You.”

An unsettling vibe suffused the room. She was sensing Oz had downplayed his relationship with Camille. Why else would a random ex-employee show up at her boutique? Elodie maneuvered around the counter and peered out the window. It hadn’t gone unnoticed. Camille looked over at the door and windows. With the exception of a couple passing by, the road was empty.

Camille said all the right things and looked the part, but Elodie sensed something was off. It was too random that she’d show up at her store just as she was closing and alone.

“I’m scaring you.” Camille’s voice was soft.

Elodie snorted and shook her head.

“No.”

Camille smiled. “Good. Because it’s not my intention.”

Interesting.

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