Page 57 of Evidence of Deceit

“Sorry, I was going over what had to be done today.”

“Oh, okay.” Claire rubbed the back of her neck. “Um, I was wondering if you would like to go out for coffee or a drink after work? I know how it is when you are new to an area and don’t know people.”

Oh, hell, yes, she would.Claire was making this too easy. She had no idea that her days were numbered. Why Keith wanted this numbnuts was beyond her. Well, he was dead, and Claire would be soon.

“That’s so sweet of you. I’d love to.”

“Great, we’ll connect after work. I know just the fun place to go.”

Claire brought Hillaryto Neptune’s Navel. The place was always fun and upbeat. Hillary had looked like she needed a little more downtime. They managed to grab a small table inside. She shivered. The weather had taken a turn for the worse and was cold and windy. No one was out on the patio tonight.

When the server came over, she suggested one of Jake’s famous Zombie Painkillers. Those would warm them up. She observed Hillary as she glanced around the funky tiki bar.

“Wow, this place has it all. The parrot, the waterfall, the nets, funky lights. I’m impressed,” said Hillary. “How did you find this?”

“Oh, Sam brought me here, and I love it.”

“Sam. She’s your cousin’s girlfriend, right?” said Hillary.

“Yes.” She and Sam were bonding over their love of helping at the women’s shelter. Claire enjoyed getting to know Sam better, even though she gave off intense vibes. Claire thought underneath that façade there was a sensitive… She shook her head. Nah, underneath, Sam was still intense although incredibly generous in spirit. “So, tell me how you’re doing? I know it’s hard to leave everything behind and start over. Do you miss New York?”

Hillary hesitated. “Well, I don’t miss the weather or my old job.”

“I get not missing gray, cold days.”

“That’s for sure,” said Hillary.

“Have you found another place yet?”

“No, I’m still looking. I can’t decide if I want to buy a condo or rent a bigger place for a while.”

Claire nodded. “Smart. No sense making that decision quickly.”

“Ladies, I have your drinks.” The server put the colorful drinks down in front of them.

“Oh my,” Hillary exclaimed. “I’ve never seen a drink like this before.”

Claire picked up her glass. “A toast. To new friendships and new beginnings.”

They clinked glasses.

Hillary set her drink down. “Are you a native Floridian?”

“Yes. I grew up here, but I left here to attend college in New York. Then my parents bought a house up there to be closer to my sister and me.”

“So why did you move back here?”

Claire sat back in her chair. How to answer that question? She sure wasn’t telling Hillary about Keith.

“I missed the warm weather and palm trees.”

“Did you leave a boyfriend behind?”

“Nah, no boyfriend.”How about a lying, cheating, abusive husband?“How about you?”

A look of anger passed over Hillary’s face. Then it was gone. “My boyfriend died, so nothing was tying me to New York.”

“Gosh, I’m sorry to hear that.” And she was. How sad to have a relationship and then lose the person you loved. That sure wasn’t her, but she could sympathize.

---