Page 104 of Sunsets at the Beach House

Dinah seemed surprised by Margo’s sudden agreeability. “That’s right.”

Conrad left the topic alone. “I’ll put your things in the guest room.”

He disappeared again, leaving Margo to wonder if that was his way of dealing with his sister. Keeping himself busy. But that couldn’t last forever.

Margo gestured toward the kitchen. “Would you like something to drink? I’m sure you know your way around, but I’d be happy to get you a glass of water or iced tea.”

“Water would be good.”

Margo headed for the kitchen. She took a glass from the cabinet, filled it with ice at the refrigerator, then water from the dispenser next to it. She handed it to Dinah. “There you go.”

Dinah took the glass but didn’t drink. “This book you and Conrad are writing. What’s it about?”

“It’s a thriller. A murder mystery. Our working title is The Widow.”

“How fun.” Dinah took a sip of her water. “I’ve heard it said you should write what you know. Does that mean you’re a widow?”

The question hit Margo like a splash of cold water. She took a breath, gripping her composure. “I am. Twice over.”

Dinah’s manicured brows rose. “Is that right?” She took another sip. “So is this book sort of autobiographical?”

She said it in a joking fashion, and thankfully, Conrad returned in time to catch it. He frowned. “What are you talking about?”

Margo understood immediately that Dinah was a game player and a pot stirrer. Margo decided right then that she wasn’t going to join in. Plain truth was her best weapon. “Your sister wants to know if the murder mystery we’re writing is based on my life, seeing as how she’s just insinuated I had something to do with the death of my husbands.” She looked at Dinah. “Is that about right?”

“Dinah.” Conrad glared at her. “What on Earth has gotten into you? What kind of thing is that to say?”

“I wasn’t, that is, I didn’t,” Dinah sputtered. “I was just making a joke.”

Margo laughed softly. “Oh, is that what that was? You’ll have to forgive me for not picking up on the subtlety of your humor.” She felt for Conrad. But she wasn’t staying here another second longer so that Dinah could use her for a punching bag. “I’m going to run. I’m sure you two have a lot of catching up to do.”

She smiled at Conrad. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

He looked about as unhappy as she’d seen him. “I’ll walk you out.”

Neither of them said a word until they were outside, standing by her car, then he spoke first. “I’m sorry about that. I tried to warn you.”

“Yes, you did. And I appreciate that. I believe I’ll work from home tomorrow.” She put her hand on the door handle. “I’ll still meet you for lunch, if you’d like. But I won’t be coming over again until she’s gone. I’m not interested in that kind of saber rattling.”

“You sure you want to join us for lunch?”

She nodded. “I won’t run scared. And it’ll be in a public place, so she’ll have to behave a little. You’re not going to stand me up for the wedding, are you?”

“Not a chance. I’ll need the break anyway.”

Margo laughed and nodded. “Of that, I have no doubt.”

Willie tried on her wedding dress, now altered to fit her, and came out for Roxie and Trina to see. “What do you think?”

Trina gasped as she pressed her hands together, her face alight. “They did a beautiful job, Mimi. It looks like it was made for you. And you look beautiful in it.”

“You really do, Ma,” Roxie said. “It’s perfect. And just the right length with those silver sandals.”

“Thank you both. And thanks for picking it up, Roxie,” Willie said. She did a little twirl. “I feel like a million bucks.”

“You look like a million bucks,” Roxie said. “Miguel is going to fall in love with you all over again.”

Willie smiled, the anticipation of the day making her feel all tingly with happiness. “Are you girls going to try your dresses on, too?”

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