Page 113 of The Reason I Married Him
And then she says something very unexpected.
“Thank you.”
And there she is. There is the woman who hides behind her gruff exterior.
Thank you.
“Any time,” I say. “See you tonight. Want to go out to dinner?”
“Sure,” she says, shocking me again.
“Okay, see you tonight.”
“Why doesit feel like it’s been months since I’ve seen you?” Laurel says as she scoops me into a hug.
“Because you got used to me sleeping on your couch, being with you almost every waking hour, so a few days apart seems like a lifetime.”
“That could be it. By the way, I can still feel your body imprint on the couch. Makes me miss you.”
“That’s so touching,” I say as we head toward the jewelry store.
Once I knew Aubree wouldn’t accept my help, I drove into town and called Laurel on the way, asking if she’d meet up with me and help me pick out a ring. She thought it was insane but didn’t want to miss it. We set a time and a place to meet, nearly halfway between her house and my new one. But before, I stopped at The Cliffs. I went in to check on how the bear claw was selling, and lo and behold, Hank has sold out the past twodays. I don’t know if it’s me or what, but I find it hilarious that everything I seem to touch—or eat—the town consumes immediately. Luckily, he saved one in case I came in, and Hank gave it to me for free along with my coffee.
I tried to pay, but he said my money wasn’t good at his establishment, then proceeded to ask me what my eating schedule was like. He wants to let me know when the next new batch of cinnamon buns he’s been working on comes out so people can catch me eating them.
Who knew I was going to become a small-town food influencer?
“How was the drive?” I ask Laurel as I hold the door open for her.
“Not bad. I had two meetings in the car, so the drive went by very quickly. On the way back, I’ll be able to catch up on my true crime podcasts.”
“Are you listening toBlood on the Door?” I ask as we walk into the jewelry shop.
“Yes, I’m on episode three, so don’t spoil anything for me.”
“I won’t,” I say, “but if you were wondering if it’s the?—”
She clamps her hand over my mouth, causing me to laugh. “Don’t you dare.”
When she releases me, I say, “Come on, I would never. But it’s fun to tease you.”
“More like torture,” she says just as a sales associate walks up to us.
The man in a medium gray suit and red tie looks like he just woke up from the dead with his pale features and dark circles under his eyes. In a thriller, he’d be considered a suspect but would end up just being a creepy old man rather than the killer. He’s the kind of person you put in a book to throw the reader off the scent.
“Welcome to Barbitz Jewelry. Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Looking for engagement rings,” I say, my hands smoothing together.
“Aw, how nice. And I presume this is your fiancée?”
“You are presuming wrong,” Laurel says. “I’m the best friend and here to make sure he doesn’t pick out anything hideous.”
“Ah, the voice of reason,” the man says. “Well, my name is Gerald, and I’m happy to help you with anything you might need. I’ll direct you to the rings, and you can browse. If you want me to take anything out, I’d be pleased to.”
“Thank you,” I say.
“Right this way.” Gerald ushers us over to a long row of engagement rings. “Here you are. If you’re looking for something simpler, those would be on the right down this way. Flashier would be over here on the left. And a healthy middle would be right here. I’ll give you some time to peruse.”
