Page 63 of Sweet, Sweet Jewel: A Sweet Treats Novel

“Probably some neighborhood kids,” Jewel said, her gaze on the ground. No way was she letting her friends into the chaos that was her life right now. They had no idea how complicated things would get for her and she wanted them to be as naïve as possible.

“Was it a robbery?” Jo gasped.

“Something like that.”

“So what happened?” Carrie glared into the distance. “Did you see a face? I have some cousins who’d do anything for money. We can gather them up and—”

“No,” Jewel snickered lightly, “I didn’t see any faces.”

“Oh.” Carrie sighed with disappointment.

“So how did you meet up with Finn?” Jo asked, her nose scrunching. “And who smashed your phone?”

Jewel rubbed her temples. The questions were too specific and her lies were already beginning to unravel.

“Let’s give her some space.” Carrie took a giant step back. “Looks like she’s about to barf.”

Jewel sucked in a deep breath. “I just need a minute.”

A moment of silence passed.

“Alright. That’s enough space.” Carrie barreled forward, long hair swinging behind her. Eyes flashing, she demanded, “Ready to tell us the truth?”

“W-what truth?”

“You’re really not good at lying, honey.” Carrie shrugged. “So let’s just pass the hemming and hawing and get to the part where you tell us what’s really going on.”

Jewel froze. “I can’t.”

“Is it Finn? Is something wrong with him?” Carrie demanded.

Joana gasped. “Is he a secret agent sent by the American government to thwart a Mexican drug cartel that’s passing through Belize?”

Everyone froze.

Jewel blinked. “That was… oddly specific.”

“I saw it in a movie once.”

“Wait, is he your old boyfriend?” Carrie’s nostrils flared and she shoved up the sleeves of her blouse. Booted feet stomping the ground, she charged ahead. “Just wait until I get my hands on him—”

“He’s not my old boyfriend,” Jewel said, shooting out a hand to stop Carrie in her tracks.

“Then who the hell is he and why does he keep showing up everywhere?”

“Finn rescued me,” Jewel mumbled.

“From what!”

She glanced into her friend’s eyes. “From someone dangerous.”

“Who?” Carrie pointed a finger. “And don’t you dare tell me that he saved you from burglars. I don’t know any thief who’d break into someone’s home and leave the only valuable thing they owned lying on the floor.”

Jewel raked fingers through her hair. Frustration mounted in her chest. “Why are you asking so many questions? I’m trying to protect you.”

“From what?” Jo urged. “You can tell us, Jewel. Whatever it is, we’ll face it together.”

She studied Joana’s face—the light brown skin, small eyes, slim nose and plump lips. Next, she glanced at Carrie—high cheekbones, fiery eyes, and long black hair.

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