Page 67 of Fast Currents
“We need to go.”
I clutched the box holding Janine’s pink coffee mug and desk plants under one arm and held the door, ushering Janine and Lucy out. Janine locked the door with trembling hands. She popped her trunk, and I settled the meager box of her belongings inside before slamming it closed.
A sleek silver Lexus pulled into one of the spots reserved for Island Muse. Chaz.
He shuffled out of his car and approached us with his hands on his hips, a scowl distorting the classic features most women would probably call handsome.
“What are you doing here, Janine? I got an alert that the alarm was off.”
The way he loomed over Janine made my fists itch. He wasn’t shouting, but he didn’t have to, not with that voice, that posture. Bully in designer shoes.
Lucy’s spine stiffened, and I saw it—the tiniest tremor in her fingers before she locked her jaw and stepped up beside me like she had a right to be there.
His accusatory glare swung from Janine to us. I wrapped an arm around Lucy’s shoulders, tugging her into the shelter of my body.
“We were just saying hello to Janine and thanking her for her help with the fundraiser.” I dipped my chin. “Without her marketing genius, I’m sure we wouldn’t have sold out.” I grinned, including Chaz in my smile. “But, of course, you were a big part of our success too. We were just meeting up with the Fenwicks for a drink at Apothecary,” I lied. “Care to join us?”
It wasn’t the worst cover story I’d ever used. But it wouldn’t hold up to scrutiny, and we all knew it.
Before he could answer, Janine held out her keys. “You just saved me a trip. I didn’t want to leave these on the counter.” She patted her trunk with her opposite hand. “I was just inside to pick up the last of my things. Take care, Chaz.”
He grunted, snatching the keys from her palm. “I’ll mail your final check. Your address is still current?”
Janine shifted from foot to foot, her bravado seeming to fade under his continued scowl. “I’ll email you my parents’ address. I think I’m going to stay with them for a while on the mainland.”
“Sure.”
“Take care, Chaz.” Janine slid behind the wheel, adding a jaunty wave for us, before driving away.
I grinned to cover the awkward silence. “How about that drink, Chaz?”
His expression wavered. Like he didn’t know if he should accept the invitation to save face, or stomp off to lick his wounds. It was clear he was annoyed to find Janine at the gallery and suspicious of our presence.
He gave an abrupt shake. “Maybe another time. I need to get back to Megan. Have a good night.” He turned on his heel, stomping back toward his car.
We stood in silence, listening to the receding engine, neither of us breathing.
Then Lucy exhaled. “That was close.”
“Too close,” I echoed, hugging her under my arm. “Let’s go meet the gang. At this point, a drink to unwind sounds like the best idea I’ve had all day.”
She snorted. “You’re just saying that because we almost got caught.”
“Darn right.”
I exhaled slowly, Lucy tucked against my side, adrenaline fading. Maybe we’d pulled it off. Maybe the worst was behind us.
My phone vibrated.
Drew: Come to the bar before they cut us off.
Drew: Gran ordered tequila shots.
I laughed, showing Lucy Drew’s message. I couldn’t help it. We’d just broken into a gallery, uncovered half a million in questionable art sales, and maybe poked a bear who could claw back.
My phone buzzed again.
Drew: It makes her handsy.
