Page 34 of Fortune's Control
“That sounds bad.”
“Your mother is toxic. She’s a selfish woman who you should never, ever listen to. I mean, who calls their mother bytheir first name? I don’t call mine Elizabeth Jessica.”
My shoulders slumped. I knew my mother wasn’t the best example of parenthood, but it hurt. Sarah Jane was the only family I had. “So, you don’t think I should follow her advice?”
“Oh, no, don’t get me wrong. She’s right about this. Don’t fall into his arms at the first hint of an apology.”
A vulnerable lilt in his voice had replaced Shane’s typical stoic expression. His apology wasn’t grand or poetic, but it was honest.
“Well, that’s easy to do because he’s on his way to Miami.”
“Then you’re alone?” I could almost hear Emma stiffen at this news. She delivered a stern lecture after learning about my marriage, but before talking to Shane on the phone and switching to his champion. Now, she put him in the penalty box. The only reason she didn’t immediately arrive in Fortune’s Creek was a mutual fear that it would alert Sandy’s killer to my whereabouts. We were both paranoid, despite Detective Davis’ reassurances.
“His friends are checking on me.”
“His friends, huh? I don’t know them, so they don’t count. My parents’ anniversary party is over, so I can borrow a car from my parents and visit.”
I brightened, jumping and knocking my laptop off my knees. I caught and set it on the ground to prevent an accident. “When could you be here?”
“Give me a day to wrap up my job, and I’ll be there.”
I squealed into the phone. “Hurry and get here. Drive fast, but don’t speed. No, speed a little, but stay safe. I’ll send yousome visuals.”
*****
“So, what will you do next?” Lainey took another bite of her salad.
“That’s the big question. We’ve checked tax rolls, newspapers, and the graveyard. I’m out of ideas.
She covered her mouth to swallow. We’ve met for lunch a few times, and I’ve since learned she’s a fastidious eater. “You could rent a sign. ‘Are you missing a granddaughter? Please call or text 555-1234.’ Either that, or go with Shane’s idea.”
My throat closed at his name. Gone less than a day, and I already missed him. It’s not as if we spend all our time together, especially considering we haven’t spoken for three days. All we had were names. Women within a particular age range who are still residents in town. “I’m not sure what to do.” The next logical step was to ask my mother again. Sarah Jane might tell me with enough flattery and luck.
What if my grandmother is just like my mother?
The Creekside Diner’s door opened, and four white-haired women entered, taking a nearby booth.
“Who are they?”
“Some of the book club.”
I studied each one, searching for a sense of kinship or familiarity, and found nothing. They were strangers.
Diane came in next. She crossed her arms over her chest and strode right towards us. “Enjoying a late lunch?”
“Hi Diane,” I said.
Diane Jones put her name as a witness on our absurd wedding license and now made a point of checking in on our marriage. She took the chair next to Lainey. “Now tell me, how is Fortune’s Creek’s newest honeymooner?”
My cheeks heated. “We’re doing well. Shane is out of town, helping his friend Aiden with a job.”
“Oh, you must miss him. Parted so soon after your honeymoon.”
I swallowed, uncertain how to respond. I appreciated her idyllic rewriting of our nuptials, but it also made me uncomfortable.
Lainey and I shared a look. She knew as much as Emma. I opened up to her after the disastrous date with Shane and ended up stopping her from going to battle on my behalf. It was gratifying to have someone local on my side.
“I miss him very much.” My lips thinned in my effort to hold back a laugh.
