Page 5 of Evidence of Secrets

She’d promised Jake Summers, owner of Neptune’s Navel and her sometimes lover, to meet him there. Their routine was to buy what they needed for their restaurants, stop at Beans-to-Go to get coffee and a pastry, then sit by the ocean catching up with each other’s lives.

Jake would ask her how things were going.

She had to be cautious about what she told him because he might mention her problems to Sam, who would want to help. That just wouldn’t do. Her mother taught her to depend upon herself, not on other people.

Jake was very protective of her, and while they would never be a couple, Laura suspected he would step in to help, even if she didn’t want it.

There were two things she knew for sure: one, she needed help, and two, she couldn’t afford to pay for it.

CHAPTERFOUR

The farmers’ market was bustling when Laura arrived. The sun was still low on the horizon, poking through gray and salmon clouds. The humidity hadn’t set in yet, so it was pleasantly cool. She spotted Jake by one of their favorite produce stands.

Laura pulled out her list and glanced at it. Someone would deliver her purchases later in the day. The restaurant had daily orders for the bulk of what they used, but Laura loved the intimacy of connecting with the growers.

“Hey, you.” Jake leaned in for a kiss. “I thought you wouldn’t make it.”

“Ahhh,” she moaned. “My pastry chef called in sick again, and I had to make the dessert crusts.”

“I’m glad you’re here.” Jake reached down for her tote. His eyes narrowed when he looked at her. “Rich is sick a lot, isn’t he?”

“Yes. It’s more like Rich’s wife is sick and their little boy has health issues.”

Rich was a great pastry chef, and Laura adored their little boy, but how long could she support them when she could barely support herself?

She remembered her mother in tears when she had to decide whether to go to work or stay home and lose pay when Laura was sick. Work always won. Laura didn’t want anyone to be in a position to make those tough decisions. However, her livelihood was on the line too. Should she keep paying Rich or lose her business? Gah, thoughts for another day.

Jake opened his arms, and Laura stepped into them. They stood like that for a minute. Then Jake released his arms.

“Thanks. I needed a hug. However, if we want the best produce, we better make our selection.”

What to choose?

Laura looked over her favorite grower’s table at the straight rows of green boxes containing yellow and red tomatoes. Some boxes held a selection of heirlooms, green, yellow, and striped or marbled; other boxes contained petite globes of red. Their earthy scent made her hungry. There were rows of bright green peppers and long purple eggplants, a whole bin of brilliant orange carrots, and another of different varieties of mushrooms.

Garlic braids hung from the tent’s edges, while bouquets of colorful mixed flowers sat in tubs. A tray of strawberries and cut mango for tasting lay in front of the fruits. So many choices.

The musician arrived and began playing the acoustic guitar. The music was both melodious and uplifting.

Laura had a tough time deciding what to buy. Everything called to her. She finally settled on a case each of strawberries, heirloom tomatoes for a new recipe she was trying out and a variety of mushrooms.

Jake was over at the herb tent. She planned to hit the botanicals and soap maker next.

“Can you send this order over later?” she asked.

The owner nodded and made a note. Laura turned to walk over to Jake when she was called back.

“Laura. I hate to say this, but you have an outstanding bill.” He moved closer, deepening his voice. “I can’t deliver to you until you pay me. It’s a month overdue.”

What? That made little sense. She paid her bills as soon as they came in.

“How can it be overdue? I pay you as soon as I get the bill.” Her pulse quickened, and a flush started at her neck.

The owner shrugged. “Last week’s check bounced. Didn’t you get a notice from your bank?”

Bounced? Laura rubbed her neck. The knots in her stomach tightened. Every day, money was getting tighter and tighter.

“I’m so sorry. Let me know what I owe. I’ll pay you now and check with the bank on Monday.”

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