Page 118 of Perfect Composition
“HomeGoods. There isn’t a chance we won’t find something there. Paige, get ready. This day is going to be one you won’t forget.”
“Do you want a tour first?” I offer.
Carys shakes her head. “Nope. Because there’s always something unique to bring home at HomeGoods. And we’re going to help you build your home around it.”
“I love how that sounds.” Is it my imagination, or do all three women relax a bit? “Let me get my stuff.”
I’m halfway to the stairs when Carys calls out, “Paige, before we go, I need to clear the air.”
I pause before facing her. “Okay.”
“If I gave you my word that the photo wasn’t what you think it was, would it make a difference?”
My eyes flutter as waves of despair wash over me. “No.”
Her brow furrows. “Why?”
“Because how could he forgive me for doubting him? So, part of me hopes that’s not what you’re here to tell me today.”
“It wasn’t,” Carys says.
“All right.”
“I had to bring in our investigation team. They confirmed the photo was legitimate.” A shaft of pain lances through me at Carys’s words. “But it was from before you. Ward confronted the news source who originally took it to find out it was stolen from a disgruntled employee who was fired at StellaNova and sold.”
I turn and sit on the stairs. “God, what did I do?”
Austyn rushes forward. “Nothing that can’t be undone, Mama.”
I brush her hair back. “You weren’t on that call, Austyn. The things I said…the way I must have made him feel… Maybe today isn’t a good day for this.” I start to rise when Austyn does something she hasn’t done since she was seven.
She sits on my lap, causing me to let out an inadvertent “Umph.”
“Her shoes are by the couch. Jacket will be in the closet near the hall.”
“Austyn,” I snap. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Getting your head out of your ass, Mama.”
I wriggle my butt. “It feels like you’re molding yours to mine. Will you get up?”
“Not until you promise to go shopping.”
“What is it about shopping?” I demand.
“We want you to know you’re not alone, Paige. We know Beckett. We’ve been friends with him for years. Something happened to set you off, and it wasn’t just some photo. It’s our job to figure it out so it doesn’t ruin the best thing happening in his life. Again,” Carys says bluntly.
I relent. I haven’t had many female friends, and I need some insight. But first, “Coffee. We have to go to the Coffee Shop and get some coffee. I won’t survive much more of today without it.”
Within moments, we’re headed into downtown Collyer. Carys follows my directions and parks across the street. “This place is adorable,” she announces.
“I love it. Food’s terrific, coffee is a miracle. We might have to wait for a few as the place is mobbed on Saturdays.”
“Who cares? God, check out that necklace?” Austyn drools over the beadwork in the dress shop next door.
I make a mental note to stop by later and pick it up for her as Angie swings the door open.
Like I expected, every booth is occupied, and Ava is spinning wildly, taking orders and issuing refills. I walk directly up to the to-go counter. Ava spots me and calls out, “Just a moment, Paige!”
