the lower shelves. “Are those first editions down there? Bub really likes books.” Was that true? Who knew? Bub played his part like a master, ambling over to nose around the bottom of the bookcase.
Will straightened in his chair, both hands held out as if he were about to spring into action. Would he carry Bub out himself or use his body as a shield to protect his belongings?
“Fine. I’ll come out to see the place, but that’s as far as I’m taking this. If you don’t leave right now and take your dog with you, I’m going to call the police.”
Sarah couldn’t help the pout that had gotten her through a lot of harder discussions. “Aw, you don’t want to do that. Wouldn’t look good for your business to toss people out, would it? And Bub can howl on command.” She’d grab some treats and teach him to tonight, just in case. She held out her hand and the dog moved to stand by her side.
“Don’t expect me to change my mind. I won’t waste my client’s time on any business that’s so poorly run it’s about to close.” He tilted his head. “And when she finds out it’s you asking, I’m pretty sure she’ll thank me for running interference.”
“I was never mean to Rebecca. What’s she got against me?” The waver in her voice was an unwelcome surprise. The shelter’s survival depended on Rebecca, her cash and her friendly disposition. If Rebecca was an enemy, too, where could she go for help?
Sarah wished she could take the question back. Showing weakness would never do.
Bulletproof. That’s the only way to live in this town. Remember.
“My stepsister Jen’s one of her best friends. We talked about her already, didn’t we? Jennifer Neil. Tall, thin...good with numbers, like me. Hit the lottery. Maybe her last name threw you off.” He raised an eyebrow. “Ring any bells?”
Don’t panic. You can work this out, Sarah.
“Vaguely. But none of us are in high school anymore.”
Will crossed his arms over his chest. “Well, she still is. Teaches there every day. Probably keeps the memories alive.” His lips were a tight line as he studied her face.
The hole he’d punched in her hope made it difficult to stand straight and tall. Flash him a smile, grab the dog and live to fight another day. “I’ll be excited and grateful to show you around the shelter. Thank you so much for your valuable time.”
She didn’t think her fear or discomfort could be heard in her voice, but her gritted teeth didn’t much resemble a smile. Still, she calmly, slowly led Bub out of the office, working the dress, the heels and her best features until she stepped back out on the sidewalk. As soon as she passed his window, she collapsed against the brick, closed her eyes and fought back tears.
“That was harder than I thought it would be.” Bub licked her hand and she remembered why fear, frustration and her own embarrassment didn’t matter.
At this point, she was out of options. Difficult was the only way.
Until her father came back for her or she tracked him down.
She fished her phone out of her handbag. No missed call. No text. Nothing to indicate that her father was on his way.
“Time to get back to work. These shoes are beautiful but deadly.”
Bub stood, too, happy to go wherever she was going, but a woman coming down the sidewalk called Sarah’s name before they could take two steps. The dread was nearly immediate. Running into any old “friend” was bound to be another lesson in humility.
Why was it these lessons were coming so often lately?
“Hey, Cece, it’s good to see you.” Lying through her teeth was one lesson Sarah had learned a long time ago. She gave Celia Grant’s cheeks the expected air-kisses and stepped back.
“How long has it been? Three months or so?” Cece asked, and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I loved this dress, too. I finally had to let it go, though. Needed the space in my closet.” She leaned forward. “You didn’t pick this up at the consignment store over on First, did you?” Then she twitched her shoulders as if she was being a naughty scamp.
So turnabout was fair play.
For years, they’d traded similar exchanges. Cece must still be annoyed about Sarah’s comments on her green Armani. But there was no room for argument. Sixty-year-old Deborah Simmons had worn it better and first.
“Ah, no, and I’m certain this dress isn’t yours.” Sarah stepped back and studied Cece’s gorgeous outfit. “I’m pretty sure we’re still different sizes. Yours would positively swim on me.” She smiled sweetly.
Although it was a direct hit, Cece didn’t give her the pleasure of wincing. “Always such a funny girl. How’s the family?”
“Oh, you know how hard it is to stay in touch sometimes, but I’m doing well.” Sarah navigated all of Cece’s land mines and then changed the subject. She’d been moving in the shark-infested waters of society for a long time. “Are you and Doug moved into your new house on the golf course yet?”
As Cece droned on and on about the challenges of building a five-bedroom custom design in a small town like Holly Heights—not to mention the lack of solid contractors—Sarah weighed her options for escape. On one hand, this couldn’t go on indefinitely. On the other, her feet were about to walk away and leave the rest of her stranded on the sidewalk.
When Cece wound down, she pointed at Bub. “What sort of dog is that?”
Bub cocked his head at her and seemed to give a disapproving expression.
“Mutt. Rescue. The best kind.” Sarah ran her hand over his head and realized that this encounter was meant to be. The Grants were wealthy enough to have spare cash lying around. They could be the ones to keep the lights on.
“Of course. Pedigrees are expensive, aren’t they, darling?”
Sarah studied Cece’s eyes. In high school, Cece had been one of the crowd that circled Sarah, always ready to take advantage of her father’s wealth. There wasn’t much friendship showing in her eyes now, if they’d ever been real friends.
“Actually, it’s wonderful to run into you. I’m planning a fund-raiser next month for the shelter and I’d love to include you on the list.” At Cece’s reluctant nod, Sarah got a jolt of energy, which made it easier to press for more. “We’re always in need of donations from caring people like you and Doug, so don’t wait for a formal invitation. Stop by and see the shelter sometime, won’t you?”
“It does seem you could use cash right now. Doug’s always got more requests than money to give, but I can persuade him to visit. I’d love to find out more about your little hobby. But there won’t be any actual animals there, right? They make such a mess.” She was shaking her head as she pulled out her wallet and removed every bit of cash she had. “Here. This should buy some dog food and...things.”
Feeling a bit like a panhandler, Sarah swallowed her pride and accepted every wrinkled bill. “Cece, you’ve made a big difference for Paws for Love. I won’t forget your generosity.” She riffled through her purse until she found a pen and an old grocery receipt,
