Page 30 of Return to Cheshire Bay
Setting down the painting, she reached intoher purse and pulled out some cash, sticking it into Eric’s shirtpocket with a sly smile on her face.
It’s one thing to tip a guy, it’s entirelydifferent to stick it in his shirt pocket like a stripper.
Eric retrieved the money and set it on thecounter without even looking at the amount, a disgusted expressionshadowed his face. “It’s not a problem, Ms. Jeffries.”
“And it won’t be necessary.” My eyesnarrowed into slits when I turned to my friend. “Beth, you and Ican easily load it up. It’s not that heavy.”
Honest to God, what was wrong with myfriend? Had she always been like that, and I was only noticing itnow having been distanced from her, or was it because I wasstressed out and overly anxious from a lack of sleep?
“He asked if there was anything else hecould do.” She shrugged. “Thank you again, and we’ll see you in themorning.” As if he were one of her staff, she dismissed him with awave. “Now, Lil, as we’re unpacking this, tell me more about thisguy who’s breaking your heart.”
Eric’s gaze snapped back to me, and heatflooded my cheeks. “Let me see Eric to the door.”
He stood there, his jaw slack. “About lastnight. We need to talk. I heard your phone call.”
Eyes wide I shook my head and pushed himdown the hall.
His dress shoes clacked against the tiles ashe made his way back to the entrance, and a smidgen of sympathyfilled his face. “Is there anything I should know or preparefor?”
There was so much I needed to explain aboutParker, but my lips stayed firmly pressed together.
“I’ll be home all evening. If you needanything, flash your lights.”
My gaze stayed locked onto his. Did healready know the truth?
In a louder voice, after clearing histhroat, he announced, “I’ll come by before I go in, and I’ll loadthat crate, don’t you worry.”
“It’ll already be done.” I gave him a softsmile. “Don’t worry about it.” Pushing my weight onto my left leg,I hung on the opened door.
“Lily?” A sing-songy tone mixed withattitude flitted down the short hall. “Are you coming? I need yourhelp.”
“Sorry, I need to go.”
“Bonfire? We need to talk.”
“Maybe.”
“Lily?” Her voice suddenly grated on mynerves.
“Coming.”
Eric walked back to his vehicle, but heturned back twice to see if I was still there. Had I read too muchinto our conversation last night at the restaurant? Had I been theone to overreact?
Beth called out, again, and I sauntered backinto my living room.
“Which do you like best?” She had threeprints sitting around the living room.
None of them, but because they were all thesame. Ocean themed. All one had to do was turn around and see thereal ocean, so why should there be prints of it hanging in theliving room?
I scrunched up my face. “Well…”
“It’s just for the photo.” She lifted eachone and admired it. “Let’s do a photo with each since I can’tdecide. Once I’m back in the office, I’ll be able to see whichsuits the mood.”
“You’re the boss.”
I sat on a bar stool, watching helplessly asmy best friend picked up her phone and called a colleague. Togetherthey discussed my living room and kitchen before she walked outsideto stare at the back of the house and complain about the sand,however, her remarks about the house being in great shape and thespectacular view warmed my heart. Once Archie’s name rolled off hertongue, I knew she was chatting with a real estate guy, so I madeus a late lunch.
Beth stormed up the stairs.